NDP bills would lower grocery prices, increase consumer protections for Nova Scotians

HALIFAX – Today, the Nova Scotia NDP will force debate on two bills aimed at lowering grocery prices in Nova Scotia and increasing consumer protections.

The Increasing Grocer Competition Act would stop big grocery chains from blocking competitors. It would ban lease rules, known as restrictive covenants, that prevent new grocery stores from opening or stopping smaller stores from selling fresh food, which limits choice and drives up prices for Nova Scotians.

An Act to Strengthen Consumer Protection would modernize Nova Scotia’s consumer protection law to respond to new digital and artificial intelligence market abuses by:

• Banning predatory “surveillance pricing,” where companies use personal data to charge different people different amounts for the same product;
• Protecting ownership of rewards points and treating them like gift cards that can’t expire;
• Creating stronger warranties for common electronics and household appliances.

“Nova Scotians don’t ask for much. They just want to be able to afford groceries and the basics. But after five years of the Houston government, they’re paying more and getting less. Big grocery chains are allowed to block competition, and companies are using personal data to charge people more just because they can. If the Houston government were serious about affordability, they would act,” said NSNDP Leader Claudia Chender. “Other provinces are taking action to help people afford the basics. These bills are about making sure Nova Scotians can buy food at a fair price, keeping more money in their pockets, and stopping corporations from taking advantage of them.”

New Democrats will also debate legislation tabled yesterday that would require both the Premier and the Finance Minister to vote on their cuts and their budgets.

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