In an era when food inflation has become a contentious political issue, it’s tempting for politicians to target the grocery industry. Sadly, that’s exactly what transpired in our country this year, and it was both absurd and embarrassing. The government and Parliament relentlessly hounded grocers, drowning out the opportunity for Canadians to truly comprehend the
Opinion: Let’s give the grocery theatrics a rest in 2024
Grocers made convenient punching bags, but that’s not how solutions are found
Opinion: Carbon tax makes Canadian food production less competitive
Recent claims that the carbon tax has little effect are poorly thought out
The federal government has put a hold on the carbon tax applied to heating oil for the next three years and announced a doubling of the rural supplement in the carbon tax rebate program. In mere minutes, Ottawa transformed the carbon tax into a negotiable political lightning rod and lent credence to carbon tax critics.
Opinion: Consumers still shelling out for fair trade
Fair-trade products are typically less popular when food prices rise but this time, it’s different
October marks Fair Trade Month even as the cost of food remains high, so the question arises: why celebrate fair trade when many of its products come with a price premium? Given our collective concerns on sustainability and social justice for the globe’s farmers, however, it is imperative that we talk about it. While fair-trade
Opinion: Decoding Canada’s food inflation maze
Despite what it feels like, Canada’s story is one of agricultural and food system resilience
July’s food inflation data offers insights into the complex interplay of factors shaping our grocery bills. While some Canadians may be hesitant to acknowledge it, there is a gradual improvement taking place. The decrease in our food inflation rate from 8.3 per cent to 7.8 per cent, along with the narrowing gap between food inflation
Comment: Grain deal withdrawal weaponizing food insecurity, again
Russia’s abandonment of the Black Sea grain deal spells trouble for global hunger
Russia’s recent decision to terminate the Black Sea grain agreement that allowed tonnes of Ukrainian grain to be shipped to 45 nations, has raised concerns over global food security. As the war between Russia and Ukraine rages, nearly half of Ukraine’s food exports, which are mainly directed toward developing nations, could be adversely affected. Despite
Comment: Interest rates affect food choices
Food and shelter are bare necessities and when the cost of one goes up too quickly, consumers cut back on the other
The Bank of Canada has once again increased its benchmark interest rate. Concurrently, a growing number of financial experts express apprehensions about the potential impact of yet another rate hike on consumers. Their concerns are not unfounded. Let us examine the evidence. Undoubtedly, food and housing constitute the fundamental necessities of life. Pertinent data reveals
Comment: Read the room
Galen Weston raise falls flat in time of austerity at grocery till
Canadians often hold their breath as they approach their grocery store cash register these days, but it appears our grocers’ C-suite chains are just getting richer. Galen Weston, president and CEO of Loblaws, will get a hefty raise this year, $11.7 million in salaries and bonuses, up 52 per cent from 2022. Though these past
Comment: Canadians want more grocery competition
Survey shows Canadians are keenly aware of what’s driving grocery prices higher
Many surveys suggest that Canadians firmly believe grocery chains are profiteering from food inflation and unnecessarily pushing prices higher. Meanwhile, many experts believe some profiteering is a reality in parts of the industry, and not just in food retail. Food inflation is a worldwide phenomenon. Canada has the third-lowest food inflation rate within the G7+EU
Comment: Grocery rebate a misguided budget perk
A better plan would be to task AAFC to develop a program similar to the U.S. SNAP program
The recent federal budget had more leaks than the Titanic. There were so many leaks ahead of its release on March 28 that most of us already knew what was in it beforehand. Many years ago, ministers of finance would be asked to resign if the secrecy of the budget was breached. These are different
Comment: Farmland prices continue to go up… and up
Farmland is getting expensive, and that’s not necessarily a bad thing
We all know what’s happening to real estate these days. Everything got more expensive in a hurry, fueled by rock-bottom interest rates. But farming has also been impacted by lower interest rates and investors looking for safety and better yields. The increase in farmland value in Canada has been nothing short of spectacular. The value
Cyber-Savvy Farmer
