Comp Bureau broadens probe into Sobeys for property control after court approval
The bureau says the new Federal Court orders will add company records and testimony on how property controls affect competition.
- On Monday, June 22, 2026, the Federal Court issued orders allowing the Competition Bureau to expand its investigation into Empire Company Ltd. nationwide, focusing on the grocer's use of property controls that potentially restrict competition.
- The Competition Bureau initially centered its probe on Halifax in 2024, after a market study found these lease clauses restrict commercial real estate usage and can limit competition, increase prices, and reduce consumer choice.
- This expanded order requires Empire to produce documents regarding how it negotiates property controls, which often restrict competitors from entering mall structures, as exemplified by a 2017 case in Crowsnest Pass, Alta., where Empire's IGA store was the only grocer in the town of about 6,000 residents.
- Walmart and Loblaw previously pledged to end property controls, though the Competition Bureau emphasized no conclusion of wrongdoing has been reached and continues monitoring the sector while expanding its probe into Empire.
- Addressing food prices remains a "challenge," said professor Stuart Smyth, and while the Competition Bureau's actions aim to increase market competitiveness, some observers remain skeptical these structural changes will provide immediate consumer relief.
25 Articles
25 Articles
Property control probe expanded Canada-wide to parent company of Safeway, IGA - Creston Valley Advance
The Competition Bureau of Canada has been granted expanded orders to investigate the parent company of Safeway, IGA and FreshCo to assess whether its practices harm competition in the retail grocery industry. The Federal Court issued orders for the Competition Bureau to advance its investigation into Empire Company Ltd.’s use of property controls in Canada, according to a news release Monday (June 22). Empire is the parent company of Safeway, IG…
Property control probe expanded Canada-wide to parent company of Safeway, IGA - Fort St. James Caledonia Courier
The Competition Bureau of Canada has been granted expanded orders to investigate the parent company of Safeway, IGA and FreshCo to assess whether its practices harm competition in the retail grocery industry. The Federal Court issued orders for the Competition Bureau to advance its investigation into Empire Company Ltd.’s use of property controls in Canada, according to a news release Monday (June 22). Empire is the parent company of Safeway, IG…
Property control probe expanded Canada-wide to parent company of Safeway, IGA - Grand Forks Gazette
The Competition Bureau of Canada has been granted expanded orders to investigate the parent company of Safeway, IGA and FreshCo to assess whether its practices harm competition in the retail grocery industry. The Federal Court issued orders for the Competition Bureau to advance its investigation into Empire Company Ltd.’s use of property controls in Canada, according to a news release Monday (June 22). Empire is the parent company of Safeway, IG…
Property control probe expanded Canada-wide to parent company of Safeway, IGA - Vanderhoof Omineca Express
The Competition Bureau of Canada has been granted expanded orders to investigate the parent company of Safeway, IGA and FreshCo to assess whether its practices harm competition in the retail grocery industry. The Federal Court issued orders for the Competition Bureau to advance its investigation into Empire Company Ltd.’s use of property controls in Canada, according to a news release Monday (June 22). Empire is the parent company of Safeway, IG…
Red Deer Advocate
Property control probe expanded Canada-wide to parent company of Safeway, IGA
The Competition Bureau of Canada has been granted expanded orders to investigate the parent company of Safeway, IGA and FreshCo to assess whether its practices harm competition in the retail grocery industry. The Federal Court issued orders for the Competition Bureau to advance its investigation into Empire Company Ltd.’s use of property controls in Canada, according to a news release Monday (June 22). Empire is the parent company of Safeway, IG…
Property control probe expanded Canada-wide to parent company of Safeway, IGA - Northern Sentinel
The Competition Bureau of Canada has been granted expanded orders to investigate the parent company of Safeway, IGA and FreshCo to assess whether its practices harm competition in the retail grocery industry. The Federal Court issued orders for the Competition Bureau to advance its investigation into Empire Company Ltd.’s use of property controls in Canada, according to a news release Monday (June 22). Empire is the parent company of Safeway, IG…
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 86% of the sources lean Left
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
