Prime Minister Justin Trudeau makes surprise stop in Brampton to talk groceries and housing challenges

Guests at the Gore Meadows Community Centre in Brampton got a surprise visit from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau this week.

Pictures of the prime minister’s previously unannounced visit were posted on X on Friday (Sept. 29) showing Trudeau meeting with residents as well as Brampton Centre MP Shafqat Ali at the Gore Meadows Community Centre.

Trudeau called the community centre “an incredible hub for the people of Brampton,” adding that he took time during the visit to speak with families, students and seniors “about the challenges they’re facing – and the work we’re doing to address the high cost of groceries and housing.”

The prime minister also stopped in at the Gore Meadows Brampton Library branch, taking photos with employees and guests.

A spokesperson for the Brampton Library tells Insauga.com that the prime minister’s visit was a surprise to staff, who are “happy to welcome anyone” who stops by the branch.

(Photos: retrieved from X)

(Photos: retrieved from X)

(Photos: retrieved from X)

(Photos: retrieved from X)

(Photos: retrieved from X)

With many Canadians feeling more strapped due to rising food costs, Trudeau called on grocery executives to come up with a plan to stabilize food prices or face actions that could include tax measures.

He said the government will be asking the five largest grocery companies including Loblaw, Metro, Empire, Walmart and Costco to come up with a plan by Thanksgiving.

Major grocers have faced accusations of profiteering as food prices have climbed, though executives have denied these allegations before a parliamentary committee studying food inflation earlier this year.

The federal government is also removing the GST on construction of new rental apartment buildings in an effort to stimulate more rental housing, especially affordable units.

The pit stop in Brampton was all smiles despite a challenging week for the prime minister after a man who fought with a Nazi unit was lauded as a hero in Canada’s Parliament during a visit by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Anthony Rota, now former Speaker of the House of Commons, resigned on Tuesday saying that he took sole responsibility for inviting Hunka, who lives in his northern Ontario riding, without having researched his history or letting anyone else – including Trudeau – know.

https://twitter.com/JustinTrudeau/status/1707826197277638725

With files from The Canadian Press