The Office of the Grocery Sector Code of Conduct (OGSCC or the “Office”) is pleased to announce the appointment of Cathy Loblaw as Independent Chair of its Board of Directors, effective July 1, 2026.

Ms. Loblaw was appointed by the OGSCC Board of Directors following a national recruitment process and will succeed Michael Graydon, who has served as Interim Chair since the OGSCC was incorporated in 2023.

The appointment marks an important milestone in the governance evolution of the OGSCC, following the election of its first permanent Board of Directors at the organization’s inaugural Annual General Meeting earlier this year.

Ms. Loblaw brings more than three decades of executive leadership, governance, stakeholder engagement, and consensus-building experience across the charitable, business, and public-interest sectors. Her career has included senior leadership roles with Harbourfront Centre, Ronald McDonald House Charities Canada/McDonald’s Restaurants of Canada Limited, and numerous industry and social-impact organizations, where she has built a reputation for fostering collaboration among diverse stakeholders and leading organizations through periods of growth and transformation.

“Cathy brings a unique combination of governance experience, strategic leadership, and a proven ability to build trust and consensus among diverse interests,” said Michael Graydon, Interim Chair of the Office of the Grocery Sector Code of Conduct Board of Directors. “As the OGSCC moves from its start-up phase to full implementation, the Board is confident that her leadership will help guide the organization through its next phase of growth, maturity and impact.”

“I am honoured to join the Office of the Grocery Sector Code of Conduct as Independent Chair,” said Ms. Loblaw. “The Canada Grocery Code represents an important initiative for strengthening commercial relationships across Canada’s grocery supply chain. I look forward to working with the Board, OGSCC members, and the Office to support the continued implementation of the Code and the important work already well underway.”

The Board also expressed its appreciation to Mr. Graydon for his leadership and commitment during the OGSCC’s formative years.

“Michael’s leadership has been instrumental in helping establish the Office of the Grocery Sector Code of Conduct and guiding the organization through its formative years,” said Karen Proud, President and Adjudicator of the OGSCC. “On behalf of the Board, members, and staff, I want to thank him for his significant contributions and dedication to helping build the foundation of the organization.”

Ms. Loblaw will serve as Independent Chair of the Board and will work alongside the Board of Directors and the staff of the OGSCC to support implementation of the Canada Grocery Code and ensure its mandate of transparency, certainty and ethical business practices within the grocery sector.

This project is funded through the Regional Collaborative Partnerships Program under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, an agreement between federal, provincial and territorial governments.

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About the Office of the Grocery Sector Code of Conduct

The Office of the Grocery Sector Code of Conduct (OGSCC) is the organization responsible for overseeing implementation and administration of the Canada Grocery Code.

The Canada Grocery Code is a voluntary, industry-led initiative that was created to improve how grocery retailers and suppliers work together across the country. 

The OGSCC supports compliance with the Code through education, guidance, confidential reporting mechanisms, and a formal dispute resolution process designed to promote fair and predictable commercial relationships across Canada’s grocery supply chain.

Background Note

While Ms. Loblaw’s great-grandfather, T.P. Loblaw co-founded Loblaws in 1919, along with his business partner J. Cork, she has no affiliation with Loblaw Companies Limited which has been owned and controlled by the Weston family since 1947. Ms. Loblaw was selected following an independent recruitment process based on her extensive leadership, governance, and stakeholder engagement experience.