logo
Grocers say prices in some northern communities protected from tariffs, for now

Grocers say prices in some northern communities protected from tariffs, for now

CBC05-03-2025

Two grocery chains that serve the North say stores in remote communities that rely on large, infrequent shipments of non-perishable goods are shielded from the effects of Canadian counter-tariffs – at least, for now.
Stores operated by the Northwest Company in the Sahtu and Beaufort Delta region of the N.W.T., for example, have just filled their warehouses with goods for the upcoming season using the winter road, said Mike Beaulieu, the company's vice president of Canadian store operations.
"Those goods have all been purchased long before any of this tariff nonsense started, and those goods are in our warehouse and ready to serve communities for the upcoming year," he said.
Beaulieu said those stores typically rely on the winter road and the summer barge season to haul in goods, but after some barge trips were called off in 2023 and the entire season was cancelled in 2024 because of low water, it's planning to rely more on the winter road season.
Duane Wilson, the vice president of stakeholder relations for Arctic Co-operatives which has a network of 32 community co-op businesses in the three territories, said stores that rely on sea lifts also have a "buffer" from the tariffs.
But, he pointed out, what gives remote communities protection now might hurt later down the road. If a store wants to load up on a year's worth of shelf-stable goods to reduce transportation costs while Canadian counter-tariffs are still in place – it would be locking in that higher price for the better part of the year.
Where you'll feel the pinch at the grocery store
Michael von Massow, a food economist at the University of Guelph in Ontario, says Canadian counter-tariffs put on 30 billion dollars' worth of American goods imported into the country have been chosen strategically.
For example, he said, there are now tariffs on American dairy products which "represents a very small proportion [of dairy products in Canada]."
He said he doesn't expect to see much impact from those tariffs on Canadian consumers because there are plenty of Canadian products to choose from that won't be more expensive.
For other goods and products – like oranges and grapefruits – there isn't a Canadian option to choose.
Von Massow said his household has swapped for Turkish or Moroccan oranges instead. They're also choosing to eat Canadian produce that's in season as well, choosing locally-grown carrots, beets and potatoes over broccoli and Brussels sprouts.
Von Massow doesn't expect prices to change much at grocery stores unless a second round of Canadian counter-tariffs takes effect as promised in three weeks.
Moshe Lander, a senior lecturer in the department of economics at Concordia University in Montreal, said the effect of tariffs will depend on how long they last.
"If this is merely going to be a week and they go away, maybe Loblaws eats it on the bottom line in the name of consumer loyalty," he said. But if grocers think the tariffs will last for an indefinite period of time, he said, they're going to pass it on to consumers.
Lander said the effects of tariffs will start in the produce section and work its way into the bakery, the dairy section, and eventually into meat products as well. Both Lander and von Massow said that Canada has a thriving poultry industry of its own.
Von Mossow said while Canada has its own pork and beef industry too, those products might travel to the States for processing before winding back in Canada, making it hard to define them as American or Canadian products.
But, Lander said, northern communities understand better than southern Canada the importance of supply chains and what the smallest of disruptions can do.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

China tariffs bite into B.C. spot prawn season, but foodies queue for kiss of the sea
China tariffs bite into B.C. spot prawn season, but foodies queue for kiss of the sea

Vancouver Sun

time15 minutes ago

  • Vancouver Sun

China tariffs bite into B.C. spot prawn season, but foodies queue for kiss of the sea

