{"id":7340,"date":"2026-02-24T07:22:00","date_gmt":"2026-02-24T12:22:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.restaurantscanada.org\/?post_type=ceo-notes&#038;p=7340"},"modified":"2026-02-23T15:04:00","modified_gmt":"2026-02-23T20:04:00","slug":"trends-and-insights-for-your-business","status":"publish","type":"ceo-notes","link":"https:\/\/www.restaurantscanada.org\/fr\/ceo-note\/trends-and-insights-for-your-business\/","title":{"rendered":"The latest trends and insights for your business."},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"entries-filter button-tabs\">\n    <div class=\"filters\">\n        <ul>\n                    <li class=\"filter\">\n                <a class=\"btn btn-secondary \" href=\"https:\/\/www.restaurantscanada.org\/ceo-note\/many-hands-make-restaurants-work\/#federal\">Federal<\/a>\n            <\/li>\n                    <li class=\"filter\">\n                <a class=\"btn btn-secondary \" href=\"https:\/\/www.restaurantscanada.org\/ceo-note\/many-hands-make-restaurants-work\/#sustainability\">Sustainability<\/a>\n            <\/li>\n                    <li class=\"filter\">\n                <a class=\"btn btn-secondary \" href=\"https:\/\/www.restaurantscanada.org\/ceo-note\/many-hands-make-restaurants-work\/#central\">Central<\/a>\n            <\/li>\n                    <li class=\"filter\">\n                <a class=\"btn btn-secondary \" href=\"https:\/\/www.restaurantscanada.org\/ceo-note\/many-hands-make-restaurants-work\/#western\">Western<\/a>\n            <\/li>\n                <\/ul>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This has been another&nbsp;productive&nbsp;month for the RC&nbsp;team&nbsp;and we are so excited to share our latest initiatives with you.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Read the Q4\u00a0Quarterly\u00a0report<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Earlier this month, we released our&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.restaurantscanada.org\/research\/type\/the-quarterly\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Q4 2025 Quarterly report<\/a>, covering the latest trends and insights on the foodservice industry. In the latest issue, read about operators\u2019 biggest operating challenges and expectations for 2026, how changes to immigration policy are&nbsp;impacting&nbsp;restaurants and our updated sales forecast heading into the new year.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Quarterly is available exclusively to Restaurants Canada members through the Member Portal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>RC at the Future of Food Conference<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"694\" height=\"448\" src=\"https:\/\/www.restaurantscanada.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/image.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7343\" style=\"width:459px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.restaurantscanada.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/image.png 694w, https:\/\/www.restaurantscanada.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/image-300x194.png 300w, https:\/\/www.restaurantscanada.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/image-600x387.png 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 694px) 100vw, 694px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It was&nbsp;a pleasure to&nbsp;represent&nbsp;the foodservice sector&nbsp;at&nbsp;Farm Credit Canada\u2019s Future of Food conference in Ottawa celebrating 10 years of Canada\u2019s&nbsp;Agriculture Day.&nbsp;FCC has secured $5B in investor commitments over the next four years to fuel innovation in farming and food. As buyers of over 50% of Canadian agricultural output, the restaurant sector welcomes this investment and looks forward to continuing to work with government to strengthen Canada\u2019s food future \u2014 one in which restaurants play a vital role.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>RC Show 2026<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/can01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Frcshow.restaurantscanada.org%2F&amp;data=05%7C02%7CMStanoeva%40restaurantscanada.org%7Caa983b4c36ec44f86cd408de6e51ce52%7C61cb36f37b9748749f545d6df95ce6d4%7C0%7C0%7C639069494981087380%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=ejhejhn7DdtiKiZE8%2FhcSrvw40R%2Be4iYcRnQ6BrSaP4%3D&amp;reserved=0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>RC Show<\/strong><\/a>&nbsp;2026, taking place March 8\u201310 at The International Centre in Mississauga, is coming up fast, and&nbsp;I\u2019m&nbsp;pleased to remind you that your membership includes&nbsp;complimentary&nbsp;access.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Join thousands of operators, suppliers, and industry leaders for three days of insights, inspiration, and meaningful connection,&nbsp;meet the Restaurants Canada team at\u202fthe\u202fRC Booth, stay ahead of emerging trends and technology, build strategic partnerships, and learn from leaders tackling the industry\u2019s biggest challenges.