Bureau investigates restrictive real estate covenants for grocery stores
Keldon Bester, executive director of the Canadian Antimonopoly Project, welcomed the announcement of an investigation by the Bureau.
“I’m glad to see the office moving quickly,” he said.
Competition Bureau investigating use of restrictive property clauses in grocery
Property controls also make it more attractive for companies to consolidate as a way of expanding, said Bester.
“If the prime real estate is wrapped up in these kinds of agreements, if a company wants to expand, they are encouraged to buy up and reduce competition,” he said.
Canada’s grocery business doesn’t have enough competition — and shoppers are paying the price, report finds
"Canada's grocery business is controlled by large players and needs government assistance to encourage new entrants to bring down prices, a report from the Competition Bureau says."
Calls for more competition to combat soaring grocery prices
"A new report says there's a lack of competition in the grocery business — and consumers are paying the price. Right now, there are just five big players dominating the market in Canada."