Manitoba government studies grocery price measures as inflation continues

The Manitoba government has launched a study to examine grocery pricing issues, including differential pricing and possible expansion of milk price controls; Manitoba recorded 5.9% store-bought food inflation in the 12 months to December.

The Manitoba government has launched a study aimed at keeping grocery costs more affordable. The review was promised in the NDP government's throne speech in November. It will examine issues such as differential pricing, potential expansion of retail milk price controls, expiry rules for loyalty points and gift cards, and regulations affecting food donations and grades. The study is being led by the province's central statistics bureau. Key details: - The study was announced on Wednesday and follows a throne speech commitment from November. - Differential pricing — charging different prices for the same product based on shopper data — is listed as a topic, though Finance Minister Adrien Sala could not point to an example in Manitoba. - Sala cited a recent U.S. report by Consumer Reports and advocacy groups about personalized pricing on some online platforms. - The Retail Council of Canada said it has seen no evidence of differential pricing occurring in Canada or specifically in Manitoba. - Manitoba already sets a maximum retail price for one-litre milk cartons and the study may consider adding two- and four-litre formats. - The most recent Statistics Canada figures show Manitoba had 5.9% store-bought food inflation in the 12 months ending December; the government has not specified how it might access private retailers' pricing data. Summary: The review could inform changes to pricing rules, milk price limits and regulations related to loyalty points, gift cards and food donations. Undetermined at this time.