OTTAWA, ON: The Canadian Taxpayers Federation is calling on all politicians to reject government-run grocery stores in the wake of new Leger polling showing strong opposition to the scheme.

“Canadians struggling with the rising cost-of-living know that government-run grocery stores won’t make life more affordable,” said Noah Jarvis, CTF Ontario Director. “Politicians who care about affordability need to cut taxes instead of gambling taxpayers’ money on a government grocery store.”

Polling from Leger shows that government-run grocery stores are unpopular with Canadians across the country.

Among respondents with an opinion, 58 per cent said government-run grocery stores are a bad idea, with a plurality of respondents saying the stores are a “very bad idea.” Only 42 per cent of decided respondents said government grocery stores are a good idea.

Overall, 45 per cent of respondents think government-run grocery stores are a bad idea, 33 per cent say it’s a good idea, and 22 per cent are unsure.

Politicians in Canada have advocated for government grocery stores.

NDP Leader Avi Lewis campaigned opening government grocery stores said it would cost taxpayers $300 million a year to operate for 50 stores across the country. 

Toronto city council is also exploring the possibility of opening government grocery stores.

City council voted to consider opening four government grocery stores across Toronto, giving the city manager one year to write a plan.

“Even the supporters of government grocery stores know this scheme will cost taxpayers a ton of money,” Jarvis said. “Instead of taking a bad gamble with taxpayer money, Lewis and Toronto politicians concerned with affordability should push for meaningful tax cuts for all Canadians.”