Retailer Snapshot

Environmental Sustainability Commitment. Walmart Canada’s commitment is that by 2025 all its seafood will be sourced from Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) or Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP) certified fisheries or farms or by an equivalent program that follows FAO Guidelines and is recognized by the Global Sustainable Seafood Initiative, and that a traceability policy will be in place to support this commitment. In May 2021, Walmart reported that 84% of its fresh and frozen (not canned) seafood had met its commitment. Walmart is also committed to sourcing from fisheries or farms that are actively working towards certification, or fisheries or farms that are engaged in improvement projects that have “definitive and ambitious goals, measurable metrics and time bound milestones”. The achievement of this commitment is subject to “price, availability, quality, customer demand, and unique regulatory environments”.

Social Responsibility Commitment. Walmart’s commitment to social responsibility includes clear objectives, expectations for seafood suppliers, a clear and effective traceability policy and a timeline for meeting the commitment.

Scope of Commitment. See below for information on which types of products are included in the scope of Walmart Canada’s sustainable seafood policy.

Grocery store brands: Owned and controlled by Walmart Canada
Seafood company brands: Owned by companies that supply many retailers
No brand: Fresh and frozen seafood packaged without branding

WHAT CAN CONSUMERS DO TO HELP?

Take action!

Walmart Canada is well on its way towards best practice, but there is still important work to be done. Retailers listen closely to what YOU have to say. Leverage that power to drive important changes throughout the supply chain!

Select a topic to ADVOCATE for Walmart Canada to improve.

Supporting Industry Improvements

Select your communication method of choice below and take action!

Social Media

Facebook

  1. Copy your message of choice below (or draft your own)
  2. Go to Walmart Canada’s Facebook page. 
  3. Paste your message (be sure to tag SeaChoice!) and post.

“According to Walmart Canada’s #SeafoodProgress profile, you don’t engage in any actions to support the improvement of farmed Atlantic salmon. As your customer, I expect you to play an active role in addressing some of the huge concerns with farmed salmon! @seachoice www.seachoice.org/retailer/walmart-canada/“

Instagram

  1. Copy the message below (or draft your own). 
  2. Paste your message in a new post on Instagram (be sure to tag SeaChoice!), include a photo of your choosing and post. 

“According to Walmart Canada’s #SeafoodProgress profile, they don’t engage in any actions to support the improvement of farmed Atlantic salmon. As someone who shops at Walmart, I expect them to be playing an active role in addressing some of the huge concerns with farmed salmon! @seachoice www.seachoice.org/retailer/walmart-canada/“

Twitter

  1. Copy the tweet below (or write your own).
  2. Go to Twitter.
  3. Paste your tweet (be sure to tag SeaChoice!) and post.

“.@WalmartCanada, according to your #SeafoodProgress profile you don’t engage in any actions to support the improvement of farmed Atlantic salmon. As your customer, I expect you to be playing an active role in addressing some of the huge concerns with farmed salmon! @seachoice”

Email

  1. Copy and paste the message below and address it to help@cs.walmart.ca.
  2. In the subject line, write ‘Walmart Canada’s Seafood Commitments.’
  3. If you feel comfortable, please cc or bcc SeaChoice at info@seachoice.org. 

Attention: Jennifer Barbazza, Sustainability Manager

Hi there,

I shop at Walmart and recently reviewed its profile on Seafood Progress. I was disappointed to learn that you don’t engage in any actions to support the improvement of farmed Atlantic salmon. As your customer, I expect you to be playing an active role in addressing some of the huge concerns with farmed salmon. 

Thanks for your consideration.

Sincerely,

[Your name]

Phone

  1. Call Walmart’s Customer Service line at 1-800-925-6278.
  2. Select 3 from the first menu option, and then 5 from the second menu. Once connected, speak to the message above in your own words.
Education

Select your communication method of choice below and take action!

Social Media

Facebook

  1. Copy your message of choice below (or draft your own)
  2. Go to Walmart Canada’s Facebook page. 
  3. Paste your message (be sure to tag SeaChoice!) and post.

“According to Walmart Canada’s #SeafoodProgress profile, you don’t provide any information on your seafood policy in store. As your customer, I expect to have this information made available to me at the point of sale so that I can make informed decisions! @seachoice www.seachoice.org/retailer/walmart-canada/“

Instagram

  1. Copy the message below (or draft your own). 
  2. Paste your message in a new post on Instagram (be sure to tag SeaChoice!), include a photo of your choosing and post. 

“According to Walmart Canada’s #SeafoodProgress profile, they don’t provide any information on their seafood policy in store. As someone who shops at Walmart, I expect to have this information made available to me at the point of sale so that I can make informed decisions! @seachoice www.seachoice.org/retailer/walmart-canada/“

Twitter

  1. Copy the tweet below (or write your own).
  2. Go to Twitter.
  3. Paste your tweet (be sure to tag SeaChoice!) and post.

