Mac’s Convenience Stores Inc. wants to test-market selling
milk in three-litre jugs for a year, but the Ontario Dairy Council is opposed.
The council represents the overwhelming majority of fluid
milk processors in the province.
The Ontario Farm Products Marketing Commission granted Mac’s
permission for the test marketing on Dec. 19, but the Ontario Dairy Council
objected and eventually filed an appeal with the Ontario Ministry of
Agriculture and Food Appeals Tribunal.
That’s how the issue came to public attention.
The commission filed documents with the tribunal, but asked
that several sections be sealed from public disclosure.
The Ontario Dairy Council objected, saying it needs to see
the information to prepare its case.
The commission agreed that the council’s lawyers may see the
information, but not the public. The tribunal has agreed and it’s that
proceeding and decision that have been posted on a website with data on court
and tribunal decisions.
There is no indication on the tribunal’s website on when it
intends to hear the appeal.
The commission argues that the tribunal lacks jurisdiction to hear this appeal.
The whole deal is yet another indication that Canada's dairy industry is over-regulated to the point of near paralysis.
