QUEEN’S PARK - MPP Wayne Gates (Niagara Falls) questioned the Ford Conservatives at Queen’s Park today about the increasing cost of baby formula, amidst an affordability crisis for families in Niagara and across Ontario.
Families have faced a brutal increase in costs for baby formula over the past few months. The cost is rising sharply by five to ten dollars per month, with cases that last mere days reaching $75. One Ontario family found themselves driving five hours to find baby formula for their eight-month old twins.
“Families across Ontario are struggling with the high cost of living,” said Gates. “A mom in Niagara contacted my office about the price of formula going up by 40 percent in the last three months. This is a product that is essential for many families with babies.
Ford promised there would be consequences for retailers who price gouge on necessary items. Why is he breaking that promise?”
The rise in baby formula prices comes during a larger cost of living crisis facing Ontario families, including rising cost of groceries, housing, gas, and home heating.
“The Conservative’s budget does nothing to address the affordability crisis, and they refuse to stand up to price gouging corporations,” said Gates. “Companies are taking advantage of families that are just trying to feed their children, people who are watering down baby formula to stretch it further.
If Ford won’t stand up to corporate bullies, the Ontario NDP will. My colleagues and I are committed to making life easier and more affordable for Ontarians. Ford’s Conservatives want you to think that what’s happening in Ontario right now is normal, but we know that things can get better.”