As the year ends, CFIG looks ahead

The key areas CFIG will continue to work for members in the upcoming year:

In 2016, the ongoing push against high credit card ‘swipe fees’ continued to see results. The Small Business Matters Coalition that CFIG chairs, raised the profile of this issue with government and media.  These efforts resulted in both Visa and MasterCard lowering their rates for grocery. Ottawa also followed up with the announcement of a review of these fees with the active participation of the Coalition, which will meet with the department of Finance as part of this review early in the new year.

The issue of consolidation in the grocery industry, both within the retail and supplier sectors, continues to cause distortions in industry trade practices, many of which unfairly impact independents. CFIG continues to raise this issue so that the impact of consolidation on small business is not disproportionately shouldered.  We expect 2017 to be a pivotal year in this area.

CFIG looks to develop more of a significant role leading the Small Business Coalition, in areas beyond credit card fees. The formation of the coalition has amplified the voice of small business and independent grocers with government.