Competition Bureau investigates minimum advertised pricing policies in grocery sector

The Competition Bureau has launched an investigation into minimum advertised pricing policies in Canada's grocery sector. These policies prevent retailers from advertising their lowest prices, which could make it harder for Canadians to find deals and reduce price competition among grocers. The watchdog is also concerned that these policies create barriers for discount and new grocers while making it easier for existing grocers to co-ordinate prices. Jeanne Pratt, the interim commissioner of the Competition Bureau, stated that Canadians expect grocery stores to be able to advertise their best deals and that preventing this could impact food affordability at a time when it remains an important concern for consumers.