The federal government is looking into foreign markets to bring more competition to Canada’s grocers, to cut down on the cost of food.

Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry Francois Phillipe-Champagne, says he is in talks with grocery executives around the world, to challenge the Big 5:

Loblaws, Walmart, Metro, Empire and Costco

A report from the Competition Bureau, in June, recommended more competition, which also found international retailers hesitant to take the plunge due to the idea being quite daunting, as well as the need for bilingual labelling.

Champagne says he is pushing grocers for more ways to lower prices.

In October, he announced he will urge for the use of aggressive discounts, price freezing and price matching campaigns.

He had also announced a Grocery Task Force and Grocery Code of Conduct, including a food price data hub to keep an eye on prices.