Honourable Chair and members of the committee, thank you for inviting us to testify today on Bill C-352, the lowering prices for Canadians act, which amends the Competition Act and the Competition Tribunal Act.

The proposed changes aim to increase penalties for anti-competitive acts, modify merger review processes and enhance market competition safeguards. These amendments are crucial for fostering a fair and competitive marketplace, particularly within the agri-food industry, which is integral to Canada's economy and food security. The agri-food sector is uniquely positioned at the intersection of agriculture and consumer markets, making it a vital component of our national interests. Effective competition policies are essential to ensure that this sector remains vibrant, innovative and capable of meeting the diverse needs of Canadian consumers. The proposed changes to the Competition Act are timely and necessary to address the evolving challenges within this industry.

We strongly support the increased penalties, proposed merger review enhancements and focus on market conditions. These measures collectively aim to prevent market dominance, ensure fair pricing and promote competitive practices. However, it is important to recognize the regional differences across the country.

Our first recommendation is to establish a dedicated agri-food market monitoring body within the Competition Bureau to conduct regular market studies and reports. This body should focus on identifying anti-competitive practices and market conditions specific to the agri-food sector. By providing transparent and detailed insights, this initiative can proactively address potential issues before they escalate into significant market disruptions.

Recommendation number two is to implement policy that specifically supports agri-food SMEs in navigating the complexities of the competitive landscape. This includes offering market data, legal and financial assistance for compliance with competition laws and fostering innovation through grants and subsidies. Ensuring that SMEs can compete effectively will promote diversity and resilience within the agri-food market.

Recommendation three is to encourage policies that support regional and local food distribution networks. This can include grants and subsidies for local food hubs, investment in regional distribution infrastructure and incentives for retailers to stock locally produced goods.

Recommendation number four is to establish and enforce a code of conduct for food retailers and distributors to ensure fair trading practices. This code should cover areas such as payment terms, contract fairness and dispute resolution mechanisms. By ensuring fair dealings between suppliers and retailers, the market can remain competitive, and smaller businesses can thrive.

Finally, recommendation number five is to incentivize the adoption of advanced technologies in food distribution, such as blockchain for traceability, AI for demand forecasting and the Internet of things for supply chain efficiency. Technological innovation can reduce costs, enhance transparency and improve the overall efficiency of food distribution networks.

In conclusion, Mr. Chair, Bill C-352 presents a robust framework for enhancing competition within Canada's agri-food industry. By implementing these recommendations, we can further strengthen our commitment to a fair, dynamic and sustainable market.

Thank you for the opportunity to present our views. We look forward to your questions.