A recent showdown in Parliament saw the defeat of a Conservative motion addressing soaring food prices. The motion, which urged the government to table a budget before the summer recess, failed after a combined effort from the Liberal and NDP parties.

The numbers tell a clear story: 141 Conservatives and 21 Bloc Québécois MPs voted in favor. However, this was countered by 166 Liberal MPs, seven New Democrat MPs, and the lone Green MP who all voted against the motion. An additional two Conservative and two Liberal MPs paired their votes, effectively neutralizing each other. The final tally? 162 votes in favor and 174 against, resulting in the motion’s defeat.

The Conservative motion, introduced on June 10th, highlighted the growing financial strain on Canadian families. It pointed to projections suggesting an $800 increase in annual food costs for Canadian households compared to 2024. The motion specifically called for a “fiscally responsible budget before the House adjourns for the summer that reverses Liberal inflationary policies so Canadians can afford to put food on the table.”

This vote underscores the significant political divisions surrounding the issue of food affordability and the upcoming federal budget. The NDP’s decision to align with the Liberals has significant implications for the government’s approach to addressing this critical concern.