“.@WalmartCanada, according to your #SeafoodProgress profile you don’t provide any information on your seafood policy in store. As your customer, I expect to have this information made available to me at the point of sale so that I can make informed decisions! @seachoice”

Email

  1. Copy and paste the message below and address it to help@cs.walmart.ca.
  2. In the subject line, write ‘Walmart Canada’s Seafood Commitments.’
  3. If you feel comfortable, please cc or bcc SeaChoice at info@seachoice.org. 

Attention: Jennifer Barbazza, Sustainability Manager

Hi there,

I shop at Walmart and recently reviewed its profile on Seafood Progress. I was disappointed to learn that you don’t provide any information on your seafood policy in store. As your customer, I expect to have this information made available to me at the point of sale so that I can make informed decisions.

Thanks for your consideration.

Sincerely,

[Your name]

Phone

  1. Call Walmart’s Customer Service line at 1-800-925-6278.
  2. Select 3 from the first menu option, and then 5 from the second menu. Once connected, speak to the message above in your own words.
Transparency

Select your communication method of choice below and take action!

Social Media

Facebook

  1. Copy your message of choice below (or draft your own)
  2. Go to Walmart Canada’s Facebook page. 
  3. Paste your message (be sure to tag SeaChoice!) and post.

“According to Walmart Canada’s #SeafoodProgress profile, you don’t include the species’ scientific name or what type of gear or farming method was used during harvest on ANY seafood labels. As your customer, I expect to see this information on pack! @seachoice www.seachoice.org/retailer/walmart-canada/“

Instagram

  1. Copy the message below (or draft your own). 
  2. Paste your message in a new post on Instagram (be sure to tag SeaChoice!), include a photo of your choosing and post. 

“According to Walmart Canada’s #SeafoodProgress profile, they don’t include the species’ scientific name or what type of gear or farming method was used during harvest on ANY seafood labels. As someone who shops at Walmart, I expect to see this information on pack! @seachoice www.seachoice.org/retailer/walmart-canada/“

Twitter

  1. Copy the tweet below (or write your own).
  2. Go to Twitter.
  3. Paste your tweet (be sure to tag SeaChoice!) and post.

“.@WalmartCanada, according to your #SeafoodProgress profile you don’t include the species’ scientific name or what type of gear or farming method was used during harvest on ANY seafood labels. As your customer, I expect to see this information on pack! @seachoice”

Email

  1. Copy and paste the message below and address it to help@cs.walmart.ca.
  2. In the subject line, write ‘Walmart Canada’s Seafood Commitments.’
  3. If you feel comfortable, please cc or bcc SeaChoice at info@seachoice.org. 

Attention: Jennifer Barbazza, Sustainability Manager

Hi there,

I shop at Walmart and recently reviewed its profile on Seafood Progress. I was disappointed to learn that you don’t include the species’ scientific name or what type of gear or farming method was used during harvest on ANY of your seafood labels. As your customer, I expect to see this information on pack.

Thanks for your consideration.

Sincerely,

[Your name]

Phone

  1. Call Walmart’s Customer Service line at 1-800-925-6278.
  2. Select 3 from the first menu option, and then 5 from the second menu. Once connected, speak to the message above in your own words.

Select a topic to ACKNOWLEDGE Walmart Canada’s efforts.

Commitment

Select your communication method of choice below and take action!

Social Media

Facebook

  1. Copy your message of choice below (or draft your own)
  2. Go to Walmart Canada’s Facebook page. 
  3. Paste your message (be sure to tag SeaChoice!) and post.

“According to Walmart Canada’s #SeafoodProgress profile, your seafood commitments cover all seafood products you sell and apply to all stores. As your customer, I appreciate that your commitment is so comprehensive! @seachoice www.seachoice.org/retailer/walmart-canada/“

Instagram

  1. Copy the message below (or draft your own). 
  2. Paste your message in a new post on Instagram (be sure to tag SeaChoice!), include a photo of your choosing and post. 

“According to Walmart Canada’s #SeafoodProgress profile, their seafood commitments cover all seafood products you sell and apply to all stores. As someone who shops at Walmart, I appreciate that their commitment is so comprehensive! @seachoice www.seachoice.org/retailer/walmart-canada/“

Twitter

  1. Copy the tweet below (or write your own).
  2. Go to Twitter.
  3. Paste your tweet (be sure to tag SeaChoice!) and post.

“.@WalmartCanada, according to your #SeafoodProgress profile your seafood commitments cover all seafood products you sell and apply to all stores. As your customer, I appreciate that your commitment is so comprehensive! @seachoice”

Email

  1. Copy and paste the message below and address it to help@cs.walmart.ca.
  2. In the subject line, write ‘Walmart Canada’s Seafood Commitments.’
  3. If you feel comfortable, please cc or bcc SeaChoice at info@seachoice.org. 

Attention: Jennifer Barbazza, Sustainability Manager

Hi there,

I shop at Walmart and recently reviewed its profile on Seafood Progress. I was happy to learn that your seafood commitments cover all seafood products you sell and apply to all stores. As your customer, I appreciate that your commitment is so comprehensive!

I look forward to seeing Walmart meet its sustainable seafood commitment by 2025, if not sooner!

