March 10, 2026
Liberal House Leader Derek Mombourquette will introduce legislation that would establish a comprehensive, data-driven study of grocery pricing and food affordability in Nova Scotia, as the province consistently ranks among the most food-insecure in the country.
The bill would require the government to examine the factors driving grocery prices, including market concentration in the grocery sector and supply chain pressures, while identifying ways the government can strengthen competition and improve food security. The study would also help inform policies aimed at reducing grocery costs and improving access to healthy, affordable food for Nova Scotians.
“At a time when the government’s budget is making wallets even tighter for many Nova Scotians, we should be doing everything possible to understand what’s driving grocery prices and how we can bring costs down,” said Mombourquette. “We need a clear, data-driven understanding of why prices are rising and what the province can do to make food more affordable. This bill is about finding practical solutions so people can put healthy food on the table without stretching their budgets to the breaking point.”
Other provinces have taken similar steps to better understand and address food affordability. Manitoba, for example, has launched initiatives aimed at studying grocery pricing and improving access to affordable food. The Liberals say Nova Scotia should take the same proactive approach.
“Nova Scotians are doing everything they can to keep up with the rising cost of living, and groceries are one of the biggest pressures families are facing right now,” said Interim Leader Iain Rankin. “This legislation would give us the information we need to take meaningful action and strengthen food security across the province.”