Senator Housakos: Unfortunately, government leader, it’s clear that “JustinFlation” keeps falling on deaf ears when it comes to the government. Unfortunately, the failed monetary policies of the Trudeau government are creating an enormous amount of anguish and stress amongst all Canadians, regardless of what talking points you want to quote.

The reality is Leger Marketing took a poll this fall. In Quebec, 42% of Quebecers are living with economic anxiety. That’s a fact. Failed monetary policies of printing money, runaway spending by this government and consecutive deficits year after year since this government came to power in 2015 are at the root of “JustinFlation” and what Canadians are facing.

Government leader, you can deny it all you want, but Canadians are living with this reality on a day-to-day basis. Canadians are paying more than ever and receiving less than ever. The question is simple: Will you acknowledge that the government has failed in this regard? Will the government change the Minister of Finance or will the government resign altogether and give Canadians relief?

Hon. Leo Housakos: Honourable senators, my question is for the Leader of the Government in the Senate. This year, 2022, was the year of “JustinFlation.” Every Canadian has been affected by the rising prices resulting from Justin Trudeau’s economic policy.

In 2023, “JustinFlation” is going to hit again. This week, experts from the University of Guelph, Dalhousie University, the University of Saskatchewan and the University of British Columbia published Canada’s Food Price Report 2022. They claim food prices are expected to jump another 5% to 7% in 2023. No food group will be spared from “JustinFlation.” For a family of four with two teenagers, the annual cost of groceries could rise by $1,066 for a total of $16,288.

Senator Gold, what is the government’s plan to combat “JustinFlation”?