Unclear if premier’s plan to tackle food prices will work [Video]

It’s a move being applauded by independent grocery organizations.

Shopper Reid Puloski said grocery prices are crazy.

“Ridiculous, plain, that’s the only word, ridiculous,” said Puloski.

Like everyone else, he has no choice but to pay up.

“I’m not a huge eater, so I’m lucky in that way, so I just grin and bear it.” 

This week Premier Wab Kinew promised to take action on food prices by fostering more choices. In his throne speech, he pledged to end property contracts where grocery chains restrict rival stores from setting up shop nearby.

“Without competition, grocery prices go higher. We want grocery prices to come down,” said Kinew Tuesday.

Foodfare owner Munther Zeid said he’s experienced this firsthand. At one time he wanted to buy an empty building owned by a big chain grocery store. But there was a clause preventing him from using that space to sell food.

“It was a good opportunity. The neighbourhood needed it,” said Zeid. “It was for sale, but I couldn’t do a grocery store in it.”

Gary Sands from the …