Toronto resident Krista Jang showed off her 'haul' on the False Creek Fishermen's Wharf in Vancouver — a bag of sweet and meaty spot prawns, live and kicking and fresh off the boat. The actress was raised in Vancouver and spot prawn season is one of the things she misses most. Jang said she would have them 'Chinese style,' steamed and dipped in a little soy sauce and sesame oil to make the most of their 'pure and simple flavour.' 'I've had it my whole life,' she said last week of the bright orange crustaceans. 'I see that they sell (in Toronto), but it's so expensive, and it's much fresher and affordable here.' Stay on top of the latest real estate news and home design trends. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Westcoast Homes will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. B.C.'s spot prawn season is ending this week, with live prawns selling at around $20 to $25 a pound. This spring's season began in mid-May and lasted less than a month. Domestic buyers like Jang make up only a small share of the market, but this year it was an important one, with China's 25 per cent tariffs on Canadian seafood putting a pinch on exports. China has recently bought more than 80 per cent of B.C.'s prawn exports, and Christina Burridge, executive director of the B.C. Seafood Alliance, said the March 20 tariffs were a 'real problem' for fishermen and exporters. 'Chinese customers don't want to pay that tariff. So, they expect that the fishermen here and the exporters will reduce their prices by at least 25 per cent, but it's impossible,' said Burridge. Mike Atkins, executive director with the Pacific Prawn Fishermen's Association, said the Chinese tariffs were the latest burden on fishermen, as the cost of bait and fishing supplies increased. 'Our exporters this year are trying to shift markets a little bit, because it's tough to get it to China with the price, so they're trying to shift back to Japan, which (once) was our main market for spot prawns,' said Atkins. 'It is really tough for the fishermen this year.' About 1,500 to 2,000 tonnes of B.C. spot prawns are landed each year, and about 80 to 90 per cent are typically exported, said Atkins. The B.C. Agriculture and Food Ministry said the combined value of the province's prawn and shrimp exports were more than $98 million in 2023, with China buying 78 per cent. Agriculture Minister Lana Popham said in a statement that tariffs were 'extremely challenging for our seafood sector,' and the province would 'continue to find new markets so that B.C. companies can thrive.' Lynette Kershaw of Prawns on the Spot in Richmond said their spot prawn products usually go to the public, but they also sell a certain portion of their frozen catch to the French Creek Fresh Seafood market in Parksville, which exports to Asia. 'I think with the tariffs, and just with the world situation right now, we have had a slowdown in selling that frozen product, so that will impact us,' said Kershaw, who has been selling spot prawns on Steveston Fisherman's Wharf for six years. But there hadn't been any slowdown in sales from local customers at the wharf. 'I think that's because the people who enjoy spot prawns know that it's a local delicacy. They know that it's a very short amount of time … I think people just want to treat themselves,' said Kershaw. Back at False Creek, fisherman Stewart McDonald and his crew were doling out bags of kicking prawns from a blue tank. Among those patiently waiting for a meal was a heron that the fishermen said was named Frank, prowling the wharf, and a plump harbour seal named Sparky, bobbing in the water and waiting for a handout. McDonald has spent 20 years harvesting spot prawns and selling them at the wharf. He said he can't complain about the market due to huge demand from loyal local customers queuing for a taste. Spot prawn season didn't use to be a big deal, but now it's celebrated, said McDonald. 'It's kind of like turned into a social event, like go wine-tasting or pick apples or berries,' he said. 'People look forward to this prawn season because it's only a short time, and it's earlier than most of the crops. The berries and the fruit hasn't come out yet, but the prawns are incredible … and people love them.' McDonald pointed out a particularly loyal customer, Dragon Watanabe, dragging a five-pound bucket of prawns to his car. He said he was buying for his uncle's restaurant — and issued a spontaneous invitation to see them prepared by 'a legend.' Watanabe's uncle, it turns out, is 75-year-old chef Hidekazu Tojo, reputed as the inventor of the California roll, and one of the most famous Japanese chefs in Canada. His restaurant, Tojo's, goes through 20 to 25 pounds of spot prawns from McDonald's boat each day during the season. 'Stewart brought us very high-quality ingredients, that's why I respect him, we are good friends,' said Tojo of a 20-year relationship that has included going out on McDonald's boat. In the kitchen, Tojo dropped three prawns into a pot of boiling water for precisely one minute and 45 seconds — any longer and the meat would be tough, he said. He lifted them out and gently peeled them, dressing them with a vinaigrette of cilantro and minced jalapeno and plating them with a few slices of melon. There's subtle heat from the jalapeno, in contrast to the slight sweetness of the prawns. Next is a 'Tojo's golden roll,' a sushi roll filled with raw spot prawns, Dungeness crab and salmon, topped with herring roe. There's an explosion of briny freshness in the mouth. It tastes like kissing the sea.

