Although this past news week produced plenty of feel-good stories—from restaurant and bar sales finally surpassing pre-pandemic levels to the return of Canada’s 100 Best list—it was partially overshadowed by the news that Tim Hortons has been unlawfully collecting user location data through its mobile app.
While the news itself is more unsettling than a Timbiebs commercial, it does serve us with yet another reminder to procure our coffee and doughnuts from local makers!
Catch up on these stories and more in this week’s ICYMI.
Tim Hortons caught violating Canadian privacy laws
A nearly two-year investigation by Canadian privacy officials recently revealed that Tim Hortons has been violating privacy laws by tracking people who used its app while the app was not in use.
The investigation found that Tim Hortons misled many users by suggesting it would only gather information while in use, but instead gathered users’ location data hundreds of times per day, whether the app was in use or not.
The investigation also found that Tim Hortons’ contract with a U.S.-based third-party location services supplier contained language that was so vague and permissive that it could have allowed the supplier to sell users' location data.
Find the full breakdown at The Globe and Mail.
Vancouver and Calgary take home top honours on Canada’s 100 Best list
Canada’s 100 Best Restaurants list returned after a pandemic-induced hiatus this week and for the first time ever, a Vancouver restaurant was declared the best in the country.
Despite opening just a few months before the pandemic, Published on Main took top honours from the typically Toronto- and Quebec-leaning list, while Calgary’s Major Tom Bar took home the title of Best New Restaurant.
Head to Canada’s 100 Best to view this year's full list of winners.
Restaurant and bar sales surpass pre-pandemic levels
According to new data released this week from Statistics Canada, restaurant and bar sales in Canada have officially surpassed their pre-COVID-19 levels for the first time since the pandemic began.
The data also suggests that prices for restaurant food have risen by 5.4 per cent, while prices for alcoholic beverages increased by 3.6 per cent, with Ontario seeing the largest increase in total dollars and Manitoba seeing the largest percentage increase.
Find out more from CTV News.
Lethbridge brewery converted into $20-million plant protein facility
A craft brewery in Lethbridge that was recently converted into a fully commercialized pea processing and testing centre officially opened this week.
The now $20-million facility comes as the first in a two-phase strategic initiative to bolster sector growth and job creation in Alberta. Later this year, phase two will commence with construction on a $150-million yellow pea processing facility in Lethbridge.
Visit CTV News for more.
BC Ferries to expand alcohol sales on some routes
Following a relatively incident-free trial period during the pandemic, BC Ferries announced this week that it plans to resume offering wine, craft beer, and cider sales on select routes between Vancouver and Vancouver Island.
Head to Global News for the full story.
