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Ottawa is once again examining whether a lack of competition across Canada’s food supply chain is contributing to persistently high food prices. The Competition Bureau has launched a comprehensive review stretching from farm inputs to grocery store shelves, with a report expected in 2027. The review is long overdue, but Canadians should temper their expectations. Competition matters, but it is only one piece of a much larger affordability puzzle.

CHARLEBOIS: Ottawa wants answers on food prices. It may not like what it finds Back to video

The Bureau intends to investigate whether dominant players in production, processing, distribution, and retail are limiting competition; whether restrictive property controls and exclusive agreements are blocking new entrants; whether interprovincial trade barriers and municipal regulations are increasing costs; and whether large retailers possess excessive bargaining power over suppliers. It is also looking at practices such as loyalty programs, shrinkflation, and skimpflation that may make it more difficult for consumers to compare prices. These are all worthwhile lines of inquiry, but the mandate overlooks one important part of the food economy: restaurants.........

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