The post Webinar: Understanding the DRMP appeared first on CFIG :: Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers.
]]>A recording can be found here.
The webinar led by Stéphanie Blondin, Deputy Director of the OGSCC, provided a clear understanding of how the DRMP works, why it exists, how to access it, and what to expect throughout the process. If you have any questions or would like to follow up on anything discussed, contact [email protected].
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]]>The post Drive Away Hunger partners donate 635 million appeared first on CFIG :: Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers.
]]>“Food insecurity affects our families, neighbours and communities. These donations are not just statistics,” said Justine Hendricks, FCC president and CEO. “They can represent the difference between going to bed hungry and having food on the table, and they leave money for other essentials like rent, heat, or a child’s winter coat. The goal is to make sure food that would otherwise go to waste reaches family tables where it is needed.”
Food insecurity in Canada remains a critical issue. More than 10 million people live in households that do not always have enough food, including nearly one in three children. The HungerCount 2025 report from Food Banks Canada showed that food bank usage rose by 5.2 per cent, with many people relying on food banks being working Canadians managing tight budgets.
Every year, partners across the agri-food industry, including producers,processors, distributors, retailers, and food companies, voluntarily redirect surplus food from across the supply chain to curb food waste and support families. The 635 million meals donated were valued at over $2.25 billion, equivalent to about 63 meals per person in a year.
These donations are made possible through food rescue services such as Second Harvest and FoodMesh, which help coordinate the safe and timely redistribution of surplus food by matching donors with local charities and community groups, and managing pickups and transportation.
“This achievement reflects the sustained commitment to supporting communities by Drive Away Hunger partners across Canada’s agriculture and food sector,” said Hendricks, “By working together year after year, partners are delivering food to communities at a scale made possible through industry collaboration.”
For more than 20 years, Drive Away Hunger has been a year-round initiative that continues to welcome new partners to join the fight against food insecurity in Canada. FCC is one of over 100 Drive Away Hunger partners. In the past year, FCC donated over six million meals through corporate donations, food loss and waste partnerships, and employee giving.
For a full list of 2025 partners and information on how to get involved, visit driveawayhunger.ca.
About FCC
FCC is proud to be 100 per cent invested in Canadian agriculture and food. The organization’s employees are committed to the long-standing success of those who produce and process Canadian food. FCC provides flexible financing and capital solutions, while creating value through data, knowledge, relationships and expertise. FCC offers a complement of financial and non-financial products and services designed to support the complex and evolving needs of the industry. As a commercial Crown corporation, FCC is a stable partner that reinvests profits back into the industry and communities it serves. For more information, visit fcc.ca.
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]]>The post Statistics Canada’s New Data Visualization Tool on Household Spending appeared first on CFIG :: Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers.
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You can also share our social media posts highlighting the new tool:
To calculate your unique personal inflation rate and compare it with the national figure, please visit the Personal Inflation Calculator.
Engagement and Data Services Division
Statistics Canada [email protected]
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]]>The post New Ontario requirements for publicly advertised job postings that came into effect on January 1, 2026 appeared first on CFIG :: Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers.
]]>| The Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development has updated information on the new requirements related to publicly advertised job postings and job posting platforms that came into effect on January 1, 2026. Ontario’s new measures include two first-in-Canada components: a limit on the range of expected compensation that may be included in a publicly advertised job posting, and a requirement to include a statement disclosing the use of artificial intelligence to screen, assess or select applicants. The new requirements apply to employers, including prospective employers, who advertise publicly advertised job postings, including where a third party does so on their behalf, and persons who operate job posting platforms. These rules generally apply to publicly advertised job postings that are posted on or after January 1, 2026. The requirement to provide information to an applicant interviewed for a position applies if the interview took place on or after January 1, 2026, even if the publicly advertised job posting was posted before January 1, 2026. Employers are required to include the following information in a publicly advertised job posting: information about the expected compensation or range of expected compensation for the position (note: if providing a range, it cannot exceed $50,000 per year), a statement disclosing the employer’s use, if any, of artificial intelligence to screen, assess or select applicants for the position, a statement disclosing whether a vacancy