Michael von Massow

Canada already has targeted tools for food affordability. A public grocery chain would be a far more expensive way to help far fewer people. (AP Photo/Jenny Kane)

Public grocery stores won’t fix Canada’s food affordability crisis

The idea of government-run grocery stores is gaining traction in Canada and the United States. But evidence suggests the costs would be steep and the benefits poorly targeted.
Canada’s new Grocery Code of Conduct seeks to level the playing field for suppliers — but what does it mean for consumers? A customer reaches for a carton of eggs at a grocery store in Ottawa on April 2, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang

Canada’s new Grocery Code of Conduct is here, but don’t expect any instant price drops

The new Grocery Code sets guidelines for retailers and suppliers, introduces a formal dispute resolution mechanism and may indirectly benefit consumers.
A server brings food to a table as people dine at a restaurant in Vancouver in September 2021. For many people, deciding exactly how much to tip in a given situation can be uncomfortable. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

A tip too far? Why tip fatigue may be setting in for North Americans

As the cost of living continues to rise, the amount Canadians are being asked to tip is also increasing due to a phenomenon known as tip inflation.
The Canadian government has proposed a plan to cut emissions from fertilizers by 30 per cent from 2020 levels by 2030. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh

The federal government’s plan to cut fertilizer emissions will not threaten food security

The emission reduction targets outlined for Canadian fertilizer use will not lead to food shortages and food insecurity.
The war in Ukraine will continue to push up food prices as the supply from the ‘Breadbasket of Europe’ is cut in the short term and, possibly, the long term. (Shutterstock)

How the war in Ukraine will affect food prices

The Russian invasion of Ukraine will have global impacts far beyond the region directly involved in the fighting. Food prices will increase, and the effects will be felt by the most vulnerable.
The future of protein includes lab-grown meat and plant-based meat alternatives. (Shutterstock)

Lab‑grown meats and cow‑free dairy can meet the demand for protein and help address climate change

Technological advancements in food production have created new ways to meet the growing demand for protein. Canada’s investment in this industry may create jobs and reduce carbon emissions.
Il y a des changements évidents dans la consommation de viande. Mais elle n'est pas alimentée par une augmentation du véganisme et du végétarisme. Shutterstock

On mange moins de viande, mais ce n'est pas à cause des végétaliens

Il y a des changements évidents dans la consommation de viande. Mais elle n'est pas alimentée par une augmentation du véganisme et du végétarisme.
Meat consumption is decreasing in Canada. But don’t look at vegans and vegetarians. In fact, it’s meat-eaters who are eating less than usual who are behind the trend. Yvonne Lee Harijanto/Unsplash

Meat consumption is changing but it’s not because of vegans

There are clearly changes happening in meat consumption. But it’s not being fuelled by an increase in veganism and vegetarianism.
Cattle that are grass-fed, antibiotic- and growth hormone-free gather at a farm in Oregon in 2015. There’s a debate over whether antibiotic use in livestock makes germs more resistant to the drugs, and results in infections being passed on to humans who consume the meat. (AP Photo/Don Ryan)

Why reducing antibiotics in farm animals isn’t as easy as it seems

The use of antibiotics in raising livestock is complex. We could be moving towards a less-than-ideal result due to poor understanding, over-simplistic messaging and a rush for competitive advantage.
Production facility manager Derek Delahaye eats roasted crickets at the Entomo Farms cricket processing facility in Norwood, Ont., in 2016. Bugs are a diet staple in most parts of the world. Will Canadians join the masses in their search for alternate sources of protein to meat? THE CANADIAN PRESS/Fred Thornhill

Less meat, more bugs in our dietary future

Canadians are increasingly looking to alternatives to meat to get their protein. Pulses like lentils and chickpeas are becoming more popular. Will insects find a way onto our plates too?
The Loblaws bread price-fixing scandal may have eroded public trust in the company, but will it truly hurt the grocery giant in the long run? Galen G. Weston, executive president and chairman of Loblaw Ltd., is seen in this 2016 photo. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Fred Thornhill

Why the price‑fixing scandal might not be all bad for Loblaws

Loblaws’ reputation has taken a hit following the bread price-fixing scandal. But will it do prolonged damage to Canada’s biggest grocery chain?
Pints of craft beer are seen on the bar at Main Street Brewing in Vancouver. Craft beer is experiencing an explosion in popularity. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

Why Canada’s craft beer explosion isn’t leading to big acquisitions

Canada’s craft beer industry is exploding. But antiquated regulations stemming from the years of the temperance movement is preventing big acquisitions by larger brewers.
Chris Stevens, owner of Kaboom Chicken restaurant in Toronto, hands an order to a customer in December. Ontario’s new $14 per hour minimum wage took effect Jan. 1 and Stevens has already taken steps to ensure his restaurant can afford the added expense. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christopher Katsarov

Higher prices, reduced hours: Restaurants & minimum wage hikes

Minimum wages increases in jurisdictions across North America could have a big impact on the restaurant industry. Here’s how restaurants are trying to adapt.
Health concerns about red meat consumption, as well as the environmental impact of meat production, have fuelled an increased demand in plant-based proteins among Canadians. These calves are shown on the Grazed Right cattle ranch near Black Diamond, Alta., in 2016. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh

Less meat, more choice: A look at key food issues in 2018

Canadians are increasingly invested in their food – where it comes from, how it’s produced, and whether it’s healthy. Here are some predicted food trends for 2018.

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