It’s not just in your head. Shrinkflation is real

Plus, Doug Ford discusses the possibility of an early election and Olivia Chow reckons with the aftermath of a historic storm [The Star] First Up [By Andy Takagi] By Andy Takagi Good morning. Here’s the latest on Doug Ford on the possibility of an early election, researchers find shrinkflation in grocery stores and the aftermath of a historic storm. DON’T MISS Darren Calabrese/The Canadian Press Provincial politics [Doug Ford tells the Star he won’t rule out an early election and vows to defend Ontario “like a pit bull” against Ottawa]( The threat of change from red to blue on Parliament Hill could prompt an early vote in Ontario. Premier Doug Ford — in an exclusive interview with the Star’s Kristin Rushowy — said he would consider an early election in 2025 “to make sure … that Ontario has a strong voice.” But, he vowed, no matter the outcome, he will fight “like a pit bull” for the province if the feds act against Ontario’s interests. An early election call isn’t at the top of the premier’s to-do list, as he helms the Council of Federation meeting in Halifax this week. [Here’s what else Ford had to say on his future relationship with Ottawa](. - While in Halifax: [Ford is asking the federal government to cover the costs of supporting and housing asylum-seekers](. They “want a better life,” Ford said, but the province and municipalities, like Toronto, can’t shoulder the costs alone. - Meanwhile, back home: Despite a historic storm, Ontario remains dry — an LCBO strike has left Ontarians with limited access to booze for two weeks, [but Ford remained optimistic that a deal could be reached](. Andrew Francis Wallace/Toronto Star file photo Business [New report confirms what many suspected: “shrinkflation” is real — and it’s shrunk some products by up to 25%]( As Canadians continue to struggle with the cost of living, especially groceries, a new report from researchers in Toronto has found that so-called shrinkflation is real. Of the 60 products investigated, 20 per cent had shrunk in weight by as much as a quarter. The categories of food with the worst levels of shrinkflation included baby food, poultry, cooking fats and oils, processed meats and products with high fat and sugar content. “As consumers, we do deserve some transparency,” one of the reports authors said. [Here’s how much lighter your groceries have become](. - Go deeper: Shrinking the size of the package, while maintaining the same price, is a way for manufacturers to deal with rising costs without a price hike, the head of a manufacturing lobbying group explained. - Food fight: Shoppers have seen food prices rise after two years of heavy inflation — [that outrage poured over into a boycott of Loblaws]( one of the country’s biggest grocers, whose profits were stable despite the pain felt in consumers’ wallets. Mahdis Habibinia/Toronto Star Flood aftermath [Olivia Chow to ask council to step up efforts to mitigate future storm impact]( Mayor Olivia Chow is trying to improve the city’s infrastructure for future severe weather events following Tuesday’s storm. A draft motion seen by the Star will ask city staff to provide a report on programs meant to incentivize homeowners to decrease impermeable surfaces on their properties to reduce storm runoff, while the city also still explores a stormwater charge. [Here’s how the city hopes to prepare for the next big storm](. - Money, money, money: [The overall cost of damage from the flood could surpass $1 billion]( according to the Insurance Bureau of Canada. - Flooding by design: [Projects like the Port Lands system could help mitigate future floods]( forming a giant underground diversion system for water that pours through the city — but it could take decades.  - Avoid the beach: Toronto Public Health said [the city’s beaches could be contaminated with human and animal waste for up to two weeks]( thanks to Tuesday’s storm.  WHAT ELSE [President Joe Biden tests positive for COVID-19]( while campaigning in Las Vegas, has “mild symptoms.” Want to travel to the U.S. with your dog? [It’s going to get a lot more difficult in just two weeks](. Canada’s top soldier is stepping down. [Here’s what he has to say](. “Shocking and unjustifiable:” [Canada is deporting migrants at its highest rate in more than a decade](. [Ontario judges were wrong to rely on sex assault stereotypes]( Appeal Court rules, ordering new trials for acquitted men. “The windows started to smash”: [114 seniors were rescued from a flooded Mississauga nursing home on Tuesday](. “Where are all the boats, man?”: Excessive rain unmoored a dock, [setting 20 Oakville boats adrift on Lake Ontario](. [A food bank is asking for help]( after Toronto flooding causes $50,000 loss. It was once one of Canada’s largest megachurches. Now, after a sex scandal involving its celebrity pastor, [the Meeting House can’t find “abuse liability” insurance](. The long goodbye? If the Blue Jays were going to re-sign Vladimir Guerrero Jr., [it probably would have happened by now](. Charli xcx, Billie Eilish, Kendrick Lamar: [Who has the song of the summer for 2024?]( Star Exclusive: “Schitt’s Creek” and “Kim’s Convenience” stars to [headline the new Coal Mine Theatre season](. POV Darren Calabrese/The Canadian Press [What tone will Doug Ford strike as the new spokesman for Canada’s premiers?]( CLOSE-UP Jim Rankin/Toronto Star THE GATEHOUSE: Andrea Robin Skinner — daughter of Alice Munro — walked up the famous five steps of The Gatehouse as she grappled with the now publicized abuse she faced at the hands of her step-father beginning when she was nine. It’s also where her siblings came together to support her telling of the abuse she faced. It’s a place of crisis and community support, but most importantly, where young victims and adult survivors are heard. [Here’s what the Star’s Jim Rankin saw when he went to visit](. Thank you for reading. You can reach me and the First Up team at [firstup@thestar.ca](mailto:firstup@thestar.ca?source=newsletter&utm_source=ts_nl&utm_medium=emailutm_email=6C53B63A8E3FAD70AD4EF13004527437&utm_campaign=frst_216790). I’ll see you back here tomorrow. 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