Sincerely,

[Your name]

Phone

  1. Call Walmart’s Customer Service line at 1-800-925-6278.
  2. Select 3 from the first menu option, and then 5 from the second menu. Once connected, speak to the message above in your own words.
Transparency

Select your communication method of choice below and take action!

Social Media

Facebook

  1. Copy your message of choice below (or draft your own)
  2. Go to Walmart Canada’s Facebook page. 
  3. Paste your message (be sure to tag SeaChoice!) and post.

“According to Walmart Canada’s #SeafoodProgress profile, you are one of the few Canadian retailers to publicly disclose the region and gear type of your wild-caught products. As your customer, I really appreciate this transparency! @seachoice www.seachoice.org/retailer/walmart-canada/“

Instagram

  1. Copy the message below (or draft your own). 
  2. Paste your message in a new post on Instagram (be sure to tag SeaChoice!), include a photo of your choosing and post. 

“According to Walmart Canada’s #SeafoodProgress profile, they are one of the few Canadian retailers to publicly disclose the region and gear type of their wild-caught products. As someone who shops at Walmart, I really appreciate this transparency! @seachoice www.seachoice.org/retailer/walmart-canada/“

Twitter

  1. Copy the tweet below (or write your own).
  2. Go to Twitter.
  3. Paste your tweet (be sure to tag SeaChoice!) and post.

“.@WalmartCanada, according to your #SeafoodProgress profile you are one of the few Canadian retailers to publicly disclose the region and gear type of your wild-caught products. As your customer, I really appreciate this transparency! @seachoice”

Email

  1. Copy and paste the message below and address it to help@cs.walmart.ca.
  2. In the subject line, write ‘Walmart Canada’s Seafood Commitments.’
  3. If you feel comfortable, please cc or bcc SeaChoice at info@seachoice.org. 

Attention: Jennifer Barbazza, Sustainability Manager

Hi there,

I shop at Walmart and recently reviewed its profile on Seafood Progress. I was happy to learn that you are one of the few Canadian retailers to publicly disclose the region and gear type of your wild-caught products. As your customer, I really appreciate this transparency. 

I look forward to seeing Walmart disclose this information on ALL its products, including farmed seafood products, in the near future!

Sincerely,

[Your name]

Phone

  1. Call Walmart’s Customer Service line at 1-800-925-6278.
  2. Select 3 from the first menu option, and then 5 from the second menu. Once connected, speak to the message above in your own words.
Supporting Industry Improvements

Select your communication method of choice below and take action!

Social Media

Facebook

  1. Copy your message of choice below (or draft your own)
  2. Go to Walmart Canada’s Facebook page. 
  3. Paste your message (be sure to tag SeaChoice!) and post.

“According to Walmart Canada’s #SeafoodProgress profile, you support improvements in skipjack tuna through outreach, collaboration with other companies, working with suppliers and preferentially sourcing MSC tuna. As your customer, I really appreciate your dedication! @seachoice www.seachoice.org/retailer/walmart-canada/“

Instagram

  1. Copy the message below (or draft your own). 
  2. Paste your message in a new post on Instagram (be sure to tag SeaChoice!), include a photo of your choosing and post. 

“According to Walmart Canada’s #SeafoodProgress profile, they support improvements in skipjack tuna through outreach, collaboration with other companies, working with suppliers and preferentially sourcing MSC tuna. As someone who shops at Walmart, I really appreciate their dedication! @seachoice www.seachoice.org/retailer/walmart-canada/“

Twitter

  1. Copy the tweet below (or write your own).
  2. Go to Twitter.
  3. Paste your tweet (be sure to tag SeaChoice!) and post.

“.@WalmartCanada, according to your #SeafoodProgress profile you support improvements in skipjack tuna through outreach, collaborating with companies, working with suppliers and preferentially sourcing MSC tuna. As your customer, I really appreciate your dedication!  @seachoice”

Email

  1. Copy and paste the message below and address it to help@cs.walmart.ca.
  2. In the subject line, write ‘Walmart Canada’s Seafood Commitments.’
  3. If you feel comfortable, please cc or bcc SeaChoice at info@seachoice.org. 

Attention: Jennifer Barbazza, Sustainability Manager

Hi there,

I shop at Walmart and recently reviewed its profile on Seafood Progress. I was happy to learn that you support improvements in skipjack tuna through outreach, collaboration with other companies, working with suppliers and preferentially sourcing MSC tuna. As your customer, I really appreciate your dedication!

Sincerely,

[Your name]

Phone

  1. Call Walmart’s Customer Service line at 1-800-925-6278.
  2. Select 3 from the first menu option, and then 5 from the second menu. Once connected, speak to the message above in your own words.

Another way to take action is to let retailers know that their efforts are noticed and that you want them to continue on the path towards best practice.

See below for the remainder of Walmart Canada’s 2021 profile summary.

Other retailer information

Data Collection. Walmart Canada collects species’ scientific name, geographic origin and wild/farmed data on all of its products, and gear type or farming method on some of its products. 

Responsible Sourcing. Only some of Walmart’s suppliers agree to its sustainable seafood commitment requirements, based on the product being sourced. Walmart’s suppliers are required to sign a vendor agreement to uphold its social responsibility commitment. This agreement includes adherence to Walmart’s standards and its responsible sourcing program. Following a risk-based approach, Walmart actively verifies that these standards are being upheld.

