Mr. Speaker, I proudly rise this afternoon to present petition e-4974, initiated by Emily Johnson and signed by over 17,000 Canadians, which highlights the growing concern about exploitative practices of large food cartels such as Loblaw, which are clearly out of control. It underscores the monopolistic behaviour that allows these corporations to dictate prices and terms, pushing essential goods beyond the reach of many, especially low- and middle-income families.
This petition calls on Parliament to strengthen antitrust laws; investigate unfair pricing strategies, including price-fixing and shrinkflation; support smaller vendors; and explore price controls to prevent price gouging on essential food items. It also mandates that Loblaw and Walmart sign the grocery code of conduct. The goal is to ensure fair competition and protect consumers from price gouging on the basic food items needed to survive.