exists or not. Employers cannot include any Canadian experience requirements in publicly advertised job postings or in associated application forms. Further, if an employer interviews an applicant for a publicly advertised job posting, they are required to tell that applicant whether they made a hiring decision for that posting. The employer must provide that information to the applicant within 45 days after the date of the interview. If the employer interviews the applicant more than once, then they must provide the information within 45 days after the date of the last interview. The above-noted requirements do not apply to employers that employ less than 25 employees on the day the publicly advertised job posting is posted. These requirements also do not apply to the Crown, a Crown agency or an authority, board, commission or corporation whose members are all appointed by the Crown and their employees. In addition to the above requirements, a person who operates a job posting platform is required to have the following things in place: a mechanism or procedure for users of the platform to report fraudulent publicly advertised job postings to the person operating the platform a written policy about fraudulent publicly advertised job postings, which must include information about how fraudulent publicly advertised job postings are addressed by the person operating the platform The person operating the job posting platform must display both the reporting mechanism or procedure and the written policy in a conspicuous place on the platform where it is likely to come to the attention of the users of the platform. Visit the new chapter on requirements related to publicly advertised job postings at Ontario.ca/ESAjobpostings. Employers and persons who operate job posting platforms who are found to be in contravention of the ESA can be subject to enforcement action, including monetary penalties or fines. If you need help understanding your responsibilities and rights under the ESA, you can: Visit Your guide to the Employment Standards Act at Ontario.ca/ESAguide. Call the Employment Standards Information Centre at 1-800-531-5551 or TTY (for hearing impaired) at 1-866-567-8893. Information is available in many languages. To stay up-to-date on Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development news, subscribe to our newsletter. Thank you, Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development ______________________________________________________________ Le ministère du Travail, de l’Immigration, de la Formation et du Développement des compétences a mis à jour les renseignements sur les nouvelles exigences relatives aux annonces publiques de postes et aux plateformes d’affichage de postes, qui sont entrées en vigueur le 1er janvier 2026. Les nouvelles mesures de l’Ontario comprennent deux éléments uniques au Canada : une limite relative à la fourchette de rémunération prévue pouvant figurer dans une annonce publique de poste, et l’obligation d’inclure une déclaration indiquant le recours à l’intelligence artificielle dans le cadre du processus de présélection, d’évaluation ou de sélection des candidats. Les nouvelles exigences s’appliquent aux employeurs, y compris aux employeurs éventuels, qui affichent des annonces publiques de postes, ainsi qu’aux tiers agissant en leur nom, et aux personnes qui exploitent des plateformes d’affichage de postes. Ces règles s’appliquent généralement aux annonces publiques de postes affichées le ou après le 1er janvier 2026. L’obligation de fournir des renseignements à un candidat convoqué en entrevue s’applique si l’entrevue a eu lieu le 1ᵉʳ janvier 2026 ou après, même si l’annonce publique de poste avait été affichée avant le 1ᵉʳ janvier 2026. Les employeurs sont tenus d’inclure les renseignements suivants dans les annonces publiques de postes : des renseignements sur la rémunération prévue ou la fourchette de rémunération prévue pour le poste (remarque : dans le cas d’une fourchette de rémunération, l’écart de celle ci ne doit pas dépasser une somme équivalant à 50 000 $ par année); une déclaration indiquant, le cas échéant, le recours à l’intelligence artificielle par l’employeur dans le cadre du processus de présélection, d’évaluation ou de sélection des candidats pour le poste; une déclaration indiquant si un poste vacant existe ou non. Il est interdit aux employeurs d’inclure dans une annonce publique de poste ou dans n’importe quel formulaire de candidature afférent des exigences relatives à l’expérience canadienne. Si un employeur fait passer une entrevue à un candidat à un poste ayant fait l’objet d’une annonce publique, l’employeur doit fournir au candidat les renseignements sur la question de savoir si une décision d’embauche a été prise à l’égard de l’annonce publique de poste. L’employeur doit fournir ces renseignements au candidat dans un délai de 45 jours suivant la date de l’entrevue ou, si l’employeur fait passer plus d’une entrevue au candidat, dans un délai de 45 jours suivant la date de la dernière entrevue. Les exigences susmentionnées ne s’appliquent pas à un employeur qui emploie moins de 25 employés le jour où l’annonce publique de poste est affichée. En outre, aucune de ces exigences ne s’applique à la Couronne ou à un de ses organismes ou à un office, un conseil, une commission ou une personne morale dont elle nomme tous les membres et à leurs employés. Outre les exigences susmentionnées, une personne qui exploite une plateforme d’affichage de postes est tenue de mettre en place les éléments suivants : Un mécanisme ou une procédure permettant aux usagers de la plateforme de signaler les affichages publics de postes frauduleux à la personne qui exploite la plateforme. Une politique écrite concernant les affichages publics de postes frauduleux, laquelle