Précis is a monthly electronic newsletter for members of the Canadian Council of Grocery Distributors (CCGD). If you have questions, comments or suggestions please contact Cathy Gell, Communications Coordinator, cgell@ccgd.ca or 416-922-6228, ext. 327.
NATIONAL ISSUES
Aging Workforce
ECCnet Moves towards Critical Mass in Foodservice
CCGD, GS1 Canada and Food and Consumer Products of Canada
(FCPC) are working collaboratively with their members to ensure all foodservice
products are loaded onto ECCnet.
It is anticipated that critical mass
loading will be achieved by the end of the calendar year. GS1 Canada is working with both distributors
and suppliers to ensure data loaded into the catalogue is accurate and complete.
CCGD members are working towards
integrating the catalogue into their systems and turning the paper off with
their trading partners.
For more information:
Dave Wilkes, 416-922-6228 ext. 324,
dwilkes@ccgd.ca
GE Rice
On August 18th, the US
Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that trace amounts of a line of
genetically engineered rice (LLRICE601), developed by Bayer Crop Science had
been unintentionally released in long grain rice in the US. This rice has been genetically
engineered to be tolerant to a herbicide.
LLRICE601 is genetically very similar to
another rice line, LLRICE62, which is approved for human consumption in both
the US and Canada. The determination of the unlikelihood of risk
to humans and livestock animals is underscored by close genetic similarities to
LLRICE601 and the fully assessed and approved related LLRICE62, plus the levels
of detection of the unapproved LLRICE601 appearing to be at a trace level.
The CFIA has reminded industry that, although
LLRICE601 poses no identified health, environmental or livestock safety risk,
it is not approved for release into the Canadian market. The Agency has also clarified the industry’s
responsibility to take appropriate steps to minimize the potential for
LLRICE601 to be inadvertently brought into Canada, either as food or livestock
feed.
An active verification program, carried out
in cooperation with industry, has begun to ascertain industry compliance.
Updates will be posted to the CFIA website at
www.inspection.gc.ca.
For more information:
Jeanne Cruikshank, 902-422-7279,
jcruikshank@ccgd.ca
PEOPLE WATCH
CCGD
Atlantic Office Moves to New Location as of October 1, 2006
Canadian Council of Grocery Distributors
Atlantic Office
1326 Lower Water Street, Suite 115
Halifax, NS B3J 3R3
Phone and fax
numbers will remain the same.
For more information:
Jeanne Cruikshank, 902-422-7279,
jcruikshank@ccgd.ca
MEDIA WATCH
E. Coli 0157:H7 Outbreak in United States Associated with Fresh
Spinach
CCGD continues to
monitor this issue and to date, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) border
watch on spinach continues as well as the consumer advisory not to consume US
bagged spinach.
CFIA has confirmed one case of E.coli in Canada
linked to the US outbreak. The patient is a woman in Ontario who is now
recovering and out of the hospital.
For more information
and up-to-date reports on this issue visit the following website links below:
Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA)
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
QUÉBEC REGION
Certification Program for Compostable Plastic Bags
The third meeting of the Bureau de normalisation
du Québec (BNQ) work committee on the development of the certification program
for compostable plastic bags took place in Montreal on September 22.
This certification program will be applied
nationally and will eliminate—at least in part—the current confusion among
consumers regarding the nature of products on the market and will guarantee
that certified products meet strict standards, especially as regards the
environment.
Small Stores Committee
The second meeting of the CCGD Small Stores Committee took place on September 21. This committee was set up in order to
create a unique forum in which to address issues specific to small food
distributors.
Tobacco
The members of the Small Stores Committee have
agreed to take steps aimed at putting pressure on government authorities and
getting government to address the issue of tobacco smuggling.
Pandemic
After reporting on the progress of work in preparation for a potential flu pandemic, the members of the Small Stores Committee
agreed to designate a contact person in each of their businesses with whom we will share any pertinent information.
For more information: Manon Genest, 514-982-0267, ext. 235,
mgenest@ccgd.ca
ATLANTIC REGION
NEW BRUNSWICK
Election Results
On September 18th, New Brunswickers voted for change, heeding the
campaign call of Liberal leader Shawn Graham in what proved to be a very tight
race. The Liberals won with 29 seats to the Conservatives 26 and the NDP failed to win a seat.
Incumbent Premier Bernard Lord failed to win
a third term however, he did win his riding of Moncton East. Both campaigns promised a lower cost of
living, more jobs, and better opportunities under their administrations.
PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
Return to Work Workplace
Guide
The Workers Compensation Board of PEI
recently released a printed document entitled “Return to Work Workplace Guide”
which should be of particular interest to Island employers. The Guide outlines the
requirements for a timely and safe return to work while demonstrating the
benefits of return to work planning and outlining the key components of a
return to work plan.
