Loblaw’s Alleged Partnership with Rogers and Bell Under Scrutiny

NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh has raised concerns about a potential partnership between Loblaw, Canada’s largest grocery chain, and Glentel, owned by telecommunications giants Rogers and Bell. Singh believes this collaboration could lead to higher cellphone prices for Canadians.

In a letter to the commissioner of Canada’s Competition Bureau, Singh called for a thorough investigation into what he perceives as market dominance abuse by Loblaw, Bell, and Rogers. He emphasized the importance of maintaining competition and consumer choice in the telecommunications sector.

This issue gained further attention when Quebecor CEO Pierre Karl Péladeau urged Industry Minister François-Philippe Champagne to intervene and block the deal. Péladeau expressed concerns that the agreement would exclude his company, Quebecor, from Loblaw-owned stores where they currently offer wireless services through Freedom Mobile.

According to Péladeau, Loblaw intends to replace Freedom Mobile with Glentel-operated stores like Wireless Wave and Tbooth Wireless. This move has been criticized as an attempt to favor certain carriers over others.

Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland acknowledged the government’s efforts to promote competition in various sectors, including securing a grocery code of conduct with Loblaw. However, she refrained from commenting on potential government intervention in the Glentel deal.

As discussions around this partnership continue, it is essential to prioritize consumer interests and ensure fair competition in both the telecom and grocery industries. Stay informed as developments unfold leading up to Canada’s next federal election on October 20, 2025. Let’s keep an eye on how this issue might factor into political campaigning in the coming years.