Madam Speaker, last week the Prime Minister visited a grocery store to announce his Canada groceries and essentials benefit. While this program would do absolutely nothing for the vast majority of Canadians, it is even receiving lukewarm reviews from Regina's anti-poverty advocates.
John Bailey, CEO of the Regina Food Bank, said that this rebate is not a magic bullet and that “it's not the only step that we're going to need to make sure we're really combating food insecurity.” Denis Simard, executive director of Regina's Al Ritchie Community Association, said that he expects food insecurity to increase despite the rebate because of rising food inflation. Peter Gilmer of the Regina Anti-Poverty Ministry said, “It's certainly not enough.”
Those Canadians struggling to make ends meet should know this: Conservatives see them. Conservatives will fight for them. Together we can build a better Canada for all Canadians.