FAQ
Find answers to the most common questions about the Canada Grocery Code. Understand how the Code works, membership to the Code, and how it impacts your business.
General
What is the Canada Grocery Code?
The Canada Grocery Code is a voluntary, industry-led framework designed to promote fair, ethical, and transparent commercial dealings across Canada’s grocery supply chain. It includes trade rule provisions, a governance model, and an adjudication and dispute resolution process.
What principles guide the Code?
The Code is based on four key principles:
- Transparency and Certainty in commercial dealings
- Fair Dealing across the grocery value chain
- Simplicity in structure and compliance
- Timely Dispute Resolution, with an emphasis on resolving issues directly between parties where possible.
Why was the Code created?
The Code was developed in response to long-standing concerns about power imbalances and unfair practices in the Canadian grocery sector. It seeks to create a more level playing field by encouraging good-faith negotiations, mutual respect, and clear agreements between suppliers and retailers.
Who developed the Code?
The Code was developed by a wide range of industry stakeholders, including suppliers, retailers, and trade associations, with support from federal and provincial governments.
Who does the Code apply to?
The Code applies to members of the OGSCC. Membership is open to all entities involved in the commercial sale of grocery products in Canada, including:
- Large grocery retailers (including banners and franchisors)
- Independent retailers
- Suppliers to retailers including:
- Primary producers
- Wholesalers/distributors
- Manufacturers
It covers most categories of products typically found in a grocery store.
Is participation in the Code mandatory?
No. The Code is voluntary, but companies that choose to register with the OGSCC commit to upholding its principles and provisions. Full sector participation is encouraged to ensure the Code’s success.
Do the provisions of the Code only apply to retailers?
No. One of the defining features of the Canadian Code is that it is reciprocal—meaning that both suppliers and retailers have responsibilities under the Code. This distinguishes it from international models, which impose obligations primarily on one side of the value chain. In Canada’s case, the Code is structured to ensure fairness, transparency, and accountability across all commercial relationships, regardless of the size or market position of the company involved.
Does the Code apply to pricing?
No. The Code does not regulate pricing, control shelf placement, or limit companies’ ability to negotiate tough commercial terms. It is a behavioural code, not a pricing or cost-management tool.
Does the Code replace existing contracts?
No. The Code supports the creation of clear, written supply agreements that define the terms of trade between parties. These agreements should incorporate the principles of the Code, but businesses are still expected to negotiate and manage their contracts independently.
How is the Code governed?
The Code is administered by the Office of the Grocery Sector Code of Conduct (OGSCC). The Office is led by a neutral President and Adjudicator and supported by a board of directors. The governance model includes tools for education, issue reporting, and dispute resolution.
How will disputes be handled?
The Code encourages parties to resolve disputes internally wherever possible. If a resolution cannot be reached, a formal Dispute Resolution Mechanism will be available starting January 1, 2026 for members of the OGSCC.
Can the OGSCC give me direct advice about an issue I am having with a retailer/supplier?
The OGSCC cannot advise members about specific cases related to the Code. This is because the OGSCC may later be asked to adjudicate between the supplier and the retailer on the same issue. However, the OGSCC may be able to provide information as to specific sections of the Code that may be at play or point members toward helpful information such as FAQ’s or guidance materials.
If I raise an issue with the OGSCC, how can I be confident that it will be kept confidential?
Outside of the formal Dispute Resolution Management Process (DRMP), all information shared with the OGSCC is treated as strictly confidential. Member’s can raise concerns through our confidential Issue Centre in the Member’s Portal. We also welcome trade associations to bring forward systemic issues on behalf of their members without disclosing individual identities.
The OGSCC relies on information provided by industry participants to better understand how the Code is being used and to identify opportunities to improve education, guidance, and compliance across the sector.
Membership
Who is eligible to become a member of the Office of the Grocery Sector Code of Conduct (OGSCC)?