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While\u202fyou\u2019re\u202fon site, be sure to stop by the\u202f<strong>Restaurants Canada booth<\/strong>\u202f(<a href=\"https:\/\/s36.a2zinc.net\/clients\/CRFA\/rcshow2026\/Public\/EventMap.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">located at the entrance of Hall 5<\/a>)\u202fbetween\u202f<strong>10:00 a.m. \u2013 5:00 p.m. each day<\/strong>\u202fto connect with our\u202f<strong>Government Relations team<\/strong>.\u202f\u202f&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I encourage you to&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/can01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.microspec.com%2Freg%2FRCS26%2F%3F_gl%3D1*1s8ti0x*_gcl_au*MTM1NTU5MTYyNi4xNzY3OTAxNTA5LjQyNjM1NDA5NS4xNzcwNjQ5MjExLjE3NzA2NDkyMTA.*_ga*MjA1Nzc3ODQ5Ni4xNzY1ODEzMTM2*_ga_45XXG1B55Z*czE3NzA4MjQ5MjMkbzE5JGcxJHQxNzcwODQwNzQ3JGo1OSRsMCRoNDUyNjEyOTYz%26_ga%3D2.175258914.1039177416.1770648318-2057778496.1765813136&amp;data=05%7C02%7CMStanoeva%40restaurantscanada.org%7Caa983b4c36ec44f86cd408de6e51ce52%7C61cb36f37b9748749f545d6df95ce6d4%7C0%7C0%7C639069494981132277%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=nWCV7T%2B8zK6RWK6zBbRChD5RcqPpSQSv3tGOEx4rLVA%3D&amp;reserved=0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>register<\/strong><\/a>, bring your team, plan your schedule, and make the most of everything RC Show has to offer\u2014the connections you make and insights you gain can help shape your business for the year ahead.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>RC Awards of Excellence\u202f<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Restaurants Canada\u2019s\u202f<strong>2026 Awards of Excellence<\/strong>&nbsp;is&nbsp;launching&nbsp;earlier than ever to shine a brighter spotlight on the people moving our industry\u202f<em>into the beyond.<\/em>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is your opportunity to recognize the innovators, leaders, and changemakers in your community whose impact deserves to be celebrated. Help us tell their stories and shape this year\u2019s awards cohort by&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.restaurantscanada.org\/awards-of-excellence\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">submitting your nominations<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><em>Applications will close on Friday, June 26th at 11:59PM ET.<\/em><\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Award winners will be announced at One Table, Restaurants Canada\u2019s signature annual dinner for industry leaders and changemakers. We invite you to save the date for an&nbsp;evening of&nbsp;connection, collaboration and celebration on Tuesday, September 29,&nbsp;2026,&nbsp;at The Warehouse Event Venue, North York, ON.\u202f&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Restaurants Canada welcomes Maple Leaf Foods as a Corporate Partner<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We\u2019re&nbsp;excited to officially welcome&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.mapleleaffoods.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Maple Leaf Foods<\/a>&nbsp;to Restaurants Canada&rsquo;s growing Corporate Partner community!&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For more than 100 years, Maple Leaf Foods has made delicious, high-quality protein that Canadians love. Their history, drive, passion, and vision for the future sets them apart. As a carbon neutral food company, they are committed to&nbsp;Raising the Good in Food&nbsp;through better nutrition, safer food and workplaces, more humane animal care, and sustainability efforts that protect our planet.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Great things&nbsp;happen when like-minded organizations come together. We look forward to working towards our goal of fueling the foodservice and hospitality industry in Canada.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"federal\">FEDERAL UPDATE<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><em>From Matt Triemstra | Vice-President, Federal Affairs<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Ottawa Meetings<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Restaurants Canada President and CEO Kelly Higginson,&nbsp;Executive Vice-President, Government Relations and Public Affairs,&nbsp;Anthony&nbsp;Polci&nbsp;and&nbsp;Vice-President, Federal Affairs&nbsp;Matt&nbsp;Triemstra&nbsp;attended&nbsp;the Future of Food Conference&nbsp;in Ottawa&nbsp;on Canada&rsquo;s Agriculture Day 2026 and&nbsp;met&nbsp;with government officials,&nbsp;MPs&nbsp;and political staff.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The&nbsp;meetings focused on the labour needs of our industry.