Senator Plett: The Prime Minister continues to live far outside of the real world. A record number of Canadians cannot feed themselves, yet his government continues to implement policies that make groceries more expensive. Three weeks ago, the Prime Minister promised food prices would be stabilized — and ideally lowered — by Thanksgiving.

Senator Gold, does your government honestly believe that telling Canadians more coupons and flyers are coming fulfills that promise?

Senator Martin: In the previous economic downturn, Canada fared better than the G7 nations, and that’s because of how the government managed its affairs. After eight years of Justin Trudeau, more and more Canadians are struggling to make ends meet. Food banks are sounding alarm bells that their shelves are empty, especially ahead of Thanksgiving weekend where many Canadians will gather with family and friends to share meals and traditions.

Senator Gold, when will the Trudeau government stop the deficits that fuel inflation, as Minister Freeland herself has said?

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): Thank you for your question. The problems of food insecurity facing Canadians are very serious, and that’s why the government has put in place many measures in order to address this, such as an initial commitment from Canada’s five top grocers to take concrete action to stabilize prices. The government is taking measures to strengthen the Office of Consumer Affairs. The government is also calling on all grocers to adopt a grocery code of conduct to improve transparency in the industry, and it will also improve the availability and accessibility of data on food prices and a cost breakdown throughout the food chain.

Indeed, as I think I’ve mentioned before and I will mention again, we will be studying Bill C-56 in due course, where important improvements to the competition law are being introduced. All of these measures will be important steps towards helping Canadians deal with this crisis.

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): Thank you for your question. Clearly, my answers so far have failed to persuade you of a number of factors. The rise in food costs is a worldwide problem. This government is addressing them in a serious, sustained way and will continue to do so.

The cost of living and inflation are also not problems unique to Canada, and Canada is doing its part as well to manage our transition from the spending levels necessary to sustain our people and our industries through the pandemic, transition to a sustainable economy and deal with things as I’ve mentioned in regard to defence spending in a prudent and responsible way. I will continue to provide you the facts in response to your questions. Canadians are suffering, and this government knows it. That’s why it’s doing things to help them, and it’s going to continue to do so in a responsible and prudent way.