AGP Executive Report

Consumer Protection: Alberta tabled a bill to strengthen protections for car buyers and ticket purchasers, and another measure would expand repair rights for cars and electronics. Rogers was ordered to pay $15 million over how it marketed Infinite wireless plans. Grocery Bills: Loblaw says it rejected supplier requests for hundreds of millions of dollars in price increases, while a grocery comparison found wide price differences for identical products. A Montreal kosher meat seller alleges that certification rules are limiting competition and raising prices; the claims are disputed. Retail: Walmart is refreshing its Great Value brand in Canada, while Aritzia plans store openings and product expansion as it targets $10.5 billion in revenue by 2032. Household Budgets: The Bank of Canada’s rate increase to 2.5% adds pressure for borrowers, and Canadians’ holiday spending is projected to drop 14%. Product Safety: Children’s bike seats were recalled over a choking hazard, while a study found that warning labels have changed buying decisions for many Canadian shoppers.

Consumer Costs: The Bank of Canada raised its key rate to 2.5%, prompting major banks to lift prime rates to 4.70% and increasing costs for variable-rate mortgages and lines of credit. Consumer Protections: Alberta introduced a bill proposing a “lemon law” for defective vehicles and right-to-repair rules; it also considers caps on ticket-resale markups and prices. Grocery Prices: Loblaw says it has rejected hundreds of millions of dollars in supplier price increases, as higher commodity, freight and tariff costs put pressure on products. Air Travel: The Competition Bureau warns that a proposed Air Canada–United partnership could raise fares on 10 Canada–U.S. routes, causing millions of dollars in annual consumer harm. Retail: Walmart is bringing its refreshed Great Value packaging to Canada this fall, with about 150 products expected to switch to the new look next year.

Food and Beverage: GLP-1 use is prompting beverage makers to rethink products, with more launches focused on hydration, electrolytes and gut health. Canadian research also finds food warning labels are changing many shoppers’ buying choices. Retail: Aritzia is targeting $10.5 billion in sales, citing continued double-digit growth, while Canadian retail trade rose 1.2% in August. A grocery price comparison highlights large differences in what shoppers pay for the same items. Autos and Tariffs: Stellantis reported a $503-million third-quarter loss and expects $1.1 billion in tariff costs this year; a planned production pause in Windsor is also weighing on North American volumes. Product Safety: Recalls have been issued for children’s bike seats over a choking hazard and Benchmark electric snow throwers over electric-shock risk.

Product Safety: Benchmark electric snow throwers have been recalled over an electric-shock risk; owners should check the recall notice before use. Trade & Costs: The U.S. has removed tariffs from some Canadian goods while adding levies to others, keeping cross-border costs uncertain for sellers and shoppers. Shopping & Prices: A grocery comparison found wide price differences for identical products, while rising Halloween candy prices are prompting shoppers to look for ways to save. Retail Pulse: Canadian retail sales rose 1.2% in August to $74.6 billion, largely on stronger new-car sales; foodservice sales are also rising, but operators face squeezed profits.

Trade & Tariffs: The U.S. has removed some 50% tariffs on Canadian goods while revising the list of affected products, offering selective relief but no broad resolution. Mark Carney says trade talks have intensified, though Canada’s position is unchanged and a deal remains uncertain. Food Industry: Japan’s Umios has agreed to buy Nova Scotia seafood company High Liner Foods in a deal valued at about $804 million, marking a major change in ownership for a Canadian food supplier. Retail Expansion: Uniqlo plans to open a flagship store in downtown Vancouver’s former Nordstrom building next spring. Retail Snapshot: Canadian retail sales rose 1.2% in August to $74.6 billion, with new-car sales leading the increase.

