Consultation Webinar

The Steering committee, representing small, medium, and large enterprises in the food supply chain in Canada including retailers, manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers, processors and producers, currently working on the development of a grocery industry Code of Conduct, began its consultations on May 1, 2023. The consultation process began with a webinar aimed at providing background and details regarding the proposed Code. The sessions took place on: May 2, 2023, 11 a.m. EST (English) and, May 2, 2023, 1 p.m. EST (French).

For those that were unable to view the webinar session live, it was recorded and can be viewed here.

After watching the video, viewers are asked to complete the online consultation document to help ensure they can ask questions and provide feedback:

These consultations, represent a significant part of the code development process. In moving to the consultation phase of code development, the committee acknowledges the importance of broad stakeholder engagement in ensuring the intended purpose of the Code reflects the needs of all stakeholders affected.

Industry members are strongly encouraged to participate in the proposed code consultation process by sharing their thoughts and questions via the consultation document. The steering committee firmly believes that it is critical to ensure all stakeholders understand the application of the proposed Code prior to implementation.

Stakeholder consultations will end on May 31^st. Following the completion of the consultation period, the Steering Committee will review all feedback and determine next steps. The Steering Committee will provide an update to Federal, Provincial and Territorial (FPT) Agriculture Ministers in July 2023.

Interim Board informs FPT ministers of commitment of all major grocers to support the Grocery Code of Conduct

The Grocery Sector Code of Conduct Interim Board of Directors is pleased to inform the FPT Agriculture and Agri-food Ministers that we have the commitment of all the major grocers to support the Grocery Code of Conduct. This includes all the national grocers and the many regional and local independent grocers from coast to coast. In addition, we have the commitment of all key suppliers, large and small, in the country’s food supply chain.

While there is still much work to be done, including the development of the processes required to ensure an efficient and effective implementation, the establishment of an operating office, the hiring of an adjudicator, industry education, and much more, we are delighted to report that all stakeholders have expressed their desire and their commitment to assist and support the implementation of a voluntary industry-led Code in Canada. The commitment of the major grocers underscores the importance of a fully inclusive, voluntary Code developed and managed by stakeholders across the entire grocery supply chain.

Read the Interim Board’s full message here.

Interim Board of the Office of the Grocery Sector Code of Conduct Welcomes Loblaw’s Announcement of Support

Toronto, ON, May 16, 2024 – The Interim Board of the Office of the Grocery Sector Code of Conduct (OGSCC) for the Grocery Code of Conduct welcomes today’s announcement from Loblaw Companies Limited that it has officially committed to participating in the Grocery Code of Conduct.

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On behalf of the OGSCC Interim Board, the Chair, Michael Graydon, stated that:. “We welcome the news that Loblaw has agreed to participate in the Grocery Code of Conduct. Within a very complex food system, the vision for the Code has always been based on a fully inclusive, voluntary Code, developed by the grocery industry and managed by its stakeholders across the supply chain. Today’s announcement by Loblaw brings us one step closer to the implementation of the Code as we continue to work with all industry partners to ensure we have maximum participation.

The series of discussions held between Loblaw and the Code Industry Working Group provided an opportunity to embed additional clarity around some of the Code’s provisions ensuring the Code is applied as intended, supporting simplicity, and fostering a clear understanding of its application. Ultimately, this will lead to better collaboration between all parties involved in the grocery supply chain.

The Code’s development, initiated by the Federal-Provincial and Territorial Ministers of Agriculture, has been a collaborative effort involving retailers, distributors, manufacturers/suppliers and primary producers. This collaborative approach ensures that the Code supports small stakeholders and the industry, recognizing the complexities of the Canadian grocery market.

For more information, please contact the Interim Board of the OGSCC through its website at: https://canadacode.org/contact/

or

Anthony Fuchs,
Food, Health & Consumer Products of Canada
anthony.fuchs@fhcp.ca

Michelle Wasylyshen
Retail Council of Canada
mwasylyshen@retailcouncil.org