doit comprendre des renseignements sur la façon dont la personne qui exploite la plateforme traitera les affichages publics de postes frauduleux. La personne qui exploite la plateforme d’affichage de postes doit afficher le mécanisme ou la procédure de signalement et la politique écrite à un endroit bien en vue sur la plateforme susceptible d’attirer l’attention des usagers de la plateforme. Veuillez consulter le nouveau chapitre sur les exigences liées aux affichages publics de postes à Ontario.ca/LNEaffichagedepostes. Les employeurs et personnes qui exploitent des plateformes d’affichage de postes qui contreviennent à la LNE peuvent faire l’objet de mesures d’application de la loi, notamment de sanctions pécuniaires ou d’amendes. Si vous avez besoin d’aide pour comprendre vos responsabilités et vos droits dans le cadre de la LNE : Consultez Votre guide de la Loi sur les normes d’emploi à l’adresse Ontario.ca/guideLNE. Appelez le Centre d’information sur les normes d’emploi au 1 800 531-5551 ou ATS (pour les malentendants) au 1 866 567-8893. Les renseignements sont disponibles dans de nombreuses langues. Pour rester informé de l’actualité du ministère du Travail, de l’Immigration, de la Formation et du Développement des compétences, inscrivez-vous à notre infolettre. Merci, Ministère du Travail, de l’Immigration, de la Formation et du Développement des compétences |
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]]>The post Prime Minister Carney announces new measures to make groceries and other essentials more affordable for Canadians appeared first on CFIG :: Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers.
]]>The global landscape is rapidly changing, leaving economies, businesses, and workers under a cloud of uncertainty. In response, Canada’s new government is focused on what we can control: building a stronger economy to make life more affordable for Canadians. To that end, we are securing new trade and investment partnerships abroad and building our strength at home – to create good career opportunities with higher wages for Canadians.
Our plan is moving Canada’s economy from reliance to resilience, though some of the biggest long-term payoffs of this transformation will take time to be felt. To ensure Canadians have the support they need right now, the government has introduced a series of new measures to bring down costs – including cutting taxes for 22 million Canadians, supercharging homebuilding, and protecting and expanding vital social programs.
To build on that progress, the Prime Minister, Mark Carney, today introduced new measures to make groceries and other essentials more affordable. To bring down your costs, Canada’s new government is:
- Putting more money back in Canadians’ pockets
- The government is introducing the new Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit – formerly the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Credit. We are increasing its amount by 25% for five years beginning in July 2026.
- In addition to that, we are providing a one-time payment, equivalent to a 50% increase this year.
- Combined, this means that a family of four will receive up to $1,890 this year, and about $1,400 a year for the next four years; and a single person will receive up to $950 this year, and about $700 a year for the next four years.
- The new Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit will provide additional, significant support for more than 12 million Canadians.
- Tackling food insecurity, supporting producers, and strengthening supply chains
- The government is setting aside $500 million from the Strategic Response Fund to help businesses address the costs of supply chain disruptions without passing those costs on to Canadians at the checkout line.
- For the same purpose, the government will create a $150 million Food Security Fund under the existing Regional Tariff Response Initiative for small and medium enterprises and the organisations that support them.
- To lower the cost of food production, we are introducing immediate expensing for greenhouse buildings. This allows producers to fully write off greenhouses acquired on or after November 4, 2025, and that become available for use before 2030. This measure supports increased domestic supply and investment in food production over the medium-term.
- To ease immediate pressures with food banks, the government is providing $20 million to the Local Food Infrastructure Fund. This supports food banks and other national, regional, and local organisations to deliver more nutritious food to families in need.
- To tackle the root causes of food insecurity, we are developing a National Food Security Strategy – one that strengthens domestic food production and improves access to affordable, nutritious food.
- This strategy will also include measures to implement unit price labelling and support the work of the Competition Bureau in monitoring and enforcing competition in the market, including food supply chains.
Our government is focused on building a stronger economy – to create more career opportunities and higher wages. In parallel, we are bringing down costs to make life more affordable. That’s how we’ll empower more Canadians with greater certainty, security, and prosperity – now, and into the future.
Quotes
“One of the best things about Canada is that you don’t have to be born rich to succeed. To protect that fundamental value, we are building a stronger economy that benefits everyone – creating thousands of new career opportunities with better wages. We’re also bringing in new measures to lower costs and make sure Canadians have the support they need now. We’re building Canada strong, because we’re strongest when we look after each other and when we ensure everyone has the chance to get ahead.”
