Avi Lewis’ election as the federal NDP leader means a bad idea gets extra heat.  

To deal with the high cost of groceries, Lewis suggested a government-owned grocery store “using a high-volume, warehouse-style model with subsidized rent and utilities.” He says he can bring down prices by 30-40%.  

AGAR: Past experience shows the government has no business running a grocery store Back to video

Brian Lilley writes in the Toronto Sun, “That’s impossible given that the profit margin on groceries is 2-4% at best and a government-run store would come with government wages, which are generally about 25% higher on average compared to the private sector for similar jobs.”  

The Toronto Star reports, “Councillor Anthony Perruzza opened the door to what food experts called an ‘exciting’ discussion, but one that should be taking place at the federal level: Toronto’s first-ever public grocery stores to tackle rising food........

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