Transparency. Walmart labels some of its national brand and private label products with geographic origin and whether it is wild or farmed. Walmart does not label any of its products with scientific name or gear type or farming method. 

Education. Walmart conducts regular training for all staff that handle seafood. Walmart requires quarterly updates from suppliers to ensure they are meeting its sustainable seafood commitment and provides suppliers with training on its data reporting requirements and seafood sourcing standards. Walmart does not have any signage in store that explains its sustainable seafood commitment to customers. 

Supports Improvements. Walmart collaborates with other companies pre-competitively to improve shrimp and prawn farming practices, and preferentially procures BAP certified shrimp and prawns. At the end of 2020, WMC met its commitment to source all private label canned tuna from fisheries certified by MSC. Walmart does not support any actions to improve the product of farmed Atlantic salmon. In terms of general actions to support improvements, Walmart conducts outreach to policymakers, collaborates with other companies, works with a supplier to improve fishing practices and preferentially sources MSC and ASC products.

Note: In the process of developing this profile, SeaChoice corresponded with Walmart Canada manager of sustainability, and with Walmart’s environmental NGO partner, Sustainable Fisheries Partnership.

Step 1: Does the retailer have a comprehensive commitment on sustainable seafood?

Overall Step Score

  • Walmart Canada
  • National Average

If it looks like you are only seeing the score for one year it is because the score did not change from year to year.

Key Performance Indicators

  • Walmart Canada
  • National Average

Scoring Rationale

Walmart Canada’s sustainable seafood commitment is that by 2025, all suppliers of its fresh and frozen (farmed and wild) seafood products, and canned tuna, are sourced from fisheries or farms certified as sustainable by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) or Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP), or by an equivalent program that follows FAO Guidelines and is recognized by the Global Sustainable Seafood Initiative, and has traceability in place to support this commitment. Walmart is also committed to sourcing from fisheries or farms that are actively working towards certification, or fisheries or farms that are engaged in improvement projects that have “definitive and ambitious goals, measurable metrics and time bound milestones”. The achievement of this commitment is subject to “price, availability, quality, customer demand, and unique regulatory environments”.

  • 0% No publicly available environmental sustainability commitment or policy
  • 20% General commitment to environmentally sustainable seafood without clear objectives, traceability policy or timelines
  • 40% Commitment to environmental sustainability that includes clear objectives for sustainable procurement, but no traceability policy or timelines
  • 60% Commitment to environmental sustainability includes clear objectives that are supported by references to credible standards (such as Seafood Watch or Ocean Wise rankings, eco-certifications, etc.), but no traceability policy or timelines
  • 80% Commitment to environmental sustainability includes clear objectives that are supported by references to credible standards and a clear and effective traceability policy, but no timeline
  • 100% Commitment to environmental sustainability includes clear objectives that are supported by references to credible standards, a clear and effective traceability policy, and a timeline for meeting the commitment (unless the commitment has already been met).
  • Scoring Rubric
  • Walmart Canada
  • National Average

Scoring Rationale

Walmart suppliers are expected to comply with Walmart’s Standards for Suppliers and applicable Responsible Sourcing Program requirements. The Standards for Suppliers apply throughout the supply chain and set out Walmart’s expectations of suppliers and their facilities regarding the ethical treatment of workers, workplace safety, environmental responsibility and appropriate business practices. Walmart has a well-developed traceability policy to verify compliance with its social responsibility commitment, and this is verified through the use of social, safety and environmental compliance audits which follow a risk-based approach.

  • 0% No publicly available social responsibility commitment or policy
  • 20% General commitment to socially responsible seafood without clear objectives, traceability policy or timelines
  • 40% Commitment to social responsibility includes clear objectives for socially responsible procurement (for example by referring to credible international standards such as ILO, UN Declaration, etc.), but no traceability policy or timelines
  • 60% Commitment to social responsibility includes clear objectives and actions or expectations for seafood suppliers, but no traceability policy or timelines.
  • 80% Commitment to social responsibility includes clear objectives, actions or expectations for seafood suppliers, and a clear and effective traceability policy, but no timeline
  • 100% Commitment to social responsibility includes clear objectives, actions or expectations for seafood suppliers, a clear and effective traceability policy, and a timeline for meeting the commitment (unless the commitment has already been met).
  • Scoring Rubric
  • Walmart Canada
  • National Average

Scoring Rationale

Walmart Canada covers all of its stores in its sustainable seafood commitment.

  • 0% Retailer does not include any banners in its sustainable seafood commitment
  • 25% Retailer includes 25% or more of its banners in its sustainable seafood commitment
  • 50% Retailer includes 50% or more of its banners in its sustainable seafood commitment
  • 75% Retailer includes 75% or more of its banners in its sustainable seafood commitment
  • 100% Retailer includes 100% of its banners in its sustainable seafood commitment
  • Scoring Rubric
  • Walmart Canada
  • National Average

Scoring Rationale

Walmart Canada covers all shelf stable and national brand products in its sustainable seafood commitment.

