The Office of the Grocery Sector Code of Conduct (OGSCC) has announced that, as of January 1, 2026, the Canada Grocery Code has been fully implemented, and the Dispute Resolution Management Process (DRMP) is now operational.
Developed collaboratively by representatives from across Canada’s grocery supply chain, the Code establishes clear principles and best practices designed to strengthen transparency, predictability, and fairness in commercial relationships. With full implementation, stakeholders across the sector have access to a framework that supports effective business practices and provides equitable mechanism for resolving specific commercial disputes.
All major national grocery retailers (Costco Wholesale Canada Ltd., Empire Company Limited, Loblaw Inc., Metro Inc., and Wal‑Mart Canada Corp) have formally registered with the OGSCC. They join more than 150 other retailers and suppliers as members of the OGSCC, helping ensure broad participation and meaningful impact across the industry.
“This level of participation is a significant advancement for the voluntary Code,” said Karen Proud, President and Adjudicator of the Office of the Grocery Sector Code of Conduct. “The commitment from Canada’s largest grocery retailers sends a powerful signal about the industry’s readiness to embrace fairness and collaboration.”
“We applaud the collective effort and leadership shown by the Office of the Grocery Sector Code of Conduct in advancing the Code toward full implementation in the new year,” said Honourable Heath MacDonald, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food. “Collaboration across the retail sector is helping build a stronger, more accessible, and more resilient supply chain.”
“Today marks an important milestone in the implementation of the Canadian Grocery Code, with the participation of all major retailers. Their involvement is essential to achieving our objectives: greater fairness, predictability, and transparency for companies that supply the retail food market, which will benefit consumers. I am proud that Quebec has ensured it will play a leading role in this project,” said Donald Martel, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.
Support from Canada’s largest retailers is expected to encourage additional adoption from across the sector. With the Code now fully implemented and the DRMP in place, the OGSCC anticipates continued growth in participation as organizations work collectively to support a stronger and more competitive grocery supply chain.
Source: Canada Grocery Code