← The Big Story
Explaining the competition bureau's investigation of Loblaws and Sobeys artwork

Explaining the competition bureau's investigation of Loblaws and Sobeys

The Big Story
E112225:11
Play episode

Show notes

Welcome to a fascinating little corner of contract and competition law that could leave a lasting impact on Canada's grocery industry. Last week, the competition bureau revealed it was investigating the parent companies of two of the country's largest grocers in relation to controls they have applied to their lease agreements. These sorts of controls are common in all sorts of agreements—but the bureau alleges that Loblaws and Sobeys are using them in an unfair and anticompetitive manner, so it's begun a process that could ultimately see them taken to court. Exactly what is the bureau looking at? How much power does it have in this situation? And how much might Canadians learn about the inner workings of our grocery giants? GUEST: Jennifer Quaid, Associate Professor at the University of Ottawa's Faculty of Law, specializing in corporate accountability, competition and business regulation We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us: Through email at hello@thebigstorypodcast.ca Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

More from this show

More
  1. Weekend Listen: Will an interest rate hike derail our housing market?

    Few things are spookier than an interest rate hike. Enjoy this special feed drop of our sister show "In This Economy?!" The Bank of Canada opted to hike interest rates for the firs…

    E210117:29
  2. Big Headlines: Canada-EU summit continues in Montreal as Carney pushes to become an 'associate member' again and businesses want to scrap Daylight Saving Time

    Plus: Canada is still reviewing its F-35 purchase even after receiving its first two fighter jets. Federal ministers won't say much about environment and climate change Canada aban…

    E210207:57
  3. The Nine: Did Danielle Smith get her mandate?

    Now that Question 10 has been put to rest, what about the other 9? Albertans were asked a range of questions regarding the future of the economy, immigration system, and Canada's…

    E209821:13
  4. Big Headlines: EU drops 'associate member' title for Canada as summit begins in Montreal and no Canada-U.S. trade deal coming with American midterms next week

    Plus: Prime Minister Mark Carney says Canada is not yet in a position to reach a trade deal with the U.S., even with the congressional midterms just days away. Industry Minister Mé…

    E210006:53
  5. The election that left Israel in limbo

    Israelis showed up in historic numbers to have their voice heard in Tuesday's National election. It's been more than a day since polls closed, and although official results remain…

    E209725:17
  6. Big Headlines: Most Canadians believe Carney is on the right track cozying up to Europe and Ottawa wants to hear from First Nations as it reviews the Indian Act

    Plus: Indigenous Services Minister Mandy Gull-Masty says First Nations have offered mixed reactions to Ottawa's plan to review the Indian Act, a Ukraine-based animal rescue group s…

    E209606:26
Now Playing
The Big Story — Explaining the competition bureau's investigation of Loblaws and Sobeys | Podcast | Josplay Music