  • 0% Retailer's commitment covers neither all of their shelf stable or national brand. products
  • 50% Retailer's commitment covers all of their shelf stable or national brand products
  • 100% Retailer's commitment covers all of their shelf stable AND national brand products
  • Scoring Rubric

Step 2: Is the retailer collecting data to support their commitment?

Overall Step Score

  • Walmart Canada
  • National Average

What information is the retailer collecting to monitor the environmental and social sustainability of their seafood products?

The step score is based on the average of Step 2 key performance indicators (KPIs, or step elements) listed below; click the + signs for more detailed information.

If it looks like you are only seeing the score for one year it is because the score did not change from year to year. Try clicking off the ‘June 2019’ button below the score bar.

Key Performance Indicators

  • Walmart Canada
  • National Average

Scoring Rationale

Walmart collects species names (common and scientific) for all of its seafood products covered under its sustainability commitment (personal communication, S. Grimley, SFP, 04/29/2021).

  • 0% No data collected (or no information)
  • 50% Data collected for some products
  • 100% Data collected for all products
  • Scoring Rubric
  • Walmart Canada
  • National Average

Scoring Rationale

Walmart collects country or region of catch for all of its seafood products covered under its sustainability commitment (personal communication, S. Grimley, SFP, 04/29/2021).

  • 0% No data collected (or no information)
  • 50% Data collected for some products
  • 100% Data collected for all products
  • Scoring Rubric
  • Walmart Canada
  • National Average

Scoring Rationale

Walmart collects information on whether its seafood products are from wild or farmed sources (personal communication, S. Grimley, SFP, 04/29/2021).

  • 0% No data collected (or no information)
  • 50% Data collected for some products
  • 100% Data collected for all products
  • Scoring Rubric
  • Walmart Canada
  • National Average

Scoring Rationale

Walmart collects information on gear type for all of wild-caught seafood products covered under its sustainability commitment, but does not collect farming method for farmed products (personal communication, S. Grimley, SFP, 04/29/2021).

  • 0% No data collected (or no information)
  • 50% Data collected for some products
  • 100% Data collected for all products
  • Scoring Rubric

Step 3: Is the retailer making responsible sourcing decisions?

Overall Step Score

  • Walmart Canada
  • National Average

Are the retailer’s procurement decisions supporting their environmental and social sustainability commitments?

The step score is based on the average of Step 3 key performance indicators (KPIs, or step elements) listed below; click the + signs for more detailed information.

Note that KPI 3.3 was changed in 2019 from “Retailer works with suppliers to address potential human rights and labour abuses, and support sustainable livelihoods for producers” to more specific indicators around retailers’ agreements with their suppliers/vendors to uphold their environmental and social commitments.

If it looks like you are only seeing the score for one year it is because the score did not change from year to year. Try clicking off the ‘June 2019’ button below the score bar.

Key Performance Indicators

  • Walmart Canada
  • National Average

Scoring Rationale

Walmart’s commitment for fresh and frozen seafood uses Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certifications for wild fisheries and Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) or Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP) certifications for aquaculture, or “certified by a program which follows the FAO Guidelines and is recognized by the Global Sustainable Seafood Initiative (GSSI) as such”. Canned light and white tuna suppliers must additionally comply with International Sustainable Seafood Foundation (ISSF) conservation measures from vessels on the Pro-active Vessels Register (personal communication, Walmart Canada Manager, Sustainability, 04/29/2021).

  • 0% No sustainability criteria used to inform purchasing decisions (or no information available)
  • 100% Sustainabilty criteria used to inform purchasing decisions
  • Scoring Rubric
  • Walmart Canada
  • National Average

Scoring Rationale

Walmart Canada currently sources 84% of its fresh and frozen seafood in line with its sustainability policy and plans to include its national brand and private label shelf stable seafood in its reporting next year. At the end of 2020, Walmart Canada met its commitment to get 100% of its private label canned tuna certified MSC.

  • 0% Retailer has not reported in last three years how much of their seafood sold meets their sustainability commitment (or no information available)
  • 25% percent or more of the retailer's seafood products sold meets their sustainability commitment
  • 50% percent or more of the retailer's seafood products sold meets their sustainability commitment
  • 75% percent or more of the retailer's seafood products sold meets their sustainability commitment
  • 100% percent of the retailer's seafood products sold meets their sustainability commitment
  • Scoring Rubric
  • Walmart Canada
  • National Average

Scoring Rationale

Walmart’s suppliers sign a vendor agreement to ensure they will abide by all of Walmart’s policies, which includes the responsible sourcing policies. However, only some suppliers agree to the Seafood Policy requirements, based on the product being sourced (personal communication, Walmart Canada Manager, Sustainability, 04/29/2021).