The Rt. Hon. Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Canada
“Our government is taking direct action to make life more affordable for Canadians. We are providing immediate relief on groceries and essentials, while strengthening domestic food production, competition, and supply chains to build a more resilient, affordable economy for the future.”
The Hon. François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Finance and National Revenue
“Many Canadians have been feeling the pressure of rising costs for far too long, and our government is focused on delivering support where it’s needed most. These measures will support Canada’s agriculture sector and strengthen the systems Canadians rely on every day. By taking action now, we’re helping families manage essential costs, improving food affordability, and strengthening a more resilient food system.”
The Hon. Heath MacDonald, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
“At a time when global supply chain disruptions are driving up prices, our government is stepping in. By committing $500 million through the Strategic Response Fund to help Canadian businesses manage rising costs, and putting a renewed focus on competition in the food supply chain, we are taking decisive action to bring down grocery prices. Strengthening supply chains and restoring real competition means more fairness at the checkout and real relief for Canadian families.”
The Hon. Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions
Quick facts
- Today’s announcement builds on the following measures to lower costs for Canadians and protect essential programs, including:
- Cutting taxes for 22 million middle-class Canadians by lowering the first marginal personal income tax rate from 15% to 14% as of July 1, 2025, providing tax relief of up to $420 a year per person, or up to $840 a year for two-income families.
- Eliminating the Goods and Services Tax (GST) for first-time homebuyers on new homes up to $1 million and reducing the GST for first-time home buyers on new homes between $1 million and $1.5 million, to immediately make the goal of home ownership a reality for more Canadians, especially young families.
- Cancelling the federal consumer carbon tax effective April 1, 2025, directly helping Canadians save money at the pump. The government also removed the requirement for provinces and territories to have a consumer-facing carbon price as of that date. This has helped reduce gas prices in most provinces and territories by up to 18 cents per litre in comparison to 2024-25, lowering headline inflation.
- Budget 2025 also outlined concrete action to ensure Canadians receive the support they deserve, including targeted measures to strengthen food security and household affordability:
- Making the National School Food Program permanent, providing school meals for up to 400,000 children each year, saving participating families with two children in school an estimated $800 annually on groceries.
- Introducing Automatic Federal Benefits, starting in the 2026 tax year, to ensure up to 5.5 million low-income Canadians automatically receive the benefits they qualify for by the 2028 tax year, including the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit and the Canada Child Benefit.
- Lowering costs and strengthening competition in essential services, including ambitious pro-competition measures in the telecom and financial sectors to reduce prices, make it easier for Canadians to switch providers, andlower banking and service fees.
- More information on Budget 2025 measures to tackle affordability is available here.
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]]>The post Vince’s raises over $34K to support families impacted by dementia appeared first on CFIG :: Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers.
]]>“Our year-long partnership with Vince’s Market has been truly transformative for the Alzheimer Societies of Durham Region, Simcoe Country, and York Region,” said a spokesperson for these organizations. “Either through numerous events or through their generous Community Product Initiative, Vince’s has not only raised significant funds to help provide caregivers with critical supports and services, but have also helped raise awareness of the need to support families impacted by dementia in our regions.”
Support for the Alzheimer Society, as well as previous recipients of Vince’s CPI, involved all four retail locations. Working with participating vendors, Vince’s identifies a variety of items – typically staples – and allocates 15 percent of sales from these designated Community Products throughout the year.
In addition to the CPI campaign, Vince’s annual Community BBQ, which marked the launch of their Streetside Eats food truck, raised $785 – a record for this event. The independent grocer also hosted a pilot project, the “Let’s Get Cooking” workshop, in partnership with the Alzheimer Societies of York Region and Simcoe County. The workshop supported caregivers of those living with dementia by providing an afternoon focused on nutrition, wellness, and social connection.
“Crossing the $200,000 threshold since the start of the Community Product Initiative validates the sustained commitment of our customers and vendor partners,” said Giancarlo Trimarchi, President of Vince’s Market. “We are proud to have supported the Alzheimer Society this past year, and we look forward to applying this same community focus to our 2026 partnership with Easter Seals Ontario.”
“The collaborative partnership with all three organizations has been truly meaningful,” said Maria Ciarlandini, Vince’s Manager of Culture, People and Community Support. “And we are confident that the funds raised will make a positive difference in the lives of caregivers and individuals living with Alzheimer’s and related dementias. “For 2026, the recipient for Vince’s Community Product Initiative will be Easter Seals Ontario.
