Just recently Sobeys Canada and FCPC (Food Consumers Products of Canada) developed and proposed an industry Code of Conduct for the Canadian grocery supply chain in this country, which the OCSA is in complete support of.  The association would like to see it expanded to include additional stakeholders so that the independent convenience stores are not excluded.

Our industry would like to thank the leadership from both Sobeys & FCPC for the proposed ‘Code of Conduct’ to correct the many issues the entire retail industry (food & convenience) has faced through the years.

There is a growing imbalance of retail purchasing power that at times has left the entire independent operators with little recognition for their efforts while carrying the costs of our daily business.

This code needs to include the entire Convenience Store industry in Canada to ensure national chains & national distributors adhere to fair and similar business practices for all.

Regional chains, 1000’s of independent family run stores as well as our independent distributors must be included to ensure the shift in costs are not downloaded on the hard working family businesses.
The OCSA will be encouraging governments to work on a broader program supporting all manufacturers as we look at having the same transparent opportunities in a business model that protects the consumers in every market no matter the size of the company or organizations. We believe all levels of retail should be consulted and work together on a framework.

The OCSA for over 36 years has represented the economic interests of over 8,500 convenience stores and the entire supply flow to stores and it is imperative that our industry be part of the discussions around arbitrary fees, cost increases imposed, promotions and secret deals that potentially damage the long term viability of the entire small business model.

Dave Bryans, CEO of the Ontario Convenience Stores Association was a guest author in Canada Convenience Store News

https://ccentral.ca/proposed-grocery-code-conduct-needs-wider-more-inclusive-scope