HALIFAX —
Nova Scotia is reporting eight new cases of COVID-19 Saturday, as well as three recoveries, as the active number of cases in the province rises to 52.
Four new cases were identified in the Central zone, involving close contacts of previously reported cases.
The four other cases were identified in the Eastern Zone, three involving close contacts of previously reported cases and one remains under investigation.
“I encourage all Nova Scotians to get tested regularly and ensure you continue to keep a physical distance and wear a mask. Get both doses of your vaccine as soon as you can, if you haven’t already,” said Dr. Robert Strang, Nova Scotia’s chief medical officer of health in a release. “Doing all of this will help limit spread of the virus and allow us to have a more normal summer.”
Public Health says there is now “limited community spread” in the Central zone. The Eastern, Northern and Western zones continue to be closely monitored for community spread.
“While we’ve seen case numbers in the single digits over the past few days, today’s number is a reminder that we can’t let our guard down,” said Premier Iain Rankin. “This morning I dropped into the Fall River Shoppers Drug Mart, and owner Brian MacDonald told me about how well the vaccination program is rolling out. Thanks to him and all of our pharmacies for being part of our vaccine program and success in keeping COVID case numbers low. Get vaccinated; get tested.”
CASE DATA
Nova Scotia labs processed 2,913 tests on Friday, and have now processed a total of 951,797 since the start of the pandemic.
There have been 5,850 cumulative COVID-19 cases in Nova Scotia. Of those, 5,706 people have recovered, and 92 have died due to COVID-19.
According to the province’s online dashboard, there are currently two individuals in hospital, with no one in an intensive care unit.
Since April 1, there have been 4,108 positive COVID-19 cases and 26 deaths. Of the new cases since April 1, 4,030 are now considered resolved.
There are cases confirmed across the province, but most have been identified in the Central zone, which contains the Halifax Regional Municipality.
The provincial government says cumulative cases by zone may change as data is updated in Panorama, the province’s electronic information system.
The numbers reflect where a person lives and not where their sample was collected.
Western zone: 290 cases (no active cases)
Central zone: 4,642 cases (38 active cases)
Northern zone: 301 cases (no active cases)
Eastern zone: 617 cases (14 active cases)
The provincial state of emergency, which was first declared on March 22, 2020, has been extended to July 11, 2021
VACCINE UPDATE
The province’s COVID-19 online dashboard provides an update on the number of vaccines that have been administered to date.
As of Friday, 961,653 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have been administered, with approximately 72.9 per cent of the province’s overall population having received at least one dose. Of those, 253,331 Nova Scotians have received their second dose.
The province says it has received a total of 1,081,070 doses of COVID-19 vaccine since Dec. 15.
All Nova Scotians are encouraged to get vaccinated against COVID-19 as soon as they are eligible. COVID-19 vaccination appointments can be made online or by phone at 1-833-797-7772.
MORE WALK-IN TESTING OPTIONS
Nova Scotia health is introducting several new walk-in testing centres and mobile units across the province.
Testing is open to anyone and can be convenient for out-of-province visitors arriving in Nova Scotia, public health said in a release.
A list of locations offering walk-in PCR COVID-19 testing in addition to testing by appointment can be found on the health authority’s website. Rapid tests will not be offered at these locations.
Testing is available for all ages, for those who have symptoms, no symptoms (asymptomatic), have travelled or been to a potential exposure site and have been a close contact with a positive COVID case.
Public health is strongly encouraging Nova Scotians to seek asymptomatic COVID-19 testing, particularly if they have had several social interactions, even with their own social circle.
COVID-19 tests can be booked through the province’s online self-assessment COVID-19 tool, or by calling 811.
People can also visit one of Nova Scotia’s rapid pop-up testing sites that continue to operate throughout the province.
Saturday, July 3:
East Preston Recreation Centre (24 Brooks Dr, East Preston) from noon to 7 p.m.
Richard Murray Design Building (5257 Morris St., Halifax) from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Halifax Convention Centre (1650 Argyle St, Halifax) from noon to 7 p.m.
