Manitoba Premier Takes Aim at Grocery Taxes
Ottawa is once again at the centre of a national debate over affordability, this time with Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew stepping up to demand the federal government remove the GST on certain grocery items. Kinew's call adds significant political weight to an issue that has been simmering across the country as food prices remain painfully high for Canadian families.
The Premier's push isn't coming out of nowhere. Canadians have watched grocery bills climb steadily over the past few years, and the frustration is real — from young families in Kanata trying to stretch a paycheque to seniors in Vanier navigating fixed incomes. The idea of stripping the GST off essentials like fresh produce, dairy, and bread has gained traction as one of the more concrete, immediate tools the federal government could use to ease the burden.
What Removing the GST Could Mean
Canada already exempts many basic groceries from the GST — things like fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, and dairy are largely zero-rated. But the devil is in the details. A number of food items that families depend on, including some prepared foods, snacks, and beverages, still attract the full five per cent tax.
Kinew's argument is that the federal government needs to go further and widen the exemption, particularly for items that land in a grey zone. The exact list of products he's targeting hasn't been fully spelled out, but the broader message is clear: when people are choosing between paying rent and buying groceries, a five per cent tax on food feels unconscionable.
For Ottawa households, the math matters. A family spending $1,000 a month on groceries could save up to $50 if GST were removed across the board — not a fortune, but not nothing either.
A Chorus of Provincial Voices
Kinew is not alone in this fight. Provincial premiers from across the political spectrum have been nudging the federal government on affordability measures, and grocery pricing has become one of the most politically charged files in the country. With a federal election fresh in the rear-view mirror and a new government settling in, advocates see this as a window to push for meaningful policy change.
Consumer advocacy groups have long argued that the tax structure around food is inconsistent and often punishes lower-income Canadians who rely more heavily on processed or convenience foods — precisely the items more likely to be taxed.
What Comes Next
The federal government has not yet responded directly to Kinew's latest call, but the pressure is building. Budget season is approaching, and affordability is shaping up to be one of the defining issues of the political moment.
For Ottawans watching closely, the next few weeks could bring some clarity on whether the feds are willing to move on this file. In the meantime, the conversation about the real cost of putting food on the table — and who bears that cost — isn't going anywhere.
Source: CTV News / Google News Ottawa
