Today, the Liberal Official Opposition proposed a Bill titled the Fair Prices and Tax-Free Groceries Act, 2026. The legislation is aimed at addressing the rising cost of food and improving grocery affordability for families across Newfoundland and Labrador.
The proposed legislation would establish a framework to improve grocery affordability and ensure families have access to fair, stable, and transparent food prices. The Conservative Budget, recently passed in the House of Assembly, failed to adequately address the rising cost of living.
The Bill is modeled in part on Ontario’s Bill 113, the Fair Prices and Tax-Free Groceries Act, 2026 which removes taxes on food products and non-alcoholic beverages.
“Families across Newfoundland and Labrador are being squeezed every time they walk into a grocery store,” said Liberal Leader John Hogan. “People are paying more and getting less. This is especially a concern in rural Newfoundland and Labrador where families already face higher grocery prices. The Conservative government had an opportunity with the budget to help, but chose not to do anything.”
As grocery prices continue to climb, families in the province are feeling the pressure at the checkout. This legislation requires the Minister of Finance to begin the process of removing the provincial portion of the HST from food products and non-alcoholic beverages, while also engaging the federal government on removing the federal portion of the tax. The proposed legislation would require the provincial government to develop a province-wide food affordability plan within 6 months.
The Official Opposition says the legislation is intended to provide both immediate relief and long-term action on affordability.
“The Conservatives cannot continue to ignore the reality facing families at the grocery store,” says Finance Critic, Sarah Stoodley. “People are cutting back, skipping meals, and making difficult choices every single day. It is time for a serious plan to make food more affordable in Newfoundland and Labrador.”
The Official Opposition urges the Conservative government to move forward with this legislation, live up to their election promises, and make life more affordable for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.
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