Sunwing Vacations customers can now book their winter escape to Riu Ventura, an all-new Cancun resort set to open on December 6, 2025
Sunwing Vacations customers can now book their winter escape to Riu Ventura, an all-new Cancun resort set to open on December 6, 2025

Cision Canada

time25 minutes ago

  • Cision Canada

Sunwing Vacations customers can now book their winter escape to Riu Ventura, an all-new Cancun resort set to open on December 6, 2025

The beachfront resort will offer 700+ rooms, family-friendly amenities and vibrant experiences in Cancun's Hotel Zone TORONTO, June 10, 2025 /CNW/ - Just in time for the winter sun season, Riu Ventura is officially set to open its doors on December 6, 2025, and Sunwing Vacations customers can now be among the first to book their stay at this all-new all-inclusive resort located on the famed Delfines Beach in Cancun's Hotel Zone. Marking RIU Hotels & Resorts' sixth property in Cancun and 23rd in Mexico, Hotel Riu Ventura will offer guests a vibrant, family-friendly escape with the signature 24-hour all-inclusive experience Riu is known for, all with a modern twist. This latest addition further strengthens RIU's longstanding connection to the Mexican Caribbean and its appeal among Canadian travellers seeking sun, style, and convenience. Resort highlights include: Over 700 modern rooms, including swim-out and family suites with two-bedroom options Six outdoor pools, including one with slides and another on the sixth floor with sea views Access to RIULand kids' club and family-focused entertainment programs Dining options ranging from Asian, Mexican and Italian restaurants to a steakhouse and international buffet Six bars, offering refreshing cocktails day and night RIU Party access at nearby Riu Caribe for guests looking to enjoy themed nightlife events Access to RIUFit fitness programs, and a Renova Spa for wellness and relaxation (at extra cost) Hotel Riu Ventura delivers a well-rounded, exciting experience with great value—perfect for families, couples, and groups of friends seeking sun-soaked adventures or a relaxing beachfront retreat. As a preferred partner in Canada, Sunwing Vacations offers direct flights to Cancun from major cities across the country this winter. Customers can book Riu Ventura packages online via or with their trusted travel advisor today. About Sunwing Vacations As the leading vacation provider in Canada, Sunwing Vacations offers more vacation packages to the south than any other vacation provider with convenient direct service from cities across Canada to popular sun destinations across the Caribbean, Mexico and Central America. This scale enables Sunwing Vacations to offer customers exclusive deals at top-rated resorts in the most popular vacation destinations. Sunwing Vacations customers benefit from the assistance of our trusted partner in destination, NexusTours, whose representatives greet customers upon arrival and support them throughout their vacation journey. For more information, please visit SOURCE Sunwing Vacations Inc.

Competition Bureau seeking public input on algorithmic pricing
Competition Bureau seeking public input on algorithmic pricing

Winnipeg Free Press

time27 minutes ago

  • Winnipeg Free Press

Competition Bureau seeking public input on algorithmic pricing

OTTAWA – The Competition Bureau says it's looking for public input as it delves deeper into the rising trend of companies using algorithms to set prices. In a paper released Tuesday, the bureau says more than 60 companies in Canada already use automated systems to help set prices, often in real time, for everything from concert tickets to ridesharing to hotel rooms. The paper says that algorithmic pricing could improve competition by helping businesses innovate and be more efficient, but also risks making it easier for companies to co-ordinate their prices and could make it harder for new companies to enter the market. It says algorithmic pricing could become an issue under the Competition Act if multiple companies rely on the same model to set pricing, creating a form of collusion on pricing even without explicit collaboration. The bureau says the systems could also be used for predatory pricing if a company uses them to specifically target specific customers of rivals, rather than lowering prices overall. Monday Mornings The latest local business news and a lookahead to the coming week. The Competition Bureau confirmed in February that it was also investigating the possible use of AI-driven algorithmic pricing in Canadian real estate rental markets. This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 10, 2025.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store