C-226 · National Framework for Food Price Transparency Act
An Act to establish a national framework to improve food price transparency
- Establishes a national framework for grocery pricing and unit price display practices.
- Requires the Minister of Industry to consult with provincial representatives to develop standards.
- Mandates transparency for price increases and promotes consumer education on unit pricing.
This Act requires the Minister of Industry to develop a national framework for grocery pricing and unit price display practices to help consumers make informed choices. It mandates the establishment of standards for unit pricing and promotes education on these practices.
This matters as it aims to enhance consumer awareness regarding food pricing, potentially leading to better-value purchases and greater competition among retailers. Clarity in pricing can help families manage their budgets more effectively amidst rising living costs.
The framework seeks to address the lack of clarity and consistency in grocery pricing which can confuse consumers.
Consumers benefit through improved information on grocery prices and unit pricing practices.
Retailers may face increased regulatory obligations and potential costs associated with compliance, limiting their pricing flexibility.
Read the actual text (5)
1This Act may be cited as the National Framework for Food Price Transparency Act .
2In this Act, Minister means the Minister of Industry.
3(1) The Minister must, in consultation with the representatives of the provincial governments responsible for consumer affairs, develop a national framework respecting grocery pricing and unit price display practices to assist consumers in making informed decisions when purchasing food and other household goods. Content (2) The framework must include measures (a) to establish national standards for the grocery retail sector respecting (i) unit pricing for food and other household goods, including the accuracy, usability and accessibility of unit price displays for consumers, and (ii) transparency regarding price increases, adjustments and fluctuations; and (b) to promote unit pricing education to consumers across Canada, including what unit prices are and how they are used.
4(1) Within 18 months after the day on which this Act comes into force, the Minister must prepare a report setting out the framework. Tabling of report (2) The Minister must cause the report to be tabled in each House of Parliament on any of the first 15 days on which that House is sitting after the report is completed. Publication (3) The Minister must publish the report on the website of the Department of Industry within 10 days after the day on which the report is tabled in both Houses of Parliament.
5(1) Within five years after the day on which the report referred to in subsection 4(1) is tabled in both Houses of Parliament, the Minister must, in consultation with the parties referred to in subsection 3(1), undertake a review of the implementation and effectiveness of the framework and prepare a report that sets out the conclusions and recommendations resulting from that review. Tabling of report (2) The Minister must cause the report to be tabled in each House of Parliament on any of the first 15 days on which that House is sitting after the report is completed. Publication (3) The Minister must publish the report on the website of the Department of Industry within 10 days after the day on which the report is tabled in both Houses of Parliament.
Official drafter summary (parl.ca)
This enactment provides for the development of a national framework respecting grocery pricing and unit price display practices. It also sets out reporting requirements in relation to the framework. Available on the House of Commons website at the following address: www.ourcommons.ca 1st Session, 45th Parliament, 3 - 4 Charles III, 2025 HOUSE OF COMMONS OF CANADA BILL C-226 An Act to establish a national framework to improve food price transparency His Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate and House of Commons of Canada, enacts as follows: Short Title Short title 1 This Act may be cited as the National Framework for Food Price Transparency Act . Interpretation Definition of Minister 2 In this Act, Minister means the Minister of Industry. National Framework to Improve Food Price Transparency Development 3 ( 1 ) The Minister must, in consultation with the representatives of the provincial governments responsible for consumer affairs, develop a national framework respecting grocery pricing and unit price display practices to assist consumers in making informed decisions when purchasing food and other household goods. Content ( 2 ) The framework must include measures (a) to establish national standards for the grocery retail sector respecting (i) unit pricing for food and other household goods, including the accuracy, usability and accessibility of unit price displays for consumers, and (ii) transparency regarding price increases, adjustments and fluctuations; and (b) to promote unit pricing education to consumers across Canada, including what unit prices are and how they are used. Reports to Parliament Report 4 ( 1 ) Within 18 months after the day on which this Act comes into force, the Minister must prepare a report setting out the framework. Tabling of report ( 2 ) The Minister must cause the report to be tabled in each House of Parliament on any of the first 15 days on which that House is sitting after the report is completed. Publication ( 3 ) The Minister must publish the report on the website of the Department of Industry within 10 days after the day on which the report is tabled in both Houses of Parliament. Review and report 5 ( 1 ) Within five years after the day on which the report referred to in subsection 4 ( 1 ) is tabled in both Houses of Parliament, the Minister must, in consultation with the parties referred to in subsection 3 ( 1 ), undertake a review of the implementation and effectiveness of the framework and prepare a report that sets out the conclusions and recommendations resulting from that review. Tabling of report ( 2 ) The Minister must cause the report to be tabled in each House of Parliament on any of the first 15 days on which that House is sitting after the report is completed. Publication ( 3 ) The Minister must publish the report on the website of the Department of Industry within 10 days after the day on which the report is tabled in both Houses of Parliament. Published under authority of the Speaker of the House of Commons Publication Explorer Publication Explorer ParlVU Senate House of Commons Library of Parliament Employment at Parliament Important Notices $(function () { $('[data-toggle="tooltip"]').tooltip({ delay: { "show": 300, "hide": 50 }, placement: "top" }) }) $(document).ready(function () { var rawUrl = '/documentviewer/en/45-1/bill/C-226/first-reading'; $("a[href$='#StartOfContent']").each(function() { var newHref = rawUrl + "#StartOfContent"; $(this).attr('href', newHref); }); })
- Disagreement on federal vs. provincial authority over grocery pricing regulation
- Debate on whether transparency will actually lower grocery prices
- Contrasting views on the sufficiency of the bill's measures to address food insecurity
- Concerns regarding the potential increase in bureaucracy and red tape
Liberal and NDP support the bill while Conservatives and Bloc Québécois oppose it, citing jurisdiction and effectiveness concerns.
- First reading (House of Commons)Sep 18, 2025
- Second reading (House of Commons)Apr 22, 2026