October 28th, 2020

NDP tabling motion to cap food delivery fees to save Ontario small businesses

QUEEN’S PARK — The NDP is tabling a motion to cap food delivery charges by third-party delivery services, which are taking outrageous margins — as high as 30 per cent — from restaurants struggling to stay afloat during the pandemic.

Capping third-party food delivery charges is part of the NDP’s plan to Save Main Street, and a similar call is being considered by Toronto City Hall on Wednesday.

“Small restaurants are barely hanging on. Take-out and delivery are their only options to keep the lights on and employees in the kitchen. Our motion will pressure the government to take action now to save these small businesses from the outrageously high fees these companies are charging small businesses at a time when they need relief,” said NDP Leader Andrea Horwath.

“I hope the Ford government will support this motion and take action to cap these fees instead of offering more empty promises and hollow warnings,” said MPP Catherine Fife (Waterloo), the NDP critic for Economic Growth and Job Creation. “Saving Main Street is going to take action and investment — and it’s needed urgently.”

In June, Fife asked the Ford government to introduce a cap of no more than 15 per cent for delivery fees for food businesses. The government has taken no action, allowing big businesses to gouge small restaurants at a time when they need support.

The NDP is moving the motion Wednesday.

Background

NDP Motion: COVID-19 CAP ON COMMISSIONS PAID BY RESTAURANTS
FOR FOOD DELIVERY SERVICES

"That, in the opinion of this House, the Ford government should implement a 15% cap on commission fees charged to restaurants by third-party app-based food delivery platforms for delivery or pick-up orders for the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic."