CANDIDATES’ MESSAGES

Matt Cole, CPA, CA, Chief Financial Officer, Colemans

As independent grocers, we play a vital role in communities across Canada. We employ thousands of hardworking Canadians. We have the privilege of welcoming customers through our doors every day, providing food and other goods that families need. We do this work while operating within tighter margins, often facing different logistical and operational challenges than larger chains. I am seeking a seat on the Board of Directors for the Office of the Grocery Sector Code of Conduct (OGSCC) because I believe strongly in the mandate of the Code, and that the industry will be strengthened by promoting transparency and collaboration among all members of the supply chain. As we embark on the first year of implementation, it will be crucial for the OGSCC to measure and assess the effectiveness of the Code, continuously finding areas to improve to ensure its success for the future. At the Board level, I will ensure that the perspectives of independent grocers are represented throughout this important process. As an experienced Chartered Professional Accountant, and Chief Financial Officer of Colemans, I will bring both financial experience and significant industry experience to the Board. With knowledge gained over a decade of serving on various boards, I will bring strong governance to OGSCC with a focus of accountability, strategic vision, and sound decision-making. I appreciate the opportunity to represent independent grocers in this capacity, and I thank everyone for their consideration during the election process.

John Pritchett, General Manager of Powell’s Supermarkets

John Pritchett, General Manager of Powell’s Supermarkets, a proud family-owned independent grocer operating in Newfoundland and Labrador for over 75 years. I’m seeking election to the OGSCC Board on behalf of independent grocers because I believe a fair, transparent, and consistently applied Code is essential to maintaining competition, strengthening local food retail, and ultimately serving Canadians better. As Independent grocers, we are the lifeblood of our communities but often face unique constraints in scale, cost, and supply chain leverage. It is critical that the governance of the Code reflects those realities, not just the perspective of the largest players. I’ve been privileged to work on the Code through industry groups since day one, giving me a clear view of its intent, the practical challenges of implementation, and the importance of credible oversight and dispute resolution. As an active/passionate member for almost a decade, and current Board member of the Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers I have close ties to independents across Canada and a strong understanding of the issues we face day to day. Through my leadership as General Manager of Powells Supermarkets, I’ve seen firsthand where clarity, predictability, and accountability can improve relationships between retailers and supply chain partners and outcomes across the sector. I will bring a practical, solutions-focused viewpoint to help ensure the Code delivers real, measurable benefits for independents while supporting a strong, resilient grocery system for all Canadians.

Giancarlo Trimarchi, President, Vince’s Market

As a second-generation independent grocer and President of Vince’s Market, I am running for the Board to ensure the voices and realities of independent grocers are clearly represented as our industry continues to evolve. Independent retailers play a critical role in serving communities across Ontario, yet we often operate with fewer resources and different challenges than larger chains. Having served on the Board of the Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers and as Chair from 2021–2022, as well as participating in the development of the Canadian Grocery Code of Conduct, I believe I can bring practical, collaborative, and solution-focused perspectives to the OGSCC. My goal is to help ensure that supply chain discussions and industry initiatives remain balanced, transparent, and supportive of a strong and competitive independent grocery sector.