Hudson’s Bay has applied for a judicial review of the current provincial regulations that have shut down non-essential retail stores in Toronto and Peel Region.
In a statement the company argues that health data shows “retail shoppers are not contributing to COVID-19 spread in any significant way.”
“On behalf of thousands of large and small retailers in Toronto and Peel, we have been left with no choice but to ask the Court to recognize the unfairness of the current situation and the need for a fair and evidence-based solution that puts health and safety first and doesn’t jeopardize the livelihoods of thousands of retail workers, or the future of many businesses.”
Hudson’s Bay was among dozens of other retailers both big and small that sent the province an open letter last week, calling for stores to reopen with a 25 per cent capacity limit.
The group argued that the shutdown has funnelled shoppers into adjacent communities, creating a greater health risk and giving an unfair advantage to big box stores that remain open.
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“The Government’s approach is unreasonable and unfair, does not support our shared public health objectives and is causing undue stress and hardships to thousands of retail employees and businesses across the region,” Hudson’s Bay said Thursday.
Hudson’s Bay initially kept its Queen Street location in downtown Toronto open when the lockdown measures came into effect in Toronto and Peel Region on Nov. 23, saying they considered it an essential service because it “offers grocery.”
The Ford government objected saying: “The inclusion of discount and big box retailers selling groceries is intended to include retail with a full grocery store component. This would include Walmart and Costco for example, but not The Bay or IKEA.”
Hudson’s Bay closed the Queen Street location the next day.
RELATED: Hudson’s Bay will keep Queen Street location closed during lockdown
