Canada’s National Food Security Strategy

Yesterday, CFIG joined Prime Minister Carney and other industry stakeholders at the Ontario Food Terminal for the Government’s announcement regarding Canada’s first National Food Security Strategy.    A copy of the Strategy is below and as you can see, independent grocers figure prominently in the Strategy. The Prime Minister also spoke about independents in Canada–telling CFIG “we need you guys, you are very important to this strategy.”

Many elements of the Strategy were the result of what CFIG had been advocating to government, which stemmed from the direction provided by the CFIG Board of Directors. 

• We strongly supported an expansion of the Ontario Food Terminal.  This was approved. 
• But in our discussions with senior government officials, we also asked the Government to look at establishing one or two additional terminals in different regions of the country.  This too is in the Strategy and construction of two additional terminals will begin in 2028.  
• As well, CFIG has pushed for measures, such as establishing food hubs, that can address the challenges independents face in terms of transportation and distribution.  Those additional costs also affect food security in many areas of Canada.  Particularly in rural, Northern and remote areas.  The food hubs proposal too was adopted.  

More food terminals and food hubs, will also provide more options for independent grocers, strengthening your ability to compete.

• Another area CFIG brought forward which supports lowering interprovincial trade barriers, was to eliminate the regulatory differences that apply to provincial and federal abattoirs.  This will allow for meat to cross interprovincial borders.  The Strategy pledges to do this.
• There are other measures announced in the Strategy around having the Competition Bureau look at competition in the entire supply chain.  They also want to look at standardized unit pricing and ‘shrinkflation.’   CFIG will need to be engaged in that process.

Like the Grocery Code of Conduct, the measures outlined yesterday are aimed at achieving long-term systemic changes.   While there is always more than can and should be done, CFIG is supportive of the Government Food Security strategy.   We look forward to working with the government and our industry partners, to ensure the objectives outlined in the strategy are met and we continue to look at other initiatives that can support and enhance the ability of independent grocers to compete.

CFIG is grateful for the support of our retail, associate and affiliate members.

Together, we continue to make a difference.