Finally, PIAC provided a submission to the Competition Bureau in response to its market study on the grocery industry. We flagged a couple of issues for the bureau that we would also put before the committee today, which had either direct or indirect impacts to food pricing.
First, access to consumer data and the ability to process and use data from loyalty programs is a significant competitive advantage in the grocery industry. Purchasing data about a consumer allows the grocers to build profiles about consumers and then use the profiles for targeted advertising.
In the interest of time, I will just note that if Bill C-27 passes in its current form, consumers could lose important legislative protections when it comes to their data, leaving data more vulnerable even as grocers collect more from points programs.
Secondly, while this is a federal committee, the committee should also consider regional challenges, whether that be food affordability in the far north or restrictive covenants in some southern communities. Many Canadian communities have unique challenges when it comes to food. We hope to see recommendations acknowledging these distinct challenges.
John.