National Grocery Unit Pricing Framework

Summary#

This bill orders the federal Minister of Industry to create a national framework on grocery pricing and unit price display. It aims to make shelf prices easier to compare and to explain price changes to shoppers. It also requires a public report within 18 months and a follow‑up review within five years.

• Sets national standards for unit pricing (price per litre, kilogram, etc.) and for transparency about price increases and fluctuations (s.3(2)(a)(i)–(ii)).
• Requires consumer education on how to use unit prices (s.3(2)(b)).
• Requires the Minister to consult provinces and territories when developing the framework (s.3(1)).
• Mandates a report to Parliament within 18 months of the Act coming into force, and online publication within 10 days after tabling (s.4(1)–(3)).
• Requires a review of the framework’s results within five years after the report is tabled, with a second public report (s.5(1)–(3)).
• Creates no penalties, fees, or direct obligations on retailers in the bill text.

What it means for you#

• Households

  • No immediate change at checkout. The bill first requires the Minister to develop and publish the framework within 18 months after the Act comes into force (s.4(1)).
  • You may later see more consistent unit price labels on shelves and online, and clearer information about price increases, if governments and retailers adopt the framework (s.3(2)(a)).
  • You may see public education on how to read and use unit prices (s.3(2)(b)).

• Workers (retail grocery)

  • No direct new duties in the bill. Future standards could require changes in shelf labels or systems, depending on how the framework is implemented by governments or employers (s.3(2)(a)).

• Businesses (grocery retailers and ecommerce)

  • No immediate legal requirements. The bill directs the Minister to develop national standards and education measures, not to enforce them (s.3(2), s.4–s.5).
  • Future adoption of the framework could require updating shelf tags, digital displays, and pricing systems to meet unit pricing and transparency standards (s.3(2)(a)).

• Provinces and territories

  • You will be consulted in developing the framework (s.3(1)).
  • Adoption or enforcement of standards may require provincial or territorial action under consumer protection laws. The bill does not compel such action.

• Federal government

  • The Minister of Industry must lead consultations, develop the framework, table a report within 18 months, publish it within 10 days after tabling, and conduct a five‑year review with a second report (s.3–s.5).

Expenses#

Estimated net cost: Data unavailable.

• No direct appropriations, fees, or penalties are created in the bill text (s.3–s.5).
• Departmental costs to develop, table, and review the framework are not estimated in public documents. Data unavailable.
• No fiscal note was identified. Data unavailable.

Proponents' View#

• Consistent unit pricing makes it easier for shoppers to compare products of different sizes and brands, which can support informed choices (s.3(2)(a)(i)). No quantified savings estimate is provided in the bill.
• Clear rules on how price increases and fluctuations are shown can reduce confusion and help consumers understand changes over time (s.3(2)(a)(ii)).
• A national framework can reduce a patchwork of practices across retailers and jurisdictions, creating a more consistent experience for consumers and national chains (s.3(2)). This assumes provincial cooperation and adoption.
• Consumer education on unit pricing can increase use and accuracy in comparison shopping (s.3(2)(b)). No quantified impact is provided.
• The 18‑month reporting deadline and five‑year review create public accountability and a chance to adjust the framework if it is not effective (s.4(1), s.5(1)).

Opponents' View#

• The bill sets no enforcement mechanism or retailer obligations, so the framework could be voluntary and have limited impact without later laws or agreements (s.3–s.5).
• Consumer protection is an area with strong provincial roles; a federal framework may create overlap or delays if provinces do not align, even with consultation (s.3(1)).
• If governments later make standards mandatory, retailers may face costs to change shelf tags, software, and online displays; these costs could be passed on to consumers. No cost estimates are provided. Data unavailable.
• The 18‑month timeline means no short‑term change for shoppers facing high prices now (s.4(1)).
• “Transparency regarding price increases, adjustments and fluctuations” is broad; without clear definitions, future rules could be complex or unevenly applied (s.3(2)(a)(ii)).