Opportunities in the coming year

With the year coming to an end, myself and the staff at CFIG want to wish you all the best this holiday season.

In 2017, CFIG is working on several fronts to continually be working for you, our members.

Some of the key areas include:

*Roll out of the new and improved Master Merchandiser program. Check out www.mastermerchandiser.ca

* The implementation of the Canada-EU Trade agreement, known as CETA, is expected sometime in 2017.  This will result in approximately 16,000 tonnes of imported cheese coming into Canada with no tariff.  As well, at least 30% of the quota has to be given to “new entrants” in the market. CFIG is advocating for independents to have fair and equitable access to this additional supply and urging the government to use this opportunity to shake up the current system—one that allows current cheese quota suppliers to hold retailers at ransom, particularly at certain times of the year.

* Across most of the country it’s been a hot summer.  But the rising costs of energy is always going way up and has been an issue for businesses in all sectors.  Particularly in Ontario, where that province rebuilds a crumbling infrastructure and implements new clean energy targets, they have ratcheted up rates that are putting many retail grocers in an untenable position for the long term.   While CFIG and many other trade associations and businesses are raising the alarm with government, CFIG is also facilitating the provision of information about suppliers and options to help them manage this issue.  We will continue to provide updates on accessing suppliers, and answer questions from members.

* CFIG and the Small Business Matters Coalition have led the fight over the past year in maintaining pressure on the government and the credit card companies, banks and processors — the 3 hands that are in your wallet — over excessive swipe fees. These efforts resulted in the decision by Visa to lower their grocery rate to an overall average of 1.23% in November and MasterCard to 1.22% in December – reductions that will save you thousands of dollars. Our objective remains to have our rates aligned with the 0.5% that exists in other international jurisdictions. Please continue to send us your credit card rate info here.