Trade and Prices: The U.S. removed 50% tariffs on some Canadian goods but reshuffled duties on others. Talks on steel and autos continue, leaving costs uncertain for businesses and shoppers. Retail: Canadian sales rose 1.2% in August to $74.6 billion, with new-car purchases leading the gain. Food Industry: Japan’s Umios agreed to buy Nova Scotia’s High Liner Foods for about C$1.25 billion, combining seafood businesses in a major sector deal. Store Expansion: Couche-Tard has reportedly made a fresh bid for Cumberland Farms, while Uniqlo plans a downtown Vancouver flagship in the former Nordstrom building.

Trade & Shopping: The U.S. has lifted some tariffs on Canadian goods, including food products, while changing levies on others; talk of a broader deal offers little certainty for shoppers or businesses. Loblaw says discount stores are key to winning price-weary customers, as budgets tighten ahead of the holidays. Food Costs: Canadian food costs are reported up 9.7%, while food banks are serving 2.3 million visits a month. Retailers also see growing demand for Canadian-made Halloween products. Food Safety: Plantropy’s Jack’d Up Bites were recalled over undeclared milk, and Kinder chocolates are subject to an international recall.

Trade & Prices: Washington has removed 50% tariffs from some Canadian goods, including selected farm and manufacturing products, but added levies elsewhere, leaving businesses and shoppers facing uncertainty. Household Budgets: Loblaw CEO Per Bank says discount stores are now key to winning price-weary shoppers. Borrowing Costs: The Bank of Canada is widely expected to raise its benchmark rate Wednesday for the first time in three years as oil-price risks stoke inflation concerns—a potential strain on mortgage holders. Product Safety: Plantropy’s Jack’d Up Bites jalapeño protein snacks were recalled over undeclared milk, a warning for consumers with allergies. Market Choices: Canada’s upcoming EU summit in Montréal is pitching lower costs and more consumer choice, while automaker Chery is weighing Canadian production ahead of a planned 2027 launch.

Trade & Prices: The U.S. has lifted some 50% tariffs on Canadian goods while adding others, so the relief is selective. Food costs are also drawing attention, with one report citing a 9.7% increase. Food Safety: Plantropy’s Jack’d Up Bites Crispy Protein Bites in Jalapeño flavour were recalled over undeclared milk—a key warning for shoppers with allergies. Canadian Food: Glengarry Fine Cheese won several top honours at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, including champion cheddar. Meanwhile, Canada’s maple syrup reserve is projected to run out by February, leaving less stock to buffer a poor harvest. Halloween Shopping: Retailers say demand for Canadian-made Halloween products is growing, as shoppers compare candy prices at Bulk Barn, Costco, Walmart and Loblaws.

Product Safety: The CFIA recalled Plantropy Jack’d Up Bites in jalapeño flavour across Canada because they contain undeclared milk. Trade and Supply: The U.S. is removing some Canadian goods, including plywood, paper products and machinery, from its 50% tariff list from Oct. 30, while adding other products; the changes are not a blanket end to tariffs. Holiday Shopping: Canadian retailers report stronger demand for homegrown Halloween products as shoppers try to buy Canadian, while a seasonal survey finds budgets are tighter and value matters more. A price comparison also found Halloween candy costs vary widely across Bulk Barn, Costco, Walmart and Loblaws. Food Costs: A report says food costs have risen 9.7%, adding pressure as consumers head into the holiday season.

Trade & Product Costs: The U.S. is removing 50% tariffs on some Canadian exports, including plywood, paper and packaging, from Oct. 30, while adding duties on products such as shampoo, carpets and cocoa powder. The reshuffle leaves Canadian businesses facing continued trade uncertainty. Retail Trends: As big retailers report weaker sales, Toronto’s one-product shops — from hat stores to sellers of human skulls — are finding loyal customers through niche goods, expertise and personal service. Shopper Spending: Budgets are tighter and shoppers are prioritizing value this holiday season, according to a new survey. Consumer Data: Loblaw says a March data breach affected about two million customers and is offering free credit monitoring.