  • 0% Suppliers are not required to sign a code of conduct (or no information)
  • 25% Some suppliers are required to sign a code of conduct that covers some of the retailer's environmental sustainability commitment
  • 50% All suppliers are required to sign a code of conduct that covers some of the retailer's environmental sustainability commitment
  • 75% All suppliers are required to sign a code of conduct that covers all of the retailer's environmental sustainability commitment
  • 100% All suppliers are required to sign a code of conduct that covers all of the retailer's environmental sustainability commitment and the retailer actively verifies that this commitment is being upheld.
  • Scoring Rubric
  • Walmart Canada
  • National Average

Scoring Rationale

Walmart’s suppliers are required to sign a vendor agreement which includes adherence to Walmart’s standards, and its responsible sourcing program. Following a risk-based approach, Walmart actively verifies that these standards are being upheld (personal communication, Walmart Canada Manager, Sustainability, 04/29/2021).

  • 0% Suppliers are not required to sign a code of conduct (or no information)
  • 25% Some suppliers are required to sign a code of conduct that covers some of the retailer's social responsibility commitment.
  • 50% All suppliers are required to sign a code of conduct that covers some of the retailer's social responsibility commitment.
  • 75% All suppliers are required to sign a code of conduct that covers all of the retailer's social responsibility commitment.
  • 100% All suppliers are required to sign a code of conduct that covers all of the retailer's social responsibility commitment and the retailer actively verifies that this commitment is being upheld.
  • Scoring Rubric

Step 4: Is the retailer transparent about their commitment?

Overall Step Score

  • Walmart Canada
  • National Average

Is the retailer making information regarding the environmental and social performance of their seafood products publicly available and are they reporting on progress against their sustainable seafood commitment?

The step score is based on the average of Step 4 key performance indicators (KPIs, or step elements) listed below; click the + signs for more detailed information.

If it looks like you are only seeing the score for one year it is because the score did not change from year to year. Try clicking off the ‘June 2019’ button below the score bar.

Key Performance Indicators

  • Walmart Canada
  • National Average

Scoring Rationale

Currently, some of Walmart Canada’s national brand and private label products indicate whether they are wild or farmed and the geographic origin (personal communication, Walmart Canada Manager, Sustainability, 14/05/2021).

  • Species Latin name (the what)
  • Country of origin (the where)
  • Wild or farmed (the how, part 1)
  • Gear type or farming methods (the how, part 2)
  • 0% Retailer does not label products with the information (or no information)
  • 50% Retailer labels some products with the information
  • 100% Retailer labels all products with the information
  • Scoring Rubric
  • Walmart Canada
  • National Average

Scoring Rationale

Walmart uses the MSC or BAP eco-labels for products that are certified under those standards.

  • 0% Retailer does not label products with an ecolabel as appropriate (or no information)
  • 100% Retailer labels products with an ecolabel as appropriate OR all products fit under a standard and is communicated as such
  • Scoring Rubric
  • Walmart Canada
  • National Average

Scoring Rationale

In 2019, Walmart Canada publicly disclosed procurement information for all of its wild-sourced fresh and frozen products (private label and national brand) through the Ocean Disclosure Project. It is the first (and at time of publishing, the only) Canadian retailer to be disclosing this information through Ocean Disclosure Project.

  • 0% No list of products procured with region and gear type has been made available (or no information)
  • 50% Some seafood products with region and gear type has been made available
  • 100% All seafood products with region and gear type has been made available
  • Scoring Rubric
  • Walmart Canada
  • National Average

Scoring Rationale

Walmart Canada first reported this information publicly in 2020 and again in 2021 (personal communication, Walmart Canada Manager, Sustainability, 04/29/2021).

  • 0% No public information on how the retailer is doing to meet its commitment
  • 50% Retailer has at one point in the past reported publicly how much of its seafood sold meets its commitment
  • 100% Retailer regularly reports publicly how much of its seafood sold meets its commitment (by volume/value, at least every two years)
  • Scoring Rubric

Step 5: Does the retailer educate staff, customers and/or vendors about the importance of their commitment to sustainable seafood?

Overall Step Score

  • Walmart Canada
  • National Average

Is the retailer educating their employees, customers, suppliers and other key stakeholders about their sustainable seafood commitment, environmental and social issues in seafood, and the importance of traceability?

The step score is based on the average of Step 5 key performance indicators (KPIs, or step elements) listed below; click the + signs for more detailed information.

Note that KPI 5.3 changed in 2019 from “Suppliers are required to sign a Code of Conduct to uphold the retailer’s sustainable seafood policy” (now covered by KPIs 3.3 and 3.4) to an indicator of what actions retailers have taken to educate their suppliers/vendors about their sustainable seafood commitment.

If it looks like you are only seeing the score for one year it is because the score did not change from year to year. Try clicking off the ‘June 2019’ button below the score bar.

Key Performance Indicators

  • Walmart Canada
  • National Average

Scoring Rationale

Walmart Canada does not have ‘seafood counter staff’ in its stores because it doesn’t have seafood counters – rather it sells products prepackaged in freezers and coolers. Walmart does conduct training for staff responsible for seafood purchasing on a regular basis to ensure they are familiar with Walmart’s policy and progress to goal (personal communication, Walmart Canada Manager, Sustainability, 04/29/2021).

