Food inflation in Canada has a hidden driver nobody is talking about. Ontario just charged food manufacturers a billion dollars through it. You are paying that bill.

The Extended Producer Responsibility fee was designed to push the food industry toward greener packaging. Instead, Dr. Sylvain Charlebois says it created a patchwork of uncoordinated provincial systems with no oversight and no results. Ontario is the worst. Newfoundland is the only province that has not implemented it.

The EPR adds 0.8% to meat prices, 0.7% to produce, and nearly 1% at the centre of the store. Oregon built a centralized system with proper oversight that actually works. Dr. Sylvain Charlebois says it is a fixable problem. Canada just has not fixed it.

Topics: food inflation, EPR fee, grocery prices, Ontario food manufacturers, Extended Producer Responsibility

GUEST: Dr. Sylvain Charlebois | @foodprofessor

Originally aired on 2026-05-21

Food inflation in Canada has a hidden driver nobody is talking about. Ontario just charged food manufacturers a billion dollars through it. You are paying that bill.
The Extended Producer Responsibility fee was designed to push the food industry toward greener packaging. Instead, Dr. Sylvain Charlebois says it created a patchwork of uncoordinated provincial systems with no oversight and no results. Ontario is the worst. Newfoundland is the only province that has not implemented it.
The EPR adds 0.8% to meat prices, 0.7% to produce, and nearly 1% at the centre of the store. Oregon built a centralized system with proper oversight that actually works. Dr. Sylvain Charlebois says it is a fixable problem. Canada just has not fixed it.
Topics: food inflation, EPR fee, grocery prices, Ontario food manufacturers, Extended Producer Responsibility
GUEST: Dr. Sylvain Charlebois | @foodprofessor
Originally aired on&nbsp;2026-05-21

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.