Evidence of meeting #40 for Agriculture and Agri-Food in the 45th Parliament, 1st session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was code.
A video is available from Parliament.
Liberal
Emma Harrison Liberal Peterborough, ON
Thank you very much.
Ms. Proud, it's nice to see you again.
We talked a bit about the grocery code of conduct, and my colleague just talked a little about its ability to help with food security, particularly in Canada.
I was wondering if there's anything else you'd like to add about where this falls under food security.
President and Adjudicator, Office of the Grocery Sector Code of Conduct
As I mentioned in my opening remarks, it speaks to creating a better business environment between suppliers and retailers. When one does that—and hopefully the code achieves that in many aspects—it encourages more investment by suppliers in this country, as they know that they have clear business rules and a good relationship with their partners within the sector. That can certainly contribute to food security here. It also hopefully helps the smaller producers—who you've heard through this study—do more business with the grocers.
We're working hard in my office to try to identify exactly what the issues are for the primary producers so that our office can then go forward and try to address those issues. There are many issues within the sector. You've heard a lot of them. Only some might relate to the code of conduct, and we have gathered a group together to try to hear those concerns—
President and Adjudicator, Office of the Grocery Sector Code of Conduct
Thank you.
Bloc
Sébastien Lemire Bloc Abitibi—Témiscamingue, QC
Thank you very much, Mr. Chair.
Ms. Proud, the results of your 2025 survey, which you recently published in May 2026, indicated that small and medium-sized manufacturers, independent retailers and primary producers were uncertain about the benefits of the code.
Today, after six months of operation, what do you think are the positive effects of the code? What do you think small and medium-sized manufacturers, independent retailers and primary producers would say if they could fill out the survey now?
President and Adjudicator, Office of the Grocery Sector Code of Conduct
When it comes to small producers, as I mentioned, there are a lot of challenges within that sector, especially in having to do business with very large organizations. My office recently pulled together a fruit and vegetable liaison group so that we could specifically hear from some of the small producers—hear what their issues are and what issues may be related to the code.
I'm waiting to get that report. It's my deputy who's been managing that group and asking those producers to prioritize the issues they have that are code-related so we can go forward and have a look at them. If we can address some of those issues, we are hoping that we can make it easier for these organizations to do business and can address some of their major challenges.
I've heard about some of their complaints, but that's where we'll need to demonstrate the value to the primary producers for them to believe that there is value for them.
Bloc
Sébastien Lemire Bloc Abitibi—Témiscamingue, QC
I know you have answered that complaints and breaches are confidential, but can you tell us whether there are more complaints or more invitations for you to settle disputes? Can we get a general idea of the number of these complaints?
President and Adjudicator, Office of the Grocery Sector Code of Conduct
Yes. Next week, my office is going to be releasing our first-ever public report, in which we will talk about exactly what we have heard from January until now. We have received a number of complaints through our confidential process. It's not a huge number. We've received nine specific complaints.
We've looked at some. We've done some of our own information-gathering exercises. We've issued some guidance. We have had a few organizations inquire about more formal dispute resolution. All of that will be in the report that we release next week, and we will make sure to send a copy of the report to this committee. I'd be happy to come back at any time to talk about the contents of that report.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Michael Coteau
Thank you very much. That's the end of our meeting.
I'd like to thank our witnesses for joining us today.
Mr. McCann, I hope you get on your flight on time. Thank you for taking time to join us.
Thank you to both witnesses who joined us here.
Is it the will of the committee to adjourn?