As you may be aware, the CHPTA has been monitoring the grocery industry as this channel works towards establishing a business ‘Code of Conduct’ between grocery retailers and suppliers. The CHPTA’s goal is to leverage the final version of that agreement and introduce a similar Code of Conduct for Hardware, Housewares and Home Improvement products.
The grocery industry is looking to have their Code of Conduct implemented by the end of 2023, if not sooner, according to Federal Agriculture Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau.
The Federal Government received a draft of the Code last November, the result of more than a year of negotiations between industry groups representing farmers, food processor / suppliers, independent grocers and national retail chains along with the use of a government-appointed mediator.
Minister Bibeau and Quebec Agriculture Minister André Lamontagne presented the draft to their counterparts from the provinces and territories at a meeting on January 13th. After the meeting, a joint-statement was issued saying that the committee had made “substantial progress.”
Lamontagne and Bibeau also said they will encourage players in the grocery industry to voluntarily sign on to follow the Code of Conduct, “So it can be swiftly implemented.”
In the near future, the CHPTA will be reaching out to retailers to participate in the process of developing a similar Code of Conduct for our industry. The CHPTA will also be looking for individuals from our member companies to serve on an Advisory Committee to help guide the Association through this process. The Association is likely to engage legal and/or negotiation assistance as well.
If you would be interested in participating on the Advisory Committee or would like more information on this important initiative, please send CHPTA President Sam Moncada an email at smoncada@chpta.ca or give him a call at 416-282-0022 ext.125.
