Competition Bureau investigates minimum advertised pricing policies in grocery sector

The Competition Bureau says consumers expect grocers to be able to advertise their "best deals."

Investigation will examine whether these policies make it harder for Canadians to find deals

The Canadian Press

· Posted: Sep 28, 2026 11:34 AM EDT | Last Updated: 9 minutes ago

Listen to this article

Estimated 2 minutes

The audio version of this article is generated by AI-based technology. Mispronunciations can occur. We are working with our partners to continually review and improve the results.

The Competition Bureau has launched an investigation into the use of minimum advertised pricing policies in the grocery sector, rules that can prevent retailers from advertising their lowest prices.

The watchdog is examining whether these policies make it harder for Canadians to find deals, reduce price competition, create barriers for discount and new grocers, and make it easier for grocers to co-ordinate prices.

"Canadians expect grocery stores to be able to advertise their best deals," Jeanne Pratt, the agency's interim competition commissioner, said in a statement on Monday.

• How big and small grocery stores are preparing for tariffs to hit shelves

"We're concerned that policies that prevent this make it harder for grocers to compete, and for consumers to access lower prices," she said. "At a time when food affordability remains an important concern for Canadians, we want to hear about how these policies are affecting grocery prices and consumer choice."

Minimum advertised pricing policies set a floor on the price retailers can advertise a product, although they may still be able to sell it for less.

In the retail industry, suppliers may use advertised price rules to protect a brand's image, encourage retailers to provide better service or prevent some retailers from benefitting from the promotional efforts of others.

The bureau is asking industry participants and consumers to come forward with evidence about minimum pricing use.

It says the information it receives will support its investigation and inform its examination of competition across Canada's food supply chain.

In June, the agency launched an investigation of competition in the grocery sector, including potential problems in production, processing, transportation, distribution and pricing.