The Code applies to all businesses that engage in commercial transactions involving grocery products in Canada This includes:
- Retailers – including banners and franchisors
- Suppliers – including manufacturers, wholesalers/distributors & primary producers
Participation in the Code is voluntary, but all parties are encouraged to align with its principles and provisions.
For detailed eligibility criteria, please refer to the definitions section of the Code Provisions.
What are the benefits of becoming a member?
Members of the OGSCC will have access to:
- Educational and informational tools (FAQs, guidance documents, webinars)
- The ability to confidentially report issues and provide feedback through the member portal
- Regular updates and communications from the Office
- Eligibility to participate in OGSCC governance, including future board appointments
- Access to the formal DRMP (starting January 1, 2026)
Membership also signals your organization’s commitment to operating under the provisions of the Code.
What does it mean to become a member of the OGSCC?
Membership in the OGSCC is a formal commitment to operate in alignment with the Code’s principles and provisions. Members are publicly listed as participants in the Code on the OGSCC website and will have access to tools, resources, and support through the OGSCC, as well as formal dispute resolution once available.
How can a business become a member of the OGSCC?
To become a member of the OGSCC, businesses should first review the Canada Grocery Code of Conduct to confirm their eligibility and intent to comply with its provisions.
Once ready, an organization can register online following these steps:
- Create a user profile
- Confirm your account via the email verification link
- Link your profile to your organization by selecting “Create a new business entity”
- Complete the registration form with your business details and agree to the terms of membership
It may take up to two weeks for your business to appear in the Member Directory after registration.
What will the annual membership dues be for joining the Office of the Grocery Sector Code of Conduct?
The dues structure is as follows:
| Sales Tranche | Annual Membership Dues |
| More than $1 billion | $35,000 |
| More than $500 million up to $1 billion | $20,000 |
| More than $200 million up to $500 million | $7,500 |
| More than $50 million up to $200 million | $3,000 |
| More than $10 million up to $50 million | $500 |
| More than $50,000 up to $10 million | $250 |
| Less than $50,000 | $50 |
Sales are defined as ‘annual sales of grocery products in Canada’
Do members have to comply with all provisions of the Code?
Yes. Membership in the OGSCC signals a business’s intent to operate in compliance with the entire Code. Members are expected to review their practices and align them with the Code.
Can an organization be removed from membership?
Yes. Details regarding suspension or removal will be outlined in the OGSCC’s governance documents. In general, repeated or serious failures to adhere to the Code, particularly if identified through the dispute resolution process, could result in review of a member’s standing by the OGSCC Board of Directors.
Why should my business become a member if the Code is voluntary?
Membership strengthens the credibility of your business as a partner committed to transparency, collaboration, and fair dealing. It also gives you access to tools, updates, and dispute resolution services that are not available to non-members. Being part of the OGSCC also provides an opportunity to help shape the future of the Code and its application.
What happens if a company chooses not to become a member?
Non-members are not bound by the Code and cannot access the formal Dispute Resolution Management Process (DRMP). They also will not benefit from the protections and expectations the Code establishes. Participation is voluntary but critical to industry-wide consistency and fairness.
Will businesses be covered retroactively for issues that arise before coming a member?
No. The Code applies only to members in good standing of the OGSCC at the time the relevant issue or incident occurred. Joining after a dispute occurs will not provide retroactive protection or eligibility to use the dispute resolution process. Coverage does not apply to entities that were, but are no longer, members at the time of the incident in question.
Member’s Portal
What can I do in the Member’s Portal?
The Member’s Portal is designed to support members in engaging with the Canada Grocery Code. It allows for informal issue reporting, account management, and access to member-only tools and resources.
What is the function of the Issue Centre in the Member’s Portal?
The Issue Centre a secure and confidential tool that allows members registered with the OGSCC to informally report issues related to the application of Grocery Sector Code of Conduct.
Is the Issue Centre a formal complaints mechanism?
