The recommendation was part of the bureau’s long-awaited grocery report, which also called for the creation of an innovation strategy for the sector to support online businesses and other disruptors, help for independent players, the introduction of unit-pricing requirements and limiting property controls in the industry. (The Logic)

Talking point: The bureau suggests federal, provincial and territorial governments support independent grocers through grants and other incentives, rather than grocery giants, suggesting that their potential growth into strong regional or national players could increase competition. They “should do all that they can to attract international grocers,” the report said, “including the easing of any barriers that make industry entry challenging.” It pointed to Australia as an example of an international player that saw “a significant reduction in grocery prices” with the addition of ultra discounter Aldi entering the market. The report comes roughly eight months after the Competition Bureau said it would study the sector amid rapidly rising food inflation.