Mr. Speaker, it is a pleasure to be back and be able to provide some comments on a very important piece of private member's legislation.
I want to start by complimenting the member for Fleetwood—Port Kells for recognizing just how important it is to be there for constituents in a very real and tangible way. I appreciate that it is not about just his constituents. In fact, this is something that would be of great interest to all Canadians.
As I look across the way, I would suggest that the Conservatives, Bloc members, New Democrats and even the leader of the Green Party give serious consideration to passing Bill C-226. I say that because, especially over the last number of years, virtually since COVID, the profile of consumer awareness of food products and groceries has increased dramatically. For the first time, the member for Fleetwood—Port Kells has brought forward a piece of legislation that could have a very positive outcome for consumers in every region of the country. It is all about consumer education and looking at the ways in which we can ensure more accountability and transparency in purchasing groceries.
There are a number of things that come to my mind, but in essence, the principle of the bill recognizes a very real and tangible need. It could make a real difference for Canadians at the grocery store and beyond. It comes up with a solution, which is to say to the Minister of Industry, upon the legislation passing, that we would like to see, within a year and a half, a national framework that supports communities across the country.
I know the Bloc members might have some concerns with regard to the legislation, but the Province of Quebec actually has something in place, from what I understand. It would be wonderful for other provinces to do what Quebec is doing with regard to this particular issue. With any given issue, we might often find one province doing a bit more than another province. That is why I believe the motion that has been brought forward by the member for Fleetwood—Port Kells is very positive.
Bill C-226 would ensure that the national government could play a leadership role in ensuring that there is more transparency and accountability regarding our grocery products. By having a national framework, we would be providing the provinces and territories the opportunity to piggyback onto or look at what the national government is proposing. If the federal government were able to establish that, nothing would prevent a province from going beyond it, but at least let us try to get something on the books that provides strong, national leadership.
I do not quite follow why members opposite would not want to see something of that nature. All we need to do is reflect on some of the things we hear about in dealing with grocery stores. Shrinkflation was often talked about just a few years back, and it is actually still talked about to a certain degree today. People are paying just as much, but the packaging is smaller, and those sizes vary. Through packaging, we can ultimately be deceived. Knowing the actual size in grams and litres and the ability to have those types of price comparisons is good for consumers, who are the people we represent.
Why would we not take a look at what it is and how we might be able to provide support for this particular private member's bill? Giving the minister's department a mandate so that it becomes a reality would, I believe, set the bill on the right track in actually producing something with a tangible result.
The member talks about working with other jurisdictions and provincial jurisdictions. At the committee stage, we could listen to what some of those stakeholders have to say about the legislation.
Private members' legislation affords members to come up with ideas, bring them forward and ultimately see if we can get them passed for the betterment of society. I would suggest that this is a sound public policy that is in the best interest of consumers. I applaud the member for Fleetwood—Port Kells for taking the initiative and representing his constituents by bringing forward legislation that would protect their interests and ensure more transparency and accountability in our groceries and purchasing. I see that as a positive thing. By bringing it forward as a private member's bill, he is thinking not only about about his constituents, but about a national perspective.
The whole issue of groceries has been greatly debated inside the House. It is one of the reasons why the Prime Minister brought forward a new program that is going to reshape our GST rebate. Not only are we are now converting it into the groceries and essentials benefit for Canadians, but there are going to be substantial increases taking effect in the next couple of months, which will end up putting more disposable income into millions of Canadians' pockets.
Why are we doing that? As a government, we are concerned about the issue of affordability. It is important to all Canadians. I can tell the House it is important to every member of the Liberal caucus. That is why, when I look at this legislation, I see something that continues to advocate for the consumer and the protection of Canadians when it comes to groceries.
With that, I conclude my remarks, and I applaud the member for bringing forward the legislation.