Quebec Solidaire proposes public grocery stores and a wealth tax among its electoral priorities

Montreal —
The Quebec Solidaire party is preparing to run in the upcoming provincial general election with a program focused on the cost of living crisis, including proposals to establish non-profit public grocery stores and impose an annual tax on large fortunes.

About 350 party members met in Montreal to adopt priorities related to the cost of living, affordability, and wealth redistribution, at a time when rent and food prices top the list of concerns for families in Quebec.

The party approved a proposal to launch a pilot project to establish public grocery stores, through which the government would purchase food in bulk, prioritizing local products, then sell them at prices lower than major stores.

The party says that the dominance of a limited number of grocery chains over a large share of the food market in Canada and Quebec limits competition and keeps prices high, calling for breaking this concentration through a public non-profit model.

The party also proposes setting a profit margin cap for major grocery retailers at 2%, considering that the profits of large companies have increased while many residents struggle to secure food.

Quebec Solidaire estimates that the public grocery store project will require an initial investment of 100 million dollars, in addition to an annual operating cost of about 85 million dollars.

To fund these policies, the party adopted a proposal to impose an annual capital tax of 1% on those owning assets worth 25 million dollars or more, saying this step could provide about 5 billion dollars in government revenue.

The party bases some of its ideas on leftist experiences and proposals in other cities and parties, including public grocery stores and transportation and housing solutions aimed at easing the burden on families.

Party members are also scheduled to discuss a housing plan that includes setting a cap on rent increases, along with other priorities in health, education, and the environment.

Quebec Solidaire holds 11 seats in the National Assembly and seeks to expand its political presence by presenting itself as a party focused on tackling inflation, reducing the influence of large corporations, and proposing broader government intervention in essential sectors such as food and housing.