The Guide also provides an overview of the
two key components for timely and safe return to work as required by the Workers
Compensation Act. The duty to co-operate
and the duty to re-employ or accommodate sections are explained in great detail
as well as a section on penalties which may be applicable to both employers and
workers. In the Appendix, there is a
sample Return to Work Plan along with Section 86 of the Act on Right to Return
to Work. Copies of the Return to Work
Workplace Guide are now available on-line at www.wcb.pe.ca.
For more
information: Jeanne Cruikshank, 902-422-7279,
jcruikshank@ccgd.ca
ONTARIO REGION
Premier McGuinty Announces Changes to the Ontario Blue Box Program
- Deposit Returns
On Sunday, September 10th, Premier McGuinty made a surprise
announcement initiating a deposit return program for wine and spirit bottles
effective February 1, 2007. This means that consumers will now be paying
approximately .50 cents per bottle deposit fee on each bottle of wine or spirit
purchased at the LCBO. Consumers returning their bottles to Brewers Retail outlets will be refunded
this deposit.
McGuinty government takes action to reduce landfill
waste in Ontario - New Container Return Program Means Cleaner Environment,
Savings For Municipalities
The impact on CCGD member Stewardship
Ontario fees is currently under review and members will be advised as soon as
the impact to stewards is better understood. CCGD along with other steward organizations has been meeting the past
week with Minister Broton, Premier McGuinty’s policy staff and Leader of the
Opposition John Tory to better understand the impact of this policy
decision. CCGD’s objective is to build
on the success of the current blue box program which is a gold standard example
of joint Industry, government, consumer stewardship program.
Gift Cards – Ministry of Government Services to
introduce Legislation to Ban Expiry Dates
In response to recent requests from Consumer advocacy groups in the
Province, Minister Phillips has announced he will introduce legislation to
remove expiry dates from gift cards. This legislation will impact member gift cards currently
purchased by consumers at the checkout which having a range of cash values.
The general member practice is to have an expiry date of 2 years well marked on each card.
This practice will be eliminated if this
legislation is passed. The legislation,
as we have been advised, will not apply to loyalty cards, discount coupons or
promotional / charitable gift cards. The regulations would also put strict limits on any related fees
and ensure that all terms and conditions are disclosed at the time of purchase. CCGD will keep members updated on the
progress.
The view the Press Release -
McGuinty government moves to protect consumers - Proposed Legislation Would Set Stage To Eliminate Expiry Dates On
Retail Gift Cards
Premier McGuinty Announces Pre Election
Shuffle
The following changes have been made within the Liberal Portfolios. The contact information for each change has
been included for members to update their contact information. CCGD has met with most of the Ministers and
Parliamentary Assistants below during the past year and will be providing them
an update on our issues related to their new accountability.
The changes are as follows:
New Assignment
Parliamentary Assistants Serving in New Portfolios
CCGD and OSSA – Continue to Build a Stronger Relationship to support CCGD members in
Prevention Efforts
CCGD has been seeking ways to bring support to members from various government groups who
have a role in the prevention of injuries. Specifically, the Ministry of Labour, the Workplace Safety and Insurance
Board Prevention Branch and the Health and Safety Association responsible for
our sector called the Ontario Service Safety
Association (OSSA).
As a result of this work there are several projects underway including an outreach
to CCGD members from OSSA to provide more information on line that gives hands
on information on the specific initiatives underway by the Ministry of Labour
such as the sprains and strains program.
The following is an OSSA Monthly Tip, please let CCGD know if you find these tips
useful.
For more information:
Kim McKinnon, 416-922-6228 ext. 330,
kmckinnon@ccgd.ca
Every seven seconds another baby boomer turns 50. What does an aging workforce
mean for the workplace? By 2011,
approximately 41% of the working population will be between the ages of 45 and
64, compared to 29% in 1991. By employing older workers the employer has a
unique opportunity to benefit from the experience that this valuable segment
brings to the market. With plenty of experience, maturity and judgment, older
workers are less likely to be injured at work.
WESTERN REGION
CCGD Renews Transportation of Dangerous Goods
Exemption
In September, CCGD renewed its permit of equivalent safety for transportation of dangerous goods
on behalf of the industry. The permit covers a selection of consumer goods
(mainly cleaning products) and allows the industry to handle them as normal
products without the required training and documentation necessary for normal
dangerous goods. As with the previous permit it is valid for two years.
Last Warehouse HACCP Training Session set for Oct 18th
and 19th Calgary
The last of the CCGD Warehouse HACCP training sessions is slated for Calgary at the end of October.
These two day sessions are free for members
and provide participants with an understanding on how to use the warehouse
model and training on how to instruct others on the fundamentals of HACCP
implementation.
No Tobacco Bond for BC Members
Based on CCGD advocacy, the Ministry of Small Business and Revenue's new tobacco bond
requirement will be implemented on a risk based approach. This means that
wholesalers of tobacco products (JTI and RBH) will only have to post a bond or
comply with increased remittance requirements if there is a legitimate risk to
government tobacco tax revenue. Based on the criteria, no CCGD member should be required to post
a bond.
