House of Commons committee tells Loblaw and Walmart to sign grocery code or risk legislation

The House of Commons committee studying food prices is telling Loblaw and Walmart they should sign on to the grocery code of conduct if they don't want to see it made law.

In a letter Friday, the committee told the chief executives of Loblaw and Walmart Canada that they believe the immediate implementation of the code is an essential step in tackling the issues facing the food industry.

Both Walmart and Loblaw have said they will not sign the code as currently drafted and have warned it could increase prices for Canadians.

Though the code is meant to be voluntary, some have called for it to be legislated to ensure all industry players sign on.

If either one of the retailers decides not to participate in the code, the committee says that would undermine its powers.

Supporters of the code say it will help level the playing field for suppliers and smaller grocery companies.