Maple washing is what happens when a grocery store uses the maple leaf to raise prices on a product that is not Canadian. Dr. Sylvain Charlebois has seen it in person: oranges labeled as Canadian, manager apologizes, next day the same shelf has the same oranges correctly labeled as Egyptian and priced 15 percent lower. That is not a mistake. That is the whole point.

What does it feel like to realize the buy Canadian movement you threw your trust behind quietly became a pricing tool? Canadians were patient in the spring when grocers scrambled to pivot and find new sources. By August and September, the patience was gone and the complaints to the CFIA were substantial enough that fines finally started landing.

Five or six retailers. $47,000 total. The highest single fine was $10,000. Dr. Sylvain Charlebois puts that in plain terms: that is roughly what it costs a large grocery chain to clean the floor mats at the front entrance for a month. The conversation the fines started is worth more than the fines.

Topics: maple washing grocery stores, Canadian food mislabeling, buy Canadian trust, grocery store fines Canada, consumer food labeling

GUEST: Dr. Sylvain Charlebois | @‌foodprofessor

Originally aired on 2026-03-26

Maple washing is what happens when a grocery store uses the maple leaf to raise prices on a product that is not Canadian. Dr. Sylvain Charlebois has seen it in person: oranges labeled as Canadian, manager apologizes, next day the same shelf has the same oranges correctly labeled as Egyptian and priced 15 percent lower. That is not a mistake. That is the whole point.
What does it feel like to realize the buy Canadian movement you threw your trust behind quietly became a pricing tool? Canadians were patient in the spring when grocers scrambled to pivot and find new sources. By August and September, the patience was gone and the complaints to the CFIA were substantial enough that fines finally started landing.
Five or six retailers. $47,000 total. The highest single fine was $10,000. Dr. Sylvain Charlebois puts that in plain terms: that is roughly what it costs a large grocery chain to clean the floor mats at the front entrance for a month. The conversation the fines started is worth more than the fines.
Topics: maple washing grocery stores, Canadian food mislabeling, buy Canadian trust, grocery store fines Canada, consumer food labeling
GUEST: Dr. Sylvain Charlebois | @&zwnj;foodprofessor
Originally aired on&nbsp;2026-03-26

Shane Hewitt & The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world—always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.

From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane’s signature style—thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.

If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt &amp; The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world&mdash;always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.
From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane&rsquo;s signature style&mdash;thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.
If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt and The Nightshift

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.