The Financial Post reports in its Wednesday edition that a new Canada Grocery Code to improve retailer-supplier relations will take effect on Thursday, but it does not guarantee lower food prices. The Post's Naimul Karim writes that the code was created to improve the relationship between the companies that provide food and other products and the retailers that sell their products. Karen Proud, president of the Grocery Sector Code of Conduct, says the relationship between the two groups is strained, as five large retailers in Canada hold significant power over suppliers. She often hears that suppliers struggle to negotiate agreements, which can change unexpectedly. The code aims to address these issues by encouraging mutually agreed agreements and requiring discussions and negotiations for any subsequent changes. A common issue is the unexpected fines suppliers face from retailers. Ms. Proud notes that while it is acceptable to have penalties for not meeting delivery agreements, problems arise with unexpected fines not included in those agreements. These kinds of penalties will not be allowed by those retailers that sign the code. With the code, though, suppliers now have an office to go to and make a complaint.