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RC Show is just days away! Join us April 7-9!

March 31, 2025 Share on your social channels

Restaurants Canada AGM and Board Update

This past week, Restaurants Canada held its Annual General Meeting to appoint a new Chair, Nicolas Filiatrault, CEO of Benny&Co., eight new Directors, and reaffirm the board’s strong confidence in the work we are doing.

Our diverse board, representing a wide cross-section of the industry, continues to make significant strides. I am incredibly proud to share that these new appointments bring us closer to achieving our commitment to 50/30 representation. The 50-30 Challenge encourages Canadian organizations to increase the representation and inclusion of diverse groups on their boards. We are excited to welcome our new Directors:

  • Musette Fawke, Integrated Food Systems Inc., Manitoba
  • Meeru Dhalwala, Lila Restaurant, Bristish Columbia
  • Vanessa Fracheboud, Mandy’s Gourmet Salads, Quebec
  • Pheobe Fung, Vin Room, Alberta
  • Ben Osmow, Osmow’s, National
  • Cara Piggot, Boston Pizza, National
  • Claudia Vorlaufer, Earls Restaurants Ltd., National

See our full board here.

I would also like to extend my gratitude to the Directors completing their terms for their dedication and support. A special thank you to outgoing Chair Jeremy Bonia for his leadership. 

As highlighted at the AGM, our progress in 2024 is clear. With growing momentum, stronger connections to government and industry, and unwavering support from our members, board, partners, and team, Restaurants Canada is well-positioned for continued impact.

As the 4th largest private-sector employer, we contribute $26 billion in taxes annually across all government levels. Restaurants are not just places to eat, but community hubs that shape values and support society and the economy. We believe Canada’s foodservice industry will remain prosperous, sustainable, and impactful, though challenges lie ahead. Please review our Annual Report for our 2024 highlights, and stay informed through CEO updates, social media, and quarterly town halls. Your engagement and feedback shape policies and programs that push the industry forward, so we encourage you to complete our surveys—they are vital for our advocacy efforts.

We will continue to emphasize our impact with all levels of government as we advance our advocacy efforts, especially during the election. See VP, Federal and Quebec, Max Roy’s update below for more on our federal election advocacy.

Last week also saw more tariffs imposed on Canada. Restaurants Canada remains engaged and active in advocacy to protect the interest of our industry. Please see our most recent tariff report by Executive Vice President of Government Relations and Public Affairs Richard Alexander below.

RC Show is just days away! Join us April 7-9!

In these challenging times, staying connected and informed is crucial. The RC Show comes at the perfect moment, offering incredible vendors showcasing the latest technology, ingredients, and equipment to elevate your operations. With new tools and valuable content to drive your success, it’s THE industry event you can’t miss. Check out some of my top picks below!

While there’s so much to look forward to at the RC Show, I’ve handpicked a few conversations and highlights that are worth earmarking.

State of the Industry: Knowledge is power, especially in uncertain times. This presentation is always impactful and insightful, and this year we’ve enhanced it by including our Executive VP of Government Relations and Public Affairs in the conversation.

RC Show 80th Anniversary Headliner: A Fireside Chat with Chef José Andrés: José Andrés says it all and the value and impact of this discussion needs no further explanation, but I am truly honored and excited to have the chance to speak with such an incredible human being!  Just be there – tickets are limited, and this is a closed event.

U.S. – Canada Tariffs War: A Discussion for the Foodservice Industry: A discussion for the current climate with – Richard Alexander, Executive VP of Government Relations at Restaurants Canada, and Michael Graydon, CEO of Food, Health and Consumer Products of Canada, discuss the ongoing U.S. trade dispute.  Valuable insights on the policy dynamics, Canada’s response, and what operators can expect in the coming months. Don’t miss this crucial discussion.

A Success Story: Mo Jessa and the Evolution of Earls: I’m honored to speak with the former Director of our board, President Emeritus of Earls, and a friend – a true leader in hospitality and culture. His story and insights are invaluable.

Leading Through Change: Foodservice CEOs Share Hard Truths & Brave Ideas: This one holds a special place for me! Michèle Boudria, President & CEO of McDonald’s Canada, is a powerful, influential, and remarkable leader whom I’ve had the privilege of getting to know in my current role with Restaurants Canada. I’m excited to bring this conversation to the RC Show – a conversation you won’t want to miss.

Success Story: After Born Hungry, Sash Simpson is Ready for the Next Course: Truly a story that will touch your heart. Few culinary journeys are as compelling as Chef Sash Simpson’s and one we knew we had to bring to the show.   

