May 27, 2021 — FHCP is pleased that the association representing the chains that control more than 80% of grocery sales in Canada finally agrees that our food supply system must be based on transparency and fair treatment as FHCP and Empire formally proposed in March. 

The proposed consultation approach and timelines duplicates the current engagement underway by the Federal-Provincial-Territorial government Working Group, and asks Canadian taxpayers to fund a brand new process that will take two years and only start in the fall. We are concerned that this proposal serves to thwart government action, attempts to address an array of complex food supply issues with a one-size-fits-all approach and fails to draw on lessons learned from existing international models. Decades of experience in Canada and around the world has shown that big grocers will not voluntarily regulate their own unfair behaviour.  

When crafting our proposed Grocery Code of Practice, FHCP and Empire relied heavily on the advice, knowledge and expertise of the former UK Adjudicator, Christine Tacon, who advised us to take a practical and simple step that would have the most significant and positive impact on the supply chain. 

Our goal has always been to introduce a code between large retailers and manufacturers, where most of the challenges reside. Our Code was crafted to suit the needs of the Canadian market while taking lessons from relevant international precedent, most notably the UK Groceries Supply Code of Practice, which remains the most effective model.  Our focused approach is an important step forward and does not attempt to solve every supply chain challenge.

We firmly believe FHCP and Empire’s joint Code is the blueprint for Canada. Our code has the support of the vast majority of Canada's leading food, health, and consumer product manufacturers as well as a broad coalition of our industry partners.