Federal Minister for Families, Children and Social Development, Karina Gould, said she agrees that Canada is in the midst of an affordability crisis, but she wants to see provincial and territorial governments do more to help.

She added: “I think many families, especially low-income families, are really struggling right now to cover their expenses.. the rising cost of rent and food has a big impact.”

She stated: “Even for people who belong to the middle class, they feel squeezed.. citizens are struggling now.”

It is worth noting that the federal government announced in its 2023 budget the Grocery Discount, which is a one-time payment through the GST tax credit system, aimed at helping low- and middle-income earners pay their bills.

This is a step that saw many ministers, including Gould herself, stopping by grocery stores this week to praise the affordability measures taken by the Liberal government.

Eligible seniors will receive $225 through the Grocery Discount, while single individuals will receive $234, and couples with two children can receive a payment of up to $467.

When asked whether the discount is enough to help Canadians who say they are struggling to put food on the table, Gould said this measure is just part of the Liberal government’s larger affordability measures.

She added: “The Grocery Discount was not designed to cover all the additional costs families face, but is designed to be there to provide a little extra help.”

She continued: “It’s an important measure, but it’s not the only measure we have taken as a government,” citing the Canadian Child Benefit as an example.

Gould also pointed out that when it comes to some affordability measures – such as disability benefits or housing policy – they must be implemented in coordination with provincial and territorial governments.

She said: “I think there is more that provinces can do.”

She confirmed: “We need to continue looking at what we need to do, but we need to make sure that provinces and territories also support this work.. we have to do it together.”

She also added: “We need to have these partners at the provincial level, who are making these changes to some of their programs to ensure that we help the lowest-income and most vulnerable Canadians.”