Be sure to stop by the Restaurants Canada booth to say hi! Our government relations team will be there to discuss emerging issues and advocacy priorities, alongside the membership team who can help you get the most from your Restaurants Canada membership.

And don’t miss the competitions happening under one roof! Come support the rising talent from across the industry as they showcase their skills!

GOVERNMENT RELATIONS & PUBLIC AFFAIRS UPDATE

From Richard Alexander | Executive Vice-President, Government Relations & Public Affairs

The Tariff War Continues: Restaurants Canada is Fighting for You

The tariff battle is far from over, and Restaurants Canada is standing firm to protect the foodservice industry.

Targeted Advocacy, Real Results

From the outset, Restaurants Canada’s Tariff Working Group has taken a strategic approach to minimize the impact of retaliatory tariffs on our industry. While otherassociations seek sweeping exemptions—an unlikely outcome, as Ottawa has warned—we are laser-focused on securing relief for the items that matter most to foodservice operators.

Strategic Exemption Requests

Of the 4,416 proposed tariff measures, over 1,500 directly affect the foodservice sector. After careful analysis, we’ve identified 39 critical items that must be exempted, representing 3% of the tariffs targeting our industry.

Our arguments rest on two key pillars:

  1. Tariff Ineffectiveness: Even with tariffs, certain U.S. goods remain more cost-effective than alternative products. These tariffs fail to pressure U.S. producers and instead raise prices for Canadian businesses and consumers.
  2. Limited Supply Options: Some essential products simply can’t be sourced domestically or internationally at the scale, price, and speed required, leaving Canadian operators with few viable alternatives.

Relentless Lobbying Efforts

Advocacy doesn’t end with a submission. Our Government Relations team continues to push hard in Ottawa, ensuring that the foodservice industry’s voice is heard at the highest levels.

Recently, Maximilien Roy, Restaurants Canada’s Federal and Quebec Vice President, secured a meeting with Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne. Given the Department of Finance’s pivotal role in finalizing the tariff list, this direct engagement is a significant win for our advocacy efforts, especially in an election campaign.

Staying on the Frontlines of Trade Policy

To stay ahead of this evolving trade dispute, we’ve been holding regular meetings with top trade advisors, including Jean Charest, James Moore, and Steve Verheul. These strategic discussions help refine our advocacy and maximize our impact in Ottawa.

Broader Advocacy Goals

Our work on tariffs is part of a larger mission to strengthen the industry. We are actively advocating for:

  • The permanent removal of GST/HST on restaurant food and alcohol to enhance affordability.
  • The elimination of interprovincial trade barriers, especially direct from producer alcohol purchases for restaurants without markup.
  • Introducing manufacturing credits to enable food and packaging manufacturers to expand production quickly.  
  • Loosening regulations around packaging requirements from out-of-country products that may be substitutes for American-made products. 

Resources and Next Steps

Stay informed by visiting Restaurants Canada’s Tariffs FAQ page, where you’ll find tools, webinars, and the latest updates.

Next week, during the RC Show, I’ll be moderating a panel discussion on the impacts of tariffs and what to expect in the coming months. This could be a decisive week for our industry, and we’ll be watching closely as the government unveils the final tariff measures.

Thank You for Your Support

Our efforts wouldn’t be possible without the hard work of the Government Relations team, the Tariff Working Group, and our members and partners. Your data, feedback, and support have been invaluable.

Rest assured, Restaurants Canada is doing everything in its power to protect your interests and secure the best possible outcome for our industry. Together, we are stronger—and we will continue to fight for a fair, competitive, and sustainable foodservice sector.

Thank you for standing with us.

SUSTAINABILITY UPDATE

From Jillian Rodak | Vice President, Sustainability

Alberta EPR Transition

As a reminder, Alberta’s residential recycling system for packaging and paper is set to transition to full extended producer responsibility (EPR) on April 1st. In other words, industry will take on full operational and financial control of the system.

To help inform the transition, Restaurants Canada recently participated in an advisory group meeting with the Alberta Recycling Management Authority (ARMA), the oversight body for the program. Following our feedback, ARMA confirmed several key adjustments:

  • Members won’t need to do a full verification report for 2025; instead, there will be a simple attestation form for 2024 data.
  • No verification will be required for 2023 supply data.
  • ARMA will continue to work with other jurisdictions to ensure there is a more harmonized approach to supply verification in the future.

