Bill C-226

National Framework for Food Price Transparency Act

An Act to establish a national framework to improve food price transparency

Sponsor

Gurbux Saini Liberal

Introduced as a private member’s bill. (These don’t often become law.)

Status

In committee (House), as of April 22, 2026

Subscribe to a feed (what's a feed?) of speeches and votes in the House related to Bill C-226.

Summary

This is from the published bill.

This enactment provides for the development of a national framework respecting grocery pricing and unit price display practices. It also sets out reporting requirements in relation to the framework.

Similar bills

C-406 (44th Parliament, 1st session) National Framework for Food Price Transparency Act

Elsewhere

All sorts of information on this bill is available at LEGISinfo, an excellent resource from Parliament. You can also read the full text of the bill.

Bill numbers are reused for different bills each new session. Perhaps you were looking for one of these other C-226s:

C-226 (2022) Law National Strategy Respecting Environmental Racism and Environmental Justice Act

C-226 (2020) An Act to amend the Canadian Multiculturalism Act (non-application in Quebec)

C-226 (2016) Impaired Driving Act

Votes

April 22, 2026 Passed 2nd reading of Bill C-226, An Act to establish a national framework to improve food price transparency

Debate Summary

This is a computer-generated summary of the speeches below. Usually it’s accurate, but every now and then it’ll contain inaccuracies or total fabrications.

Bill C-226 proposes a national framework to improve food price transparency by establishing standards for unit pricing and promoting public education. The Minister of Industry would consult with provincial and territorial counterparts.

Liberal

Supports national food price transparency: The Liberal party supports Bill C-226 to establish a national framework for food price transparency, including a national standard for unit pricing, to help Canadians manage high grocery costs.
Combats inconsistent pricing and shrinkflation: The bill addresses consumer confusion due to inconsistent unit pricing and "shrinkflation," empowering Canadians to compare products effectively and make informed purchasing decisions for essential goods.
A practical, collaborative first step: The Liberals view this bill as a practical, collaborative first step involving all levels of government to enhance transparency, ease the burden of high grocery costs, and promote greater accountability in the marketplace.

Conservative

Bill C-226 is ineffective: The Conservative party opposes Bill C-226, arguing it is a "made-in-Ottawa Liberal failure" that creates more red tape and bureaucracy without lowering food prices, serving as a distraction from real solutions.
Increases costs and bureaucracy: Bill C-226 would add federal overreach, new spending, and compliance costs for grocers, which are then passed on to consumers, further driving up food prices without providing real relief.
Blames government policy for high prices: The party asserts that high food prices are a direct result of government policies, including inflationary deficits, punitive taxes on the food supply chain, and excessive red tape.
Calls for real affordability measures: Conservatives advocate for ending inflationary deficits, removing hidden taxes on food production and transportation, cutting red tape, and strengthening competition to deliver permanent and immediate relief at the checkout.

Bloc

Opposes federal jurisdiction overreach: The Bloc Québécois opposes the bill, asserting it interferes with provincial jurisdiction over domestic marketing, retail trade, and consumer protection, which Quebec already manages effectively.
Quebec's existing transparency measures: Quebec has already implemented comprehensive food pricing transparency rules, including mandatory unit pricing and clear display of regular versus discounted prices, rendering federal intervention unnecessary.
Advocates for interprovincial collaboration: The party calls for interprovincial cooperation, as suggested by the Competition Bureau, instead of top-down federal interference that duplicates efforts and increases bureaucracy and costs.

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National Framework for Food Price Transparency ActPrivate Members' Business

April 22nd, 2026 / 3:35 p.m.

The Speaker Francis Scarpaleggia

The House will now proceed to the taking of the deferred recorded division on the motion at second reading stage of Bill C-226, under Private Members' Business.

(The House divided on the motion, which was agreed to on the following division:)

Vote #102

National Framework for Food Price Transparency ActPrivate Members' Business

April 22nd, 2026 / 3:45 p.m.

The Speaker Francis Scarpaleggia

I declare the motion carried. Accordingly, the bill stands referred to the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food.

(Motion agreed to, bill read the second time and referred to a committee)