  • 0% Training programs not conducted for seafood staff (or no information)
  • 50% Training programs sometimes conducted or for only some seafood staff
  • 75% Training programs conducted for all seafood staff, but infrequently (less than every two years)
  • 100% Training programs regularly (at least every two years) conducted for all seafood staff
  • Scoring Rubric
  • Walmart Canada
  • National Average

Scoring Rationale

Walmart currently does not have information on its seafood policy in its stores.

  • 0% There is no description of the sustainable seafood program in store (or no information)
  • 50% This is some description of the sustainable seafood program in store
  • 100% There is a comprehensive description of the sustainable seafood program in store
  • Scoring Rubric
  • Walmart Canada
  • National Average

Scoring Rationale

Walmart shares its sustainable seafood commitment with its suppliers and requires quarterly updates regarding sourcing information from suppliers to ensure they are tracking toward Walmart’s sustainability commitment. Walmart also provides direct support to its vendors through training on its data reporting requirements and seafood sourcing standards (personal communication, Walmart Canada Manager, Sustainability, 04/29/2021).

  • 0% The retailer has taken no actions OR no information available
  • 25% The retailer sends its suppliers or vendors a copy of its sustainable seafood commitment or policy
  • 50% The retailer shares its sustainable seafood commitment or policy and sometimes engages with its suppliers to help ensure the products they supply meet the retailer's expectations.
  • 75% The retailer shares its sustainable seafood commitment or policy and regularly engages with its suppliers to help ensure the products they supply meet the retailer's expectations.
  • 100% The retailer shares its sustainable seafood commitment or policy, has a clear strategy to engage with its suppliers and provides direct support (e.g. training, resources) to help ensure all seafood product are procured in line with its policies.
  • Scoring Rubric

Step 6: Does the retailer support improvements in fisheries and aquaculture?

Overall Step Score

  • Walmart Canada
  • National Average

Does the retailer sell ‘Priority Seafood’ products (seafood that has high volume of sales in Canadian retail stores and that is generally not recommended by the Ocean Wise Seafood Program), and if so, do they support improvement and how?

The step score is based on the average of Step 6 key performance indicators (KPIs, or step elements) listed below; click the + signs for more detailed information.

Note that this Step was changed significantly in 2019 to introduce two additional ‘Support Improvement’ actions for each of the Priority Seafood products. This means that if a retailer was engaged in the same actions in 2019 as in 2018, and no more, their score will appear to have decreased). Additionally, KPIs 6.4 and 6.5 on other SeaChoice priority seafood products were generalized into a new KPI that allows retailers to showcase any other actions they are taking to support improvement of specific seafood products (besides shrimp, farmed salmon and skipjack), or to support improvements in seafood sustainability in general.

If it looks like you are only seeing the score for one year it is because the score did not change from year to year. Try clicking off the ‘June 2019’ button below the score bar.

Key Performance Indicators

  • Walmart Canada
  • National Average

Scoring Rationale

Walmart Canada is not currently engaged in any of these actions.

  • Only sells farmed salmon products that meet the highest bars for sustainability, i.e. are certified by ASC, Recommended by Ocean Wise and/or ranked Best Choice by Seafood Watch (100 pts)
  • Outreach to policymakers to advocate for salmon farming management to be more environmentally sustainable and/or socially responsible
  • Collaborating with other companies pre-competitively to improve salmon aquaculture practices
  • Works with suppliers or producers directly to improve salmon farming practices
  • Refrains from advertising versions of this product that are not ASC certified, Not Recommended by Ocean Wise and/or ranked Avoid by Seafood Watch
  • Preferentially procures farmed salmon from sources that are ASC certified, Recommended by Ocean Wise or ranked Best Choice by Seafood Watch
  • Sourcing decisions also prioritize products with high levels of social responsibility and traceability
  • 0% Sells the product and does not support improvements by doing any of the actions listed or no information available
  • 17% Retailer is engaged in one action to support improvement
  • 34% Retailer is engaged in two actions to support improvement
  • 51% Retailer is engaged in three actions to support improvement
  • 68% Retailer is engaged in four actions to support improvement
  • 85% Retailer is engaged in five improvement activities or doesn't sell the product
  • 100% Retailer is engaged in all improvement activities or doesn't sell the product
  • Scoring Rubric
  • Walmart Canada
  • National Average

Scoring Rationale

Walmart is a member of the Seafood Task Force and as such is actively collaborating with other companies pre-competitively to improve aquaculture practices (personal communication, Walmart Canada Manager, Sustainability, 04/29/2021). Walmart preferentially sources BAP certified shrimp and prawns.