We welcome these changes as they will help reduce the administrative burden and costs for members and we will continue to remain engaged on behalf of the sector.

Guelph Bylaw Update

On March 25th, Guelph City Council passed a resolution to expand its single-use bylaw, requiring businesses to provide reusable containers or accept customer-provided containers. Restaurants Canada was actively engaged throughout the process, including presenting at a council meeting. As a result of our efforts, the bylaw includes an important exemption that allows businesses to implement their own reusable container policies that align with their operational needs. The new provisions will come into effect on September 1st, 2025.

March Sustainability Committee Meeting & PFAS Consultation

Last week, we had a productive Sustainability Committee Meeting. A major focus of the discussion was the ongoing consultation on the federal PFAS report and Risk Management Approach, as the government has concluded that PFAS—a class of chemicals commonly found in packaging and textiles—are toxic to the environment and human health.

With proposed risk management measures rolling out in three phases, including a focus on food packaging and food contact materials in Phase 2 (starting in 2027), Restaurants Canada is working closely with members to prepare a submission ahead of the May 7, 2025, deadline. We encourage members to reach out with any questions or feedback.

FEDERAL UPDATE

From Maximilien Roy | Vice-President, Federal & Québec

Advocating for our industry during (and following) the election

An election may be on the horizon, but our advocacy never takes a break. While politicians are busy campaigning, we’re making sure the foodservice industry stays at the center of the conversation. Our strategy ensures that no matter who wins, our priorities—fair taxation, fewer trade barriers, and economic relief—remain top of mind for decision-makers.

During the Election Campaign:

  • Communicating Our Priorities – We are engaging political parties on crucial issues, including the removal of GST/HST on all food, eliminating interprovincial trade barriers, and reducing payroll taxes. We are in touch with top bureaucrats, who remain in place regardless of who wins along with current Cabinet Ministers
  • Monitoring Political Commitments – We will track party platforms and issue public statements reacting to policies that align with or challenge our industry’s needs. We will keep you informed with updates on party positions and key promises made ahead of the election for you to make up your mind before voting.

Post-Election Advocacy:

  • Meeting Key MPs – We will engage with newly elected and returning MPs to highlight our industry’s economic significance and advocate for our policy priorities. We will meet with the different caucuses to push for meaningful reforms that benefit foodservice businesses.
  • Gather our industry champions within Parliament – We will convene a group of relevant MPs, focusing on the top 25 foodservice ridings in the country and ask them to form an informal foodservice caucus. A cross-party caucus would unite MPs in advancing practical solutions, supporting local foodservice businesses, and ensuring the industry thrives for years to come. By working together, these parliamentarians can create a stronger, more resilient foodservice sector—one that benefits workers, businesses, and builds vibrant and thriving foodservice communities across Canada.

We will keep you updated as new developments occur. Stay tuned and follow us on all our social channels: X | Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook

ATLANTIC UPDATE

From Janick Cormier | Vice-President, Atlantic Canada

New Brunswick budget

New Brunswick tabled its 2025 budget on Tuesday, March 18th. As this was the first day that the legislature was sitting since I’ve been in this role, I made my way to Fredericton to connect with members of the government and highlight some of our key priorities: access to immigration, better wholesale discounts for liquor and taking the HST off restaurant meals permanently.

I met with Minister d’Amours, who assured me that the province is close to reaching an agreement with the federal government on immigration. I reiterated the urgency of this as some of our members have already had to send cherished employees home. Every day that goes by means more work visas expiring and more people being forced to leave Canada.

As for the budget, it focused on the government’s key priorities: health, education and affordable housing. This means that there was almost no attention given to small businesses and our industry. It did, however, include the tariff response plan which includes the following:

  • Working capital loans of up to $5 million providing financial support to help maintain operations.
  • A new $40 million competitiveness and growth program to enhance the long-term sustainability of New Brunswick’s large export-intensive companies.
  • A flexible labour market support program delivered through Working NB and the Department of Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour that will provide support and services to those whose jobs have been affected by the tariffs. A contingency fund will also be available through the Regional Development Corporation to provide support for impacted communities.

In addition to these measures, the province is working to take down interprovincial trade barriers with the Premier recently calling for an Atlantic free-trade zone. The province also moved forward with legislation to amend the Liquor Control Act to remove barriers related to alcohol which will give New Brunswick consumers access to a larger selection of Canadian products and eliminate the personal exemption limit.

