Overview

• On July 2, Empire Co. Ltd. and Lactalis Canada became the initial retailer and supplier members of the voluntary Grocery Sector Code of Conduct.
• The Office of the Grocery Sector Code of Conduct has finalized its governance framework, including bylaws, operating rules and a formal dispute-resolution mechanism.
• Office president Karen Proud says formal recruitment of additional grocery retailers and suppliers will begin this fall.
• The code introduces penalties and fees aimed at enhancing transparency, fairness and predictability in retailer–supplier agreements.
• The federal government retains the option to make the code mandatory if voluntary uptake falls short ahead of the January 1, 2026 implementation date.