Convenience Store News Canada + OCTANE

Jeff Brownlee Jeff Brownlee Rising geopolitical tensions and recurring tariff threats are pushing cross-border supply chain volatility back to the top of the agenda for Canadian c-store and gas station operators. For an industry operating on razor-thin profit margins, fluctuating import costs present an immediate operational challenge.

Image courtesy of Snackish Image courtesy of Snackish Eight emerging Canadian brands are preparing to compete at the 2026 CHFA Launch Pad on Friday, September 25, during the CHFA NOW Toronto trade show. Held at the Automotive Building at Exhibition Place in Toronto, the event stands as Canada’s largest trade show dedicated to the natural, organic and wellness industry. Among the finalists is Snackish, a protein chip.

Image from files Image from files The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued marketing granted orders for the Juul2 system on Aug. 27, 2026. The authorization covers tobacco- and menthol-flavoured pods containing 1.6% nicotine concentration. For Canadian convenience store operators, regulatory decisions by the US agency serve as a critical benchmark for smoke-free nicotine products designed to transition adult smokers completely away from combustible cigarettes.

Image: Shutterstock Image: Shutterstock The Bank of Canada finds itself in a familiar dilemma this week as the escalating trade war with the United States casts an uncertain light over Wednesday's interest rate decision. The central bank has kept its benchmark rate on hold at 2.25% for nearly a year now.

As the warm days of summer begin to wind down and Canadians look ahead to the Labour Day weekend, a familiar, welcoming cornerstone of our daily lives takes centre stage. From August 31 to September 4, the country is coming together to celebrate Convenience Week 2026—a vibrant, annual recognition of the essential role convenience stores and retail fuel locations play in our nation.

The Convenience Industry Council of Canada (CICC) is launching a major strategic refresh for the annual Convenience Store Week, shifting from traditional charity fundraising to a multi-week national advocacy campaign designed to highlight the sector’s economic impact and local value to governments and consumers.

Image: Subway Canada Image: Subway Canada Dubbed the Fresh for Less Menu, Subway Canada's nationwide limited-time rollout introduces a selection of breakfast, snack, lunch and side options priced under $5 each. The move targets budget-conscious consumers seeking quick-service alternatives beyond traditional fast-food offerings.

Image: Shutterstock Image: Shutterstock The collapse of talks with the United States has added urgency to reducing trade barriers within Canada, but experts say it's not a simple fix. Efforts to boost interprovincial trade have ramped up recently. Nine provinces agreed last month to allow direct-to-consumer alcohol sales across provincial lines. But even this kind of progress, dealing with a niche side of the booze industry, shows the challenges of opening up sales.

Image courtesy of Conagra Brands Image courtesy of Conagra Brands Dolly Parton, who died at 80 on Tuesday (Aug. 25), is remembered by Conagra Brands for bringing her signature southern charm to Duncan Hines. “Dolly brought joy, warmth and generosity to everything she touched. We were incredibly fortunate to experience that firsthand through our partnership with her,” the company said.

Liquor store in Saskatchewan (Image: Shutterstock) Liquor store in Saskatchewan (Image: Shutterstock) Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe announced Wednesday that starting Sept. 8, Saskatchewan is to impose a 50% fee. "It will be good for our Saskatchewan producers with domestic and local sales," he told reporters Wednesday in Prince Albert, Sask. The move comes after trade talks recently broke down between Canada and the United States.