CENTRAL CANADA UPDATE

From Kris Barnier | Vice President, Central Canada and the North

Manitoba

Manitoba Budget – The Manitoba Government announced its Budget on March 20th. After a strong and positive lobbying effort by Restaurants Canada and MRFA, the Kinew Government announced that it will introduce a $10M Business Security Rebate Program.  This program comes in direct response to our sustained efforts to get financial support for restaurants impacted by crime. We will work with the government in the coming weeks to land eligibility criteria and program specifics that are responsive to the realities and needs of our members.

We were also excited to see significant spending boosts on tourism and justice.  The Budget reaffirmed the government’s commitment to allow businesses to defer payment on provincially administered taxes. It freezes hydro rates and cuts payroll taxes for mid- to large-size employers. It contains several tax breaks targeting individuals, which will give them financial room to continue to spend in restaurants. And it also allocates a significant Contingency Fund that will give government the firepower and nimbleness it needs to quickly extend additional supports to individuals and businesses impacted by the US led traffic war and Canada’s response.

More details can be found here.

Made-In-Manitoba Program – The Province is allocating up to $1.5M to help Manitoba Manufacturers impacted by the trade war and is launching a U.S. Trade Council and Support Manitoba Buy Local campaign. See here for more details.

Funding to Help Small and Medium Sized Businesses with AI Training – In partnership with the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce (MCC) and Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce (WCC), the province is investing $2 million to help small- and medium-sized enterprises dismantle common barriers to AI adoption. The training initiative will include workshops, webinars and mentorship programs delivered through the MCC and WCC. An AI readiness self-assessment tool will allow businesses to evaluate their AI adoption level with customized recommendations on how to use this technology. For more information, see here.

Manitoba Government Calls on Ottawa for Bail Reform – Working with the other provinces, Manitoba has called on Ottawa to amend the criminal code to make bail and sentencing laws stricter. This comes as a high percentage of crimes in Manitoba are committed by repeat offenders and individuals out on bail. See here for more.

Ontario

New Ontario Cabinet – On March 19th, CEO Kelly Higginson was among a select group of invited guests as Premier Ford unveiled his new cabinet.While most of the key ministers whose portfolios closely touch the foodservice business will stay in the same roles, there are a few notable changes:

  • Trevor Jones, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness
  • Todd McCarthy, Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks
  • Andrea Khanjin, Minister of Red Tape Reduction

As the ministers appoint their staff, we are actively reaching out to renew relationships with returning ministers and to build strong and impactful relationships with ministers new to their roles. The new cabinet’s primary focus will be on protecting Ontario against the US led trade war. In the coming weeks, we expect the Government to follow through on its commitment to increase the LCBO discount for restaurants and bars from 10% to 15%, a measure that came directly from Restaurants Canada’s advocacy. We also expect the government to share additional details regarding actions it will take to help employers with cash flow, as well as tax and payroll relief and support.

Our top priority is to continue to advocate for measures that will help your business manage, and get through, the US trade war. This includes payroll support, alcohol pricing relief, tax relief on restaurant sales, and other measures aiming to help secure the long-term sustainability of our industry’s workforce. Alongside these priorities, we will also be actively engaged with the government on public safety and extended producer responsibility.

Ontario to Eliminate Minimum Pricing On Spirits and Freeze the Scheduled Cost-Of-Service Fee on Beer – Effective April 1, 2025, the Ontario government will be removing minimum retail prices for all spirit products (including spirit-based ready-to-drink products), and pausing the scheduled 4.4% increase in the cost-of-service fee which is applied to all beer products sold at the LCBO and other licensed retailers. We anticipate that some suppliers will take this as an opportunity to reduce their prices, which will result in savings for restaurants and bars on applicable purchases. Freezing the cost-of-service fee will help brewers contain their costs, which will mitigate pressures to increase their prices for all customers. For more information, see here.

The North

Yukon Nominee Program – The Government of Yukon is opening an Expression of Interest (EOI) intake for employers who want to apply to the Yukon Nominee Program (YNP) in 2025. This process will allow the Government of Yukon to invite employers to submit YNP applications for foreign nationals in locations or positions that align with the 2025 priorities, rather than rely on a first come, first serve approach. The intake period for the Expression of Interest will open on March 31, 2025, at 9 am Yukon Standard Time and close on April 22, 2025, at 4:30 pm Yukon Standard Time. Click here to see more.

Northwest Territories government ending NWT Carbon Tax for most users on April 1 –See here for more information.