Trade Relief: The U.S. is removing 50% tariffs on some Canadian agricultural and forestry goods, including paper products, packaging and machinery, effective Oct. 30. The exemptions may ease costs for cross-border businesses, but cover only some imports. Data Security: Loblaw says a March breach affected about two million customers and is offering free credit monitoring. Household Bills: Rogers will add a 1.6% fee to most credit-card bill payments starting Jan. 17, 2027; Quebec is excluded. Grocery Savings: No Frills has launched a campaign to cut food waste, with tips and discounts aimed at helping shoppers save. Retail Services: Staples Canada is bringing office supplies, technology, printing and facilities services together under its new Staples Business brand. Consumer Fees: Canada’s financial consumer agency says unclear bank fees can be difficult to spot and compare, making it harder for customers to understand costs.

New Tech: Apple’s first foldable iPhone Duo is now on sale, but walk-in stock in Canada is limited, leaving some buyers facing long waits. Food and Drink: Taco Bell has extended its PepsiCo partnership through 2036 in Canada and other markets, keeping Pepsi, Mountain Dew and Baja Blast on the menu. Quebec’s maple syrup reserve is also expected to run dry by the end of February as exports surge, raising pressure on producers to replenish supplies. Retail: B.C.-based online furniture seller Cymax is shutting down after a pandemic-era boom. Grocery Costs: Canadians are showing signs of fatigue after years of rising food prices, adding to concerns as shoppers plan holiday spending.

Home Safety: Saskatchewan’s Henry’s Law takes effect Nov. 1, requiring carbon monoxide alarms in every residential suite, including apartments and secondary suites. Household Bills: Rogers plans a 1.6% fee on credit-card bill payments starting Jan. 17, 2027; customers can avoid it with debit or other payment methods, and Quebec is exempt. Retail & Shopping: The LCBO named Aaron Campbell its permanent CEO. Ontario-made beverage sales rose 20% to more than $500 million in its latest fiscal year. Meta says shopping is the most common use of its Muse AI agent among 10 million users in Canada and the U.S., with average purchases topping $200. Delivery & Food: Canada Post says it is recovering some parcel business, aided by small-business discounts, while planning to move nearly four million addresses to community mailboxes over five years. Lactalis Canada has opened an R&D centre at its Ontario cheese plant to support product development.

Small-Business Squeeze: Equifax Canada says 26% of surveyed owners have personally guaranteed business financing, while 21% have used personal credit as a safety net. Finding customers and rising costs are their leading challenges. AI Shopping: Meta says more than 10 million people in the U.S. and Canada set up its Muse assistant; shopping is its most common use, with purchases averaging over $200. Product Launch: Apple warns iPhone Duo stock will be limited for Canadian walk-in buyers at Friday’s launch, after online orders quickly sold out. Trade & Industry: Ottawa and Ontario announced $9 billion in support for steel, auto and critical-mineral industries amid U.S. tariffs. A U.S. food importer is separately challenging the 50% duties on Canadian goods. Household Budgets: Food bank visits in Canada have reached 2.3 million a month, underscoring ongoing pressure on consumers. Prescription Access: The U.S. delayed a rule that threatened to add costs and paperwork to imported prescriptions, including orders from Canadian pharmacies, until January 20.

Food Innovation: Lactalis Canada opened a new Ontario R&D centre to develop and test cheese products, adding to more than $900 million in Canadian manufacturing and distribution investments since 2018. Household Budgets: September inflation reached 3.1%, while a Deloitte survey found Canadians expect to spend less on gifts—keeping value and discount shopping in focus. Retail and Fees: Loblaw’s discount push is drawing attention, while Rogers plans a 1.6% credit-card processing fee on bills; telecom complaints have also climbed nearly 80%, according to the CCTS. Trade Pressure: A U.S. food importer is challenging 50% tariffs on Canadian goods in court, a dispute that could affect cross-border food costs and trade.