Comp Bureau broadens probe into Sobeys for property control after court approval

Shoppers at a west-end Toronto Sobeys grocery store, Sunday, June 26, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Graeme Roy

GATINEAU — The Competition Bureau says it needs more records in its investigation into Sobeys parent company Empire Co. Ltd. for its use of property controls across Canada.

The bureau says it has received a new court order from the Federal Court to obtain company records, written information and oral testimony related to the probe.

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It says the latest court order allows it to broaden the scope of investigation nationally and provide it with more information, such as how the grocer negotiates property controls and their effects on competition.

The bureau received an initial court order in 2024 requiring Empire to offer information focused on property controls in Halifax.

Property controls are clauses added to a lease or deed that limit how real estate can be used by competitors. For instance, limiting the kinds of stores that can open in a mall.

The Competition Bureau began probing various grocers for their use of property control in 2024, which pushed Walmart to end the practice, while Loblaw and Empire indicated they would be open to eliminating them.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 22, 2026.