Thank you, Mr. Chair.
I'd like to start with Mr. Rivard.
I'm disappointed because we realize that the Canadian grocery code will not lower costs and make groceries more affordable. On the other hand, will the code succeed in resolving certain disputes between grocers and their head offices, which often impose restrictions? They enter into agreements with suppliers and large farms, but they limit buying locally from small farms. A small farm has to start somewhere before it becomes a large farm.
In my riding, I've seen grocers unable to purchase local products. To get around corporate regulations, they set up a public market outside their building, without any problems. I was told local products couldn't be purchased inside, but that they were allowed to use their entire parking lot to sell these products.
Do you think it's fair that grocers are forced to use their parking lot to sell local products?