WESTERN UPDATE

From Mark von Schellwitz | Vice-President, Western Canada

Alberta Premier’s Dinner and Liquor Policy Discussion

Restaurants Canada attended the annual Premier’s dinner in Edmonton on March 19th and was fortunate to be seated at the same table as Red Tape Reduction (responsible for AGLC) Minister Nally. We discussed member concerns about the additional ad valorem liquor markups on premium wines announced in the budget as well as agent questions on Alberta’s ban on US liquor products. The Minister assured us that he is addressing agents’ concerns by waiving agent storage fees and allowing agents to sell their remaining US liquor products. The Minister said that the additional markups on premium wines should not be significant enough to impact demand but understood Restaurants Canada’s position that partially adding ad valorem markups on premium wines undermines Alberta’s flat tax markup system.

Saskatchewan Budget

On March 19th Saskatchewan tabled the 2025 budget. The 2025/26 budget is balanced and projects a small $12 million surplus but does not include any contingencies for the impact of tariffs.

The highlights of the 2025 budget were $250 million in affordability tax cuts including the largest personal income tax reduction since 2008, increasing the provincial personal income tax exemption level by $500 for the next four years. The government estimates this will save the average family of four with $100,000 in income $3,400. Once fully implemented the tax reductions will result in 54,000 Saskatchewanians paying no provincial income tax and will certainly help increase the disposable income for Saskatchewanians to spend at restaurants.

For businesses the budget makes permanent the previous temporary 1% small business tax rate. There is also a reduction in the education tax mill rate for all property classifications which will save property owners roughly $100 million. Also included in the budget was the creation of a new 45% Small and Medium Enterprise Investment Tax Credit for equity investments in small and medium businesses and a $285,000 Young Entrepreneur Bursary Program providing $5,000 grants to 57 young entrepreneurs.

More information on the budget can be found here.

Saskatchewan Briefly Expands US Liquor Ban to include US branded Liquor Products

Restaurants Canada was surprised to learn on Budget day the Saskatchewan government was expanding their US liquor purchase ban to include a list of 54 US-branded liquor products brewed in Canada. After hearing member concerns about the impact this policy would have on their beer sales in particular, Restaurants Canada reached out to the Parks, Culture, and Sports Minister Alana Ross (responsible for SLGA) arguing that it was a step too far. We urged the Minister to convince her Cabinet colleagues and the Premier to reverse the policy. The same morning Restaurants Canada also issued the following press release opposing the policy and did some media interviews on the issue.

Victory! On Monday, March 24th the Minister’s office and SLGA reached out to Restaurants Canada advising that the Saskatchewan government reversed their decision to add US branded products to the US liquor product ban. We appreciate those Saskatchewan members that reached out with their concerns regarding the policy and the advocacy efforts of our Beer Canada colleagues in helping to the reverse the decision. Restaurants Canada would like to thank Minister Ross, Premier Moe, and the Saskatchewan government for listening to our concerns and quickly reversing the policy!

Saskatchewan Food Safety Regulation Amendment Consultation Reminder

Saskatchewan members who are interested but have not yet provided input on the proposed Food Safety Regulation amendments which include ambient food and all food handling staff having food safety training are encouraged to do so. Please send your feedback to Restaurants Canada and directly into the consultation process by going to the Food Safety Regulations (2025) Amendments website and completing the engagement survey by April 2nd.

Restaurants Canada Meets with new BC Labour Minister

On March 26th Restaurants Canada had an introductory meeting with BC’s new Labour Minister and her Deputy Minister. We provided the Minister with a State of the Industry update and discussed several policy challenges, focusing on the impact recently implemented labour policies have had on our labour costs.

Many new labour policies implemented in recent years have made BC the highest labour cost province in Canada. We are asking the Minister to “do no further ham” by agreeing not to introduce any new labour policies that would add costs to struggling members. We also asked for the Minister’s assistance in eliminating the currently paused WorkSafeBC policy directive that directs employers to report all verifiable gratuities as assessed payroll which contradicts CRA’s direct tip policy. Participating BC RC members articulated how recently implemented labour policies were impacting their operations as well as the operational and cost challenges of WorkSafeBC’s policy directive.

BC Government to Eliminate BC Carbon Tax Effective April 1st

Victory! The BC Government announced that they would be tabling legislation on March 31st to eliminate BC’s consumer carbon tax effective April 1st, as they had promised to do if the federal government eliminated the federal consumer carbon tax. Restaurants Canada has long recommended that the BC consumer carbon tax be eliminated to help reduce food and transport costs.

I look forward to seeing many of you and making new connections at the RC Show!

Kelly Higginson