CCGD Profiles Concern with Alberta Liquor Distribution
On September 27th,
CCGD and members met with the Hon. Gord Graydon to profile the impact of Alberta
Gaming and Liquor Commission (AGLC) service problems on member liquor stores since
May 2006 and to suggest modifications to distribution practices to rectify the
problems ahead of the busy Christmas season.
CCGD meets with BC Minister of Labour
On Octobert 3rd,
CCGD and members met with the BC Minister of Labour to again profile member
issues with section 68 of the labour code which prevents the use of replacement
workers in the event of a strike and with the ability of supplier's unions to
secondary picket member’s locations. The objective of the meeting is to
continue to build support for regulatory changes to alleviate the negative
impacts of these issues.
CCGD Provides Input into Encorp Pacific Stewardship Plan
CCGD provided input
into the Encorp Pacific Stewardship plan which is up for review / renewal with
the BC Ministry of the Environment. CCGD's focus was to continue to push for
changes that will permit members to exit from the return to retail requirements
for used beverage containers. In March, the Ministry of Environment staff
indicated they were willing to consider proposals put forward during the
stewardship plan review. CCGD is advocating that in areas with sufficient depot coverage,
return to retail should be at the discretion of the retailers.
CCGD signs Manitoba MOU to create Manitoba Stewardship
Organization
In September CCGD and 7 other industry groups signed an MOU to signal to the Manitoba government their intention to
create a Multi-material stewardship group upon the release of the recycling /
stewardship regulation expected this fall. Following a brief consultation
period this new organization will proceed with program design and
implementation of a system to support curbside recycling in the province.
6th Annual Santa Cause event to take place on December 4, 2006
This year’s 6th Annual Santa Cause will be honoring Dennis
Currie, Food Marketing Director for Federated Cooperatives Limited.
Donations collected from the event will benefit the Alberta Children’s
Hospital Foundation. The presentation will be made at a dinner in Calgary
on December 4th, 2006 at the Rotary House on the Stampede Grounds at 6:30 p.m.
Interested participants can register on line at www.ccgd.ca or
by contacting Josie Troughton at
(403) 250-6608, jtroughton@ccgd.ca.
For more information: Justin
Sherwood, 403-250-6608,
jsherwood@ccgd.ca
EVENTS & GRAND PRIX
CCGD Ontario Conference
The CCGD Ontario Conference is scheduled for November 22, 2006 at the Toronto Congress Centre.
This year’s theme is “Winning Together – Insights into Action” and will feature the following speakers:
Captain D. Michael Abrashoff will share insights on how to respond to the challenges in our
business environment by taking command and dictating the rules of engagement on
our own terms. ACNielsen will discuss ground breaking
research that examines Canadian consumer behaviour. The presentation will
discuss global retail trends, how the consumer has changed and evolved and how
economic and social influences, such as changing gas prices and consumer
confidence, will impact on grocery consumer’s store and product choices. Brian Burke
is the General Manager of the Anaheim Mighty Ducks. A Harvard Law
alumni and impassioned community leader, he is credited with the successes of
the Vancouver Canucks Hockey Franchise and will share insights on teamwork.
Again this year, attendees will have the opportunity to see all 3
Member Briefing Sessions by Sobeys, Loblaws and A&P/Metro, which will
address the following: keys to good supplier presentations, retailers’ expectations and outlook.
Over 120 representatives from these companies will be in attendance.
Register online at www.ccgd.ca
For more information: Michelle Scott, 416-922-6228 ext. 326,
mscott@ccgd.ca
Canadian
Grand Prix New Product Awards™
The deadline to enter products for the Grand
Prix Awards has been extended to October 15, 2006 so please get your entries
in! The judging will take place in Montreal on February 5 – 9, 2007
at the Institut du tourisme et d’hôtellerie du Québec.
The finalists will be announced on March 30, 2007.
The winners will be announced on May 28, 2007 at the Gala Presentation at the CCGD National
Conference in Ottawa, Ontario.
North
American Foodservice Grand Prix New Product Awards™
The information brochure and registration
form for the 2006 North American Foodservice Grand Prix New Product AwardsTM
are available on both the CCGD and IFDA websites (www.ccgd.ca
or www.ifdaonline.org).
The deadline to enter your product is November 3, 2006.
Winners and finalists will be honoured at a Gala Awards event February 11, 2007
at the IFDA Partners Executive Forum in Amelia Island,
Florida.
For more information: Michelle
Scott, Toronto, 416-922-6228 ext. 326,
mscott@ccgd.ca or
Lynda Rebaud, Montreal, 514-982-0267 ext. 228,
lrebaud@ccgd.ca
UPCOMING
EVENTS
CCGD Ontario Conference
November 22, 2006
Toronto Congress Centre
Toronto, Ontario
CCGD Western Conference
January 24-25, 2007
Calgary, Alberta
CCGD Atlantic Conference
February 20, 2007
Halifax, Nova Scotia
National Grocery Conference 2007
May 26-29, 2007
Ottawa, Ontario