  • Only sells farmed shrimp and prawn products that meet the highest bars for sustainability, i.e. are certified by ASC or BAP, Recommended by Ocean Wise and/or ranked Best Choice by Seafood Watch (100 pts
  • Outreach to policymakers to advocate for shrimp and prawn farming management to be more environmentally sustainable and/or socially responsible
  • Collaborating with other companies pre-competitively to improve shrimp and prawn farming practices
  • Works with suppliers or producers directly to improve shrimp and prawn farming practices
  • Refrains from advertising versions of this product that are not ASC or BAP certified, Not Recommended by Ocean Wise and/or ranked Avoid by Seafood Watch
  • Preferentially procures shrimp and prawns from sources that are ASC or BAP certified, Recommended by Ocean Wise or Best Choice by Seafood Watch
  • Sourcing decisions also prioritize products with high levels of social responsibility and traceability
  • 0% Retailer sells the product and does not support improvements by doing any of the actions listed or no information available
  • 17% Retailer is engaged in one action to support improvement
  • 34% Retailer is engaged in two actions to support improvement
  • 51% Retailer is engaged in three actions to support improvement
  • 68% Retailer is engaged in four actions to support improvement
  • 85% Retailer is engaged in five actions to support improvement
  • 100% Retailer is engaged in all support improvement activities or doesn't sell the product
  • Scoring Rubric
  • Walmart Canada
  • National Average

Scoring Rationale

Walmart is committed to, by 2025, sourcing all canned light and white tuna from fisheries that are certified as sustainable by MSC or a program which follows FAO Guidelines on eco-labels and is recognized by the GSSI as such. At the end of 2020, WMC met its commitment to source all private label canned tuna from fisheries certified by MSC. Walmart preferentially sources from suppliers using better management fishing practices as validated through chain of custody (e.g. pole and line, free-school sets). Walmart is part of the Retailer Canned Tuna Forum and the Seafood Task Force Tuna Sub-group. Finally, in August of 2020 Walmart signed the NGO Tuna forum’s global advocacy letter that addressed the core elements of long-term tuna stock sustainability.

During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 when observers could not be on tuna vessels due to physical distancing rules, Walmart signed on to a letter to all the tuna Regional Fisheries Management Organizations calling for electronic monitoring in place of human observer coverage.

  • Only sells skipjack tuna products that meet the highest bars for sustainability, i.e. are certified by MSC, Recommended by Ocean Wise and/or ranked Best Choice by Seafood Watch (100 pts)
  • Outreach to policymakers to advocate for skipjack fishing methods and management to be more environmentally sustainable and/or socially responsible
  • Collaborating with other companies pre-competitively to improve skipjack fishery management practices
  • Works with suppliers or producers directly to improve skipjack fishing practices
  • Refrains from advertising versions of this product that are not MSC certified, Not Recommended by Ocean Wise and/or ranked Avoid by Seafood Watch
  • Preferentially sources from more sustainable sources that are MSC certified, Recommended by Ocean Wise or Best Choice by Seafood Watch
  • Sourcing decisions also prioritize products with high levels of social responsibility and traceability
  • 0% Retailer sells the product and does not support improvements by doing any of the actions listed or no information available
  • 17% Retailer is engaged in one action to support improvement
  • 34% Retailer is engaged in two actions to support improvement
  • 51% Retailer is engaged in three actions to support improvement
  • 68% Retailer is engaged in four actions to support improvement
  • 85% Retailer is engaged in five actions to support improvement
  • 100% Retailer is engaged in all support improvement activities or doesn't sell the product
  • Scoring Rubric
  • Walmart Canada
  • National Average

Scoring Rationale

Walmart preferentially sources from fisheries and farms that are certified by MSC and ASC. It is collaborating pre-competitively with other companies through the Seafood Task Force, where it is actively engaged on several Seafood Task Force subgroups, including tuna, feed-focused and FIP working groups, as well as on the Seafood Task Force board. Walmart also engages at the global level with governments to help tackle illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing. In terms of direct supply chain improvements, Walmart has been working with its squid supplier to get them involved in a Fishery Improvement Project (FIP) (personal communication, Walmart Canada Manager, Sustainability, 04/29/2021).

  • Only sells versions of this product that meet the highest bars for sustainability, i.e. are certified by MSC/ASC, Recommended by Ocean Wise and/or ranked Best Choice by Seafood Watch (100 pts)
  • Outreach to policymakers to advocate for harvest or farming method and management to be more environmentally sustainable and/or socially responsible
  • Collaborating with other companies pre-competitively to improve fishing or aquaculture practices
  • Works with suppliers or producers directly to improve fishing or farming practices
  • Refrains from advertising versions of this product that are not MSC/ASC certified, Not Recommended by Ocean Wise and/or ranked Avoid by Seafood Watch
  • Preferentially sources from more sustainable sources that are MSC/ASC certified, Recommended by Ocean Wise or Best Choice by Seafood Watch
  • Sourcing decisions also prioritize products with high levels of social responsibility and traceability
  • 0% Retailer sells the product and does not support improvements by doing any of the actions listed or no information available
  • 17% Retailer is engaged in one action to support improvement
  • 34% Retailer is engaged in two actions to support improvement
  • 51% Retailer is engaged in three actions to support improvement
  • 68% Retailer is engaged in four actions to support improvement
  • 85% Retailer is engaged in five actions to support improvement
  • 100% Retailer is engaged in all support improvement activities
  • Scoring Rubric
← Back to Seafood Progress

Seafood Progress Reports

Sustainable Seafood Policy

Walmart Canada’s Sustainable Seafood statement
Walmart’s more detailed Seafood Policy (scroll down)

Location

Throughout Canada (except for Nunavut)

SeaChoice is a sustainable seafood partnership of the following three conservation groups: