Ford votes against ban on predatory pricing

Uber “surge pricing” strategy can be used on grocery prices now

The Ford government voted against Marit Stiles and the Ontario NDP’s plan to ban predatory pricing, refusing to protect Ontarians from surveillance and price gouging. The vote failed 58-35.

“Why should a secret algorithm from an American tech giant decide how much you pay for eggs?” said Stiles. “Families across Ontario are hurting under the pressure of rising food prices, and now, grocery giants and tech companies are teaming up to use people’s data against them to squeeze people out of their last dollar. This is unfair and predatory.

Predatory pricing allows companies to track things like your browsing history, location, and past purchases to decide how much you should pay. It’s already being used by major retailers, apps, and online platforms, with no rules in place to stop it.

American tech giants and grocery chains are using AI-powered algorithms and electronic shelf labels to analyse shoppers’ personal data to charge them different prices for the same product. This practice is already being used by companies like Uber, Booking.com, online grocery apps, and many more.

“Every time you search something online, order an Uber, or use a grocery app, your information is being used to charge you more,” said Stiles. “Tech giants want you to believe you can opt out. But you can’t opt out of buying groceries. And they know there are no rules to stop them.

“People are already paying more every time they go to the grocery store, fill up their tank, or order online,” said Stiles. “Now these companies are using personal data to quietly push prices even higher. It’s wrong, and people expect their government to step in and stop it.”

“You can’t opt out of buying groceries or getting around your city,” Stiles said. “Doug Ford had the chance to actually stand up for working people today, but he chose to side with corporations instead of families trying to keep up.”

The Ontario NDP says banning the practice would have been a simple step to bring fairness back to everyday costs and stop companies from charging people more behind the scenes.

“Ontarians needed their government to step in and draw a line,” concluded Stiles. “Instead, Ford chose to do nothing and leave families behind. We will keep fighting against predatory pricing and bringing forward bold solutions to make life more affordable.”