&nbsp;There is strong recognition that the foodservice sector was specifically hit hard by immigration cuts and commitments were made to continue an on-going dialogue. While in Ottawa, our advocacy team met with the following individuals:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Assistant Deputy Minister, TFWP Branch (ESDC) Mike MacPhee&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Associate Deputy Minister (IRCC) Scott Harris&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Chief of Staff (Office of the Minister of Jobs and&nbsp;Families) Chelsea&nbsp;Kusnick&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>MP Yasir Naqvi (Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of International Trade and to the Secretary of State&nbsp;for&nbsp;International Development)&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>RC Labour and Immigration Update&nbsp;<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Labour shortages are putting real pressure on restaurants. A core priority for Restaurants Canada is advocating for an adequate supply of key labour positions rooted in changes to immigration policies that are data-driven, predictable, and responsive to sector-specific needs. This\u202f<a href=\"https:\/\/www.restaurantscanada.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/ES-RestaurantsCanada-Labour_Summary-2026_1.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">document<\/a>\u202fprovides a snapshot of what Restaurants Canada has been doing to advocate for the foodservice sector.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Janice Charette \u2013 Chief Trade Negotiator to the United States<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Prime Minister Mark Carney has announced the appointment of\u202fthe Honourable\u202fJanice Charette as the next Chief Trade Negotiator to the United States. In her role she will work closely with the Ambassador of Canada to the United States, Mark Wiseman, and will act as a senior advisor to the Prime&nbsp;Minister&nbsp;on the upcoming Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) trade review. As&nbsp;the government&nbsp;prepares for the CUSMA&nbsp;review, Restaurants Canada\u202fwill continue to highlight key\u202ftrade\u202fchallenges facing the industry and advocate for measures that will preserve competitiveness and consumer choice, while strengthening food security for Canadians.\u202f\u202f&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Enhanced GST Credit&nbsp;receives&nbsp;Royal Assent<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The&nbsp;government\u2019s enhanced GST credit to deal with food affordability, and new investments in Canada\u2019s food production and supply chain infrastructure&nbsp;is a move in the right direction to address the&nbsp;real challenges&nbsp;that Canadians are facing with escalating food costs. The Government has&nbsp;indicated&nbsp;that after the one-time payment is made in the spring of 2026, eligible families and individuals will receive the enriched regular payments as of July 2026.&nbsp;Restaurants Canada is continuing advocacy focused on&nbsp;eliminating&nbsp;the GST on all food, including restaurant meals.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"sustainability\">SUSTAINABILITY UPDATE<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><em>From Jillian Rodak | Vice-President, Sustainability<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Toronto&rsquo;s Single-Use Takeaway Item strategy<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Last week,&nbsp;Restaurants Canada&nbsp;met with the City of Toronto staff leading\u202f<a href=\"https:\/\/can01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.toronto.ca%2Fservices-payments%2Frecycling-organics-garbage%2Fwaste-management%2Freducing-single-use-takeaway-items%2Fsingle-use-takeaway-items-reduction-strategy-bylaw%2F&amp;data=05%7C02%7CMStanoeva%40restaurantscanada.org%7C1f886e978f87459a538408de6f054f6d%7C61cb36f37b9748749f545d6df95ce6d4%7C0%7C0%7C639070265779651661%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=Bms2o0Q4oX8TcY8QCcM0pBBFFYk4ktoCUik0Mi1ZR0k%3D&amp;reserved=0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Toronto\u2019s\u202fSingle-Use\u202fand Takeaway Item Strategy<\/a>\u202fto better understand the timing of the bylaw rollout and explore ways we can support foodservice through this process.&nbsp;The proposed strategy would expand the current single-use item bylaw to include accepting guests&rsquo; reusable food containers, requiring reusable dishware for dine-in operations, and at large venues.\u202fThe staff report presentation to city council will now take place at the beginning of May 2026. The report is a feasibility analysis of options to expand the bylaw (it does not include recommendations at this stage). The city staff are eager to work with Restaurants Canada to continue learning about&nbsp;various ways&nbsp;we can reduce single-use items ending up in landfill. We will continue to stay engaged with the City on this issue.