The Competition Bureau of Canada has successfully negotiated an agreement with Empire, which owns several grocery brands including Sobeys, to tackle issues related to property controls in the Canadian grocery market. This agreement is part of the Bureau's ongoing efforts to enhance competition within the sector.

Property controls, such as restrictive covenants and exclusivity clauses, can hinder competition by limiting how properties can be used by other businesses. The agreement prohibits Empire from enforcing existing restrictive covenants and creating new ones, as well as from enforcing exclusivity clauses that could restrict specialty food retailers.

Empire's commitments, announced on July 21, 2026, are now legally binding following their registration with the Competition Tribunal. The Bureau's investigation into property controls has been ongoing, with previous studies indicating that such controls can prevent new grocers from entering the market, ultimately harming consumers by limiting choices and keeping prices high.

Businesses and property owners are encouraged to review their property control practices to ensure compliance with the law, and the Bureau continues to monitor the grocery industry closely for any anti-competitive practices.