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Canada’s Grocery Code of Conduct: What Shoppers Should Expect in 2026

Starting in 2026, Canada will officially implement its Grocery Code of Conduct , a landmark agreement designed to reshape the relationship between grocery retailers and their suppliers. While this initiative has been years in the making, many Canadians are wondering what it will mean for their weekly shopping trips. What Is the Grocery Code of Conduct? The code is essentially a set of rules agreed upon by major grocery retailers and suppliers . Its purpose is to ensure fairness, transparency, and predictability in the food supply chain. By establishing clear guidelines, the code aims to reduce disputes, foster collaboration, and strengthen Canada’s food system. Will Prices Go Down? One of the biggest questions for consumers is whether this code will lead to lower grocery bills. Experts caution against expecting dramatic price drops. Instead, the changes will likely be “invisible” to shoppers , focusing more on how retailers and suppliers interact behind the scenes. That said, by r...

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Gift Card Scams: How to Spot and Avoid Them


Gift card scams are devious schemes that can catch anyone off guard. Scammers employ various tactics to trick victims into buying gift cards, which they then promptly redeem. Here’s how to recognize and prevent these scams:

  1. Pressure Tactics: Scammers often pressure victims into purchasing gift cards. They might impersonate government officials, family members, or even romantic interests. Be wary of unsolicited phone calls, texts, emails, or social media messages demanding gift card payments.

  2. Why Gift Cards?: Scammers prefer gift cards because they are anonymous, irreversible, and yield immediate results. Unlike credit card charges, gift card transactions cannot be canceled. Once the funds are gone, they’re gone for good.

  3. Common Scam Types:

    • Money Collection Scams: Fake IRS or utility company employees claim you owe them money and threaten arrest or service cutoff unless you pay with gift cards.
    • Phishing Scams: Scammers impersonate legitimate entities (like Apple or Steam) and ask for gift card numbers.
    • Physical Store Scams: Scammers may target victims inside brick-and-mortar stores.
    • Digital Markets: Big companies’ gift cards (Amazon, Target, eBay) and digital platforms (Steam, Google Play) are vulnerable.
    • Vanilla Gift Cards: Scammers love VISA vanilla gift cards because they’re valid everywhere.
  4. Stay Safe:

    • Spot Check: Verify the source of unsolicited emails or messages before responding.
    • Don’t Send: Legitimate entities won’t demand immediate payment via gift cards.

Remember, vigilance is key. Protect yourself by staying informed and avoiding suspicious requests for gift card payments. If you suspect a scam, report it promptly.


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