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Toronto&rsquo;s&nbsp;Long-term&nbsp;Waste&nbsp;Management&nbsp;Strategy<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The&nbsp;City of Toronto has launched consultations on Phase 3 of their\u202f<a href=\"https:\/\/can01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.toronto.ca%2Fservices-payments%2Frecycling-organics-garbage%2Fwaste-management%2Fwaste-strategy%2F&amp;data=05%7C02%7CMStanoeva%40restaurantscanada.org%7C1f886e978f87459a538408de6f054f6d%7C61cb36f37b9748749f545d6df95ce6d4%7C0%7C0%7C639070265779687335%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=CQWpdkr%2Fo7e8DYgTxx1zxvhAgwRu5Lm3RVv3%2FBCCwnk%3D&amp;reserved=0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Long-term Waste Management Strategy<\/a>,&nbsp;considering&nbsp;proposed actions the&nbsp;City&nbsp;may take to reduce waste, increase diversion, and improve waste services. Key topics&nbsp;under consideration include commercial waste, food and organic waste, and reuse. As part of the consultation, the&nbsp;City&nbsp;has\u202fopened a\u202f<a href=\"https:\/\/can01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fca.mar.medallia.com%2F%3Fe%3D90006146%26d%3Dl%26h%3D0EA33216CE0A1F0%26l%3Den%26b%3D1&amp;data=05%7C02%7CMStanoeva%40restaurantscanada.org%7C1f886e978f87459a538408de6f054f6d%7C61cb36f37b9748749f545d6df95ce6d4%7C0%7C0%7C639070265779708782%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=blemV63ME0%2Fai2fOpcJXKNDmcQwocJffgXkW30IncXc%3D&amp;reserved=0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">public survey<\/a>, which will be open until March 8&nbsp;exploring&nbsp;potential actions related to reuse and food waste.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Sustainable Procurement fellowship<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Canadian Business for Social Responsibility has opened applications for the 2026 Sustainable Procurement Fellowship, its&nbsp;national, virtual program supporting procurement and sustainability professionals in mid to large organizations in Canada to turn sustainability goals into practical procurement action. Restaurants Canada members receive a 15% discount on program fees.\u202fLearn more and apply by March 15, 2026:\u202f<a href=\"https:\/\/can01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcbsr.ca%2Fspf%2F&amp;data=05%7C02%7CMStanoeva%40restaurantscanada.org%7C1f886e978f87459a538408de6f054f6d%7C61cb36f37b9748749f545d6df95ce6d4%7C0%7C0%7C639070265779727538%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=OkUSjTTlLsCIHCdE8KxyOm8kLfWUw%2BmciUNFu2jTfX4%3D&amp;reserved=0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/cbsr.ca\/spf\/<\/a>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Upcoming Webinar:\u202fReuse in Hospitality &amp; Entertainment Foodservice<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Learn more about this upcoming&nbsp;webinar&nbsp;and register\u202f<a href=\"https:\/\/can01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fpac-global.zohobackstage.com%2FReuseinHospitalityEntertainmentFoodserviceHowBusinessPrioritiesGovernmentPolicyCanAccelerateScale%23%2F&amp;data=05%7C02%7CMStanoeva%40restaurantscanada.org%7C1f886e978f87459a538408de6f054f6d%7C61cb36f37b9748749f545d6df95ce6d4%7C0%7C0%7C639070265779745591%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=njW30tDcA6qjS7iMcvc1GWnL3OVrGxwEiuegpP3AHFw%3D&amp;reserved=0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">here<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"central\">CENTRAL CANADA UPDATE<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><em>From Kris Barnier | Vice-President, Central Canada and the North<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Alcohol&nbsp;<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Late last Wednesday evening, LCBO posted to its website a new update on wholesale pricing. It can be found\u202f<a href=\"https:\/\/can01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.doingbusinesswithlcbo.com%2Fcontent%2Fdbwl%2Fen%2Fbasepage%2Fhome%2Fupdates%2Fapril1wholesalepricing.html&amp;data=05%7C02%7CMStanoeva%40restaurantscanada.org%7Cd485326fec5c4b70811c08de6f2a9de8%7C61cb36f37b9748749f545d6df95ce6d4%7C0%7C0%7C639070426028744758%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=21a5fivKkpSCUkpXwjtswCjICGj2F4rueaxu33MeDnI%3D&amp;reserved=0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">here<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Restaurants Canada has&nbsp;been in discussions with the&nbsp;Ontario&nbsp;government&nbsp;for several months to express industry concerns about alcohol pricing.&nbsp;&nbsp;We have asked the government&nbsp;and LCBO&nbsp;for a&nbsp;technical&nbsp;briefing to help us understand the impact of the new wholesale model for&nbsp;restaurant businesses. We will share&nbsp;additional&nbsp;information and analysis as it becomes available.\u202f\u202f\u202f\u202f&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Our advocacy on alcohol pricing continues. Our&nbsp;objectives&nbsp;remain:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Deliver fairness by ensuring restaurants and bars do not pay more for beer than grocers and convenience stores&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Restore the full value of the 15% LCBO discount&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Address the discrepancy of alcohol pricing for restaurants in Ontario versus other major provinces, given LCBO\u2019s massive purchasing power.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Ontario \u2013 Hospitality Workers Appreciation Day, Feb 23<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">On February 23, Ontario celebrated\u00a0its <span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;\">first annual<strong>\u00a0Hospitality Workers Appreciation Day<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>\u202f.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This day recognizes the crucial role of frontline staff in restaurants, hotels, and tourism, and serves as an opportunity for restaurant operators and patrons to express their thanks to the hardworking people who dedicate a significant part of their lives to providing memorable hospitality experiences.\u202f\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Restaurants Canada\u00a0was\u00a0active on social media, encouraging\u00a0Ontarians to visit restaurants and to share their appreciation for the industry&rsquo;s workers.\u202f\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Visit to Manitoba&nbsp;<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Last week, Central Canada VP Kris Barnier&nbsp;was in Manitoba for the MRFA Hall of Fame Gala, where three new members were inducted:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Richard Enright, Boston Pizza \u2013 Recognized for his leadership expanding the brand across Manitoba and for his exceptional work in supporting local charities, like the&nbsp;Children\u2019s Hospital Foundation in Manitoba.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>James Siwicki,&nbsp;Silver Heights \u2013 Recognized as the founder of one of Winnipeg\u2019s most iconic destinations on the city\u2019s dining scene.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Oscar Grubert,&nbsp;Champs Food Systems \u2013 A leader in Manitoba\u2019s restaurant industry, at its peak, Champs Food Systems&nbsp;operated&nbsp;over 50 restaurants across Canada and the US.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While&nbsp;in&nbsp;Manitoba,&nbsp;Restaurants Canada&nbsp;connected with Mayor Gillingham&nbsp;and&nbsp;Minister Glen Simard (Municipal Affairs, and responsible for Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries Corporation), as well as&nbsp;with the Offices&nbsp;of&nbsp;the Minister of Business, Mining, Trade and Job Creation&nbsp;and&nbsp;senior staff&nbsp;representing&nbsp;the Minister of Labour and Immigration. Discussions focused on alcohol pricing, WCB premium relief, public safety, and labour and immigration.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"western\">WESTERN CANADA UPDATE<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><em>From Cheryl Maitland Muir | Vice-President, Western Canada<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>BC Budget<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">On Tuesday, February 17, the BC Government unveiled Budget 2026. Restaurants Canada attended&nbsp;the&nbsp;lock-up to assess&nbsp;the Budget\u2019s&nbsp;impact on the province\u2019s restaurant sector.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">British Columbia is facing a worsening fiscal environment, with the deficit projected to rise by 40% in 2026\/27 and remain above $11B annually over the three-year fiscal plan. In this context, the budget introduces several tax increases and spending reductions.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Most significant for restaurant operators&nbsp;is&nbsp;the expansion of the PST to select professional services starting October 1, 2026.&nbsp;&nbsp;This change will add 7% in&nbsp;additional&nbsp;costs to services such as accounting, architectural work, and security.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Restaurants Canada is engaging with provincial officials&nbsp;regarding&nbsp;the mounting cost pressures facing the sector at a time when industry profitability&nbsp;remains&nbsp;strained.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Next up is the Alberta Budget on Thursday, February 26. We will&nbsp;monitor&nbsp;it closely and share updates with members as soon as details are available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With gratitude,<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>This has been another&nbsp;productive&nbsp;month for the RC&nbsp;team&nbsp;and we are so excited to share our latest initiatives with you.&nbsp; Read the Q4\u00a0Quarterly\u00a0report\u00a0 Earlier this month, we released our&nbsp;Q4 2025 Quarterly report, covering the latest trends and insights on the foodservice industry&#8230;.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":7223,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false},"advocacy-issue":[],"class_list":["post-7340","ceo-notes","type-ceo-notes","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.6 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>The latest trends and insights for your business. - 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