For more than a century, this organization has been dedicated to removing barriers for children and young adults with physical disabilities. Through a wide range of programs and services they focus on empowering individuals to achieve independence and success.
Development Officer Andrea Peterson adds: “Easter Seals supports children and youth with physical disabilities by providing access to essential programs, equipment, and inclusive experiences that help them reach their full potential. Every dollar donated goes directly toward life-changing supports – such as mobility equipment, accessible programming, and family assistance – ensuring children can participate fully at home, at school, and in their communities.”
The first selection of 2026 Community Products will be announced in the coming weeks. Shoppers are encouraged to look for designated signage across all four stores to identify participating items, as every purchase contributes directly to the annual goal and the ongoing support of Easter Seals Ontario’s life-changing work.
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]]>The post Life Members Announced appeared first on CFIG :: Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers.
]]>Independent Grocer: Doug Lovsin, Freson Bros., Stoney Plain, Alta.
Industry Builder: Jamie Nelson of Pattison Food Group in Langley, B.C.
Life Partners: Linda & Brooke Kynoch, Safety Mart Foods, Chase, B.C., and Scotch Creek Market, Scotch Creek, B.C.
At Grocery Innovations Canada in Toronto last October, CFIG awarded Life Member status to these four long-time supporters from Western Canada.
At the young age of 22, Doug was running his first store, in Hanna, Alberta, a town of about 3,000 people. Asked about managing a small store in a small town, Doug says, “There’s nothing better. Everybody knows you, you’re part of everything, from the Christmas parade, to a hockey tournament to a rodeo.”
Jamie Nelson’s journey from part-time clerk in Mission, B.C., to President of the Pattison Food Group is a story of vision, perseverance, and people-first leadership. Jamie got his start at the local Mission Overwaitea Foods store. At just 17 years old, he discovered a simple truth – it’s all about the customer. That commitment to service still drives him today.
For Linda and Brooke Kynoch, the most rewarding part of their work as grocers has always been the people, say the couple— it truly is a people business. “We hope to leave a legacy as a business that truly supported its community. We want to be remembered as grocers who cared — about people, about relationships, and about doing the right thing,” says Linda.
All four life members will be celebrated at the gala dinner on April 21, at Grocery & Specialty Food West, the largest grocery exhibition and conference in Western Canada. To get your tickets register at www.GSFShow.com
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]]>The post Reminder: Update Firewall and Network settings to avoid Moneris service disruption. DEADLINE: JAN 13 appeared first on CFIG :: Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers.
]]>Merchants requiring more information may contact customer support at moneris.com/en/contact/live-agent.
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]]>The post The Canada Grocery Code Now Fully Implemented appeared first on CFIG :: Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers.
]]>READ the press release (EN/FR)
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]]>The post New and updated licence conditions related to pistachios originating from Iran appeared first on CFIG :: Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers.
]]>In an effort to reduce the risk of further illnesses, CFIA has implemented new licence conditions.
- The licence conditions that were implemented on September 27, 2025 have been updated. Refer to Regulatory requirements and licence conditions for importing pistachio products (UPDATE-December 2025).
- The CFIA has also issued new regulatory requirements and licence conditions relating to pistachios and pistachio products imported before September 27, 2025, and that remain in the domestic supply chain. Refer to Regulatory requirements and licence conditions related to pistachios originating from Iran that were imported into Canada before September 27th, 2025 (December 2025).
The CFIA has also published the following:
- Notice to retail and food service businesses: Imported pistachios from Iran may contain Salmonella bacteria
- Consumer advisory – Imported pistachios from Iran: What you need to know
Please review this information and consider sharing with your membership as appropriate. I’ve included English and French links below. We are available to meet with you to review the updated information and answer any questions that you may have.
Regards,
Kristin Hill
Policy and Program Leader, Technical Expertise and Advice, Policy and Programs Branch
Canadian Food Inspection Agency
Chef, politiques et programmes, Expertise technique et conseils, Politiques et programmes
Agence canadienne d’inspection des aliments
Consumer Advisory
EN: https://recalls-rappels.canada.ca/en/alert-recall/imported-pistachios-iran-what-you-need-know
FR : https://recalls-rappels.canada.ca/fr/avis-rappel/pistaches-importees-iran-ce-que-vous-devez-savoir
Notice to retail and food service businesses:
Changes to conditions for importing pistachios:
New Licence conditions for SFCR licence holders:
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