Although the U.S. election has dominated headlines across nearly every media outlet, there are still plenty of Canadian-focused news stories to take note of from this past week.
Less than a week before millions of Canadians get ready to pay their respects to fallen veterans by wearing a poppy, Whole Foods grocery chain made a shocking announcement that their employees--including those at its 14 Canadian locations--are henceforth banned from wearing a poppy while on the job.
A new report out of Calgary suggests that Calgarians seem to have the greatest affinity for upholding public health orders, and have been cited as the most vigilant in the province when it comes to reporting COVID-19-related wrongdoings to Alberta Health Services.
After an incident involving the possible presence of glass in their products, Miss Vickie’s Canada has issued a massive recall on bags of chips in a variety of flavours and sizes.
Get caught up on these stories and more with our latest Canadian food news roundup.
Whole Foods grocery chain bans employees from wearing poppies
There has been a great deal of uncertainty and speculation regarding Whole Foods’ recent announcement that its employees would no longer be allowed to wear poppies as a symbol of remembrance. Although Whole Foods has yet to release a definitive statement, Premier Ford recently took to Twitter to proclaim that he would introduce legislation to prohibit any employer from banning their staff from wearing a poppy during Remembrance Week.
“It’s disgusting and disgraceful that WholeFoods has banned poppies for their employees. We will always stand with our veterans. Whole Foods should apologize and immediately reverse this decision. Everyone should wear a poppy #lestweforget,” Premier Ford replied via Twitter.
Find the full story at CBC News.
Music Ecosystem Study proposes turning Calgary and Edmonton into “music cities”
According to a recent report conducted by Sound Diplomacy, the music industries in Calgary and Edmonton generated roughly $2.9 billion and 21,261 jobs in 2017, yet the music industry infrastructures in both cities are still highly undeveloped.
Andrew Mosker, president of the National Music Centre and chair of the West Anthem committee that ordered the study, said the report is a first step in convincing policy-makers, influencers and private industry that the sector is an economic driver worth investing in.
Check out the Calgary Herald for more.
Clementine questions Manitoba’s pandemic enforcement policies
Earlier this week, in an attempt to diversify their offerings and stay afloat amidst the pandemic, Winnipeg’s Clementine posted a selection of pre-mixed cocktails comprised of house-made syrups, juice, and hard liquor on their Instagram feed.
After being notified by a colleague that takeout ready-to-drink cocktails have not been approved by the Manitoba government, Clementine swiftly removed the post. Less than two hours later, an inspector from the LGCAMB arrived at the Princess Street eatery to issue a personal warning to the owners. The post was up for only 20 minutes.
Visit CBC News for the full story.
Calgarians lead the province with COVID-19 complaints
According to Alberta Health Services, when it comes to reporting businesses and individuals who are not in compliance with Alberta’s public health orders, Calgarians have been the most vigilant.
Multiple instances of secret large gatherings, improper P.P.E. usage, and other health-related concerns have been reported to AHS since the onset of the pandemic. In that time, AHS reports that Calgarians have filed more than 15,000 complaints. In most cases, the businesses were able to make the required changes quickly and reopened shortly thereafter.
Get the full breakdown from CTV News.
Miss Vickie’s Canada issues recall for potential glass contamination
A food safety investigation of Miss Vickie’s Canada is currently being conducted by the CFIA after one consumer was left injured from a package of chips that reportedly contained pieces of glass.
Although Miss Vickie’s has issued a massive recall, the CFIA advises that any of the brand’s products with an expiry date of up to Jan. 12, 2021 should be thrown out or returned to where they were purchased.
Find out more at Global News.
Construction underway on Peche Island fish conservation project
The Detroit River Canada Cleanup has just begun an extensive project on Windsor’s Peche Island to clean the island’s eroding shoreline and protect the island’s endangered and threatened fish species.
The island is currently home to one of only three known breeding areas of the endangered Northern madtom in Canada.
Head to CBC News for the full story.
Kingston nightclub converts to drop-in food distribution centre
This week, Kingston city council approved spending $39,000 to help non-profit organization Lionhearts Inc. move into Stages Night Club. The money will be used to pay rent for the next six months so the organization can provide a hub for people to get out of the cold and receive refreshments, free access to clothing and toiletries, and counsel from local volunteers.
Find out more from Global News.