No. The Issue Centre is not designed for formal complaints or one-on-one resolution. Instead, it provides a way for the OGSCC to better understand how the Code is being implemented and where there may be systemic or recurring issues.
What does the OGSCC do with the information submitted?
Information received through the portal is reviewed by the OGSCC and used to:
- Identify trends and systemic challenges
- Inform updates to FAQs and guidance documents
- Shape education and outreach activities
Will the Adjudicator follow up on my submission?
The Adjudicator does not have investigative powers, and individual reports will not be actioned directly. However, the Adjudicator may choose to follow up with the parties identified if the issue points to a broader concern.
Will my report be kept confidential?
Yes. All information submitted through the portal is held in confidence by the OGSCC. Any public reporting based on portal data will be aggregated and will not include identifying details.
What if I want to file a formal complaint?
A formal Dispute Resolution Management Process will be in place starting January 1, 2026. From that point on, members who are unable to resolve Code-related issues directly with one another will be able to bring forward a formal complaint to the OGSCC for resolution.
Role of the Adjudicator
What is the role of the Adjudicator at the OGSCC?
The Adjudicator provides independent leadership and oversight in support of the Canada Grocery Code. The role includes interpreting the Code, engaging with industry stakeholders, and ensuring that the Code is implemented in a consistent and neutral manner.
Is the Adjudicator part of the industry?
No. The Adjudicator operates independently from grocery retailers, suppliers, and other sector participants. This independence is essential to ensure impartiality in Code-related guidance and dispute oversight.
Does the Adjudicator have enforcement or investigative powers?
No. The Adjudicator does not investigate individual reports or enforce decisions. The focus is on education, interpretation of the Code, and support for the dispute resolution process (once launched in January 2026). However, the Adjudicator may choose to follow up on matters that appear systemic or broadly relevant to the sector.
How does the Adjudicator contribute to Code guidance?
The Adjudicator plays a central role in identifying areas where additional clarity is needed and contributes to the development of FAQs, case studies, and other guidance materials. Reports submitted through the OGSCC’s online portal and direct input from members help shape this work.
Will the Adjudicator be involved in the formal dispute resolution process?
Yes. Once the formal Dispute Resolution Mechanism becomes operational on January 1, 2026, the Adjudicator will oversee its function and help ensure that disputes are managed fairly, efficiently, and in alignment with the principles of the Code. While the specific details of the process are still under development, it is anticipated that the Adjudicator will serve as a final decision-maker in applicable cases and will have the authority to issue public reports on rulings. These reports will support transparency and contribute to broader compliance with the Code. Further guidance on the Adjudicator’s role and the dispute resolution process will be provided as development continues
What makes this role unique?
This is the first role of its kind in Canada’s grocery sector. The Adjudicator is expected to balance neutrality and transparency with a deep understanding of the sector’s dynamics. The aim is to foster trust, accountability, and fairness in how the Code is interpreted and applied.
Can the Adjudicator make public reports?
Yes. The Adjudicator has the authority to issue public reports that identify systemic issues, highlight trends, and flag implementation challenges. These reports are a key tool for promoting transparency, encouraging compliance, and maintaining sector-wide accountability. In some cases, individual businesses may be named, depending on the circumstances. However, any information provided to the OGSCC in confidence will continue to be treated as confidential.
Will public reports name individual businesses?
They may, depending on the circumstances. For example, if a matter proceeds through the formal dispute resolution process and results in a decision or outcome that is relevant to broader sector compliance, the business involved could be named. However, any information provided to the OGSCC in confidence, such as reports submitted through the member portal, will be kept confidential and will never be disclosed in a way that identifies the source.
How do public reports support compliance if the Code is voluntary?
While the Code is not legally binding, public reporting helps ensure that participants are held to account through transparency. Reports from the Adjudicator can:
- Highlight concerns or patterns of non-alignment
- Recognize best practices and positive examples
- Increase reputational pressure to align with the Code
- Inform ongoing education, FAQs, and policy refinement