Bedford-Hammonds Plains Community Centre (202 Innovation Dr., Bedford) from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.
St. Theresa’s Parish Hall (285 St. Peter’s Road, Sydney) from 2 to 7 p.m.
COVID ALERT APP
Canada’s COVID-19 Alert app is available in Nova Scotia.
The app, which can be downloaded through the Apple App Store or Google Play, notifies users if they may have been exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.
LIST OF SYMPTOMS
Anyone who experiences a fever or new or worsening cough, or two or more of the following new or worsening symptoms, is encouraged to take an online test or call 811 to determine if they need to be tested for COVID-19:
TORONTO – Canada Goose Holdings Inc. says it has signed a deal that will result in the creation of its first eyewear collection.
The deal announced on Thursday by the Toronto-based luxury apparel company comes in the form of an exclusive, long-term global licensing agreement with Marchon Eyewear Inc.
The terms and value of the agreement were not disclosed, but Marchon produces eyewear for brands including Lacoste, Nike, Calvin Klein, Ferragamo, Longchamp and Zeiss.
Marchon plans to roll out both sunglasses and optical wear under the Canada Goose name next spring, starting in North America.
Canada Goose says the eyewear will be sold through optical retailers, department stores, Canada Goose shops and its website.
Canada Goose CEO Dani Reiss told The Canadian Press in August that he envisioned his company eventually expanding into eyewear and luggage.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 19, 2024.
Almost seven years since news broke of an alleged conspiracy to fix the price of packaged bread across Canada, the saga isn’t over: the Competition Bureau continues to investigate the companies that may have been involved, and two class-action lawsuits continue to work their way through the courts.
Here’s a timeline of key events in the bread price-fixing case.
Oct. 31, 2017: The Competition Bureau says it’s investigating allegations of bread price-fixing and that it was granted search warrants in the case. Several grocers confirm they are co-operating in the probe.
Dec. 19, 2017: Loblaw and George Weston say they participated in an “industry-wide price-fixing arrangement” to raise the price of packaged bread. The companies say they have been co-operating in the Competition Bureau’s investigation since March 2015, when they self-reported to the bureau upon discovering anti-competitive behaviour, and are receiving immunity from prosecution. They announce they are offering $25 gift cards to customers amid the ongoing investigation into alleged bread price-fixing.
Jan. 31, 2018: In court documents, the Competition Bureau says at least $1.50 was added to the price of a loaf of bread between about 2001 and 2016.
Dec. 20, 2019: A class-action lawsuit in a Quebec court against multiple grocers and food companies is certified against a number of companies allegedly involved in bread price-fixing, including Loblaw, George Weston, Metro, Sobeys, Walmart Canada, Canada Bread and Giant Tiger (which have all denied involvement, except for Loblaw and George Weston, which later settled with the plaintiffs).
Dec. 31, 2021: A class-action lawsuit in an Ontario court covering all Canadian residents except those in Quebec who bought packaged bread from a company named in the suit is certified against roughly the same group of companies.
June 21, 2023: Bakery giant Canada Bread Co. is fined $50 million after pleading guilty to four counts of price-fixing under the Competition Act as part of the Competition Bureau’s ongoing investigation.
Oct. 25 2023: Canada Bread files a statement of defence in the Ontario class action denying participating in the alleged conspiracy and saying any anti-competitive behaviour it participated in was at the direction and to the benefit of its then-majority owner Maple Leaf Foods, which is not a defendant in the case (neither is its current owner Grupo Bimbo). Maple Leaf calls Canada Bread’s accusations “baseless.”
Dec. 20, 2023: Metro files new documents in the Ontario class action accusing Loblaw and its parent company George Weston of conspiring to implicate it in the alleged scheme, denying involvement. Sobeys has made a similar claim. The two companies deny the allegations.
July 25, 2024: Loblaw and George Weston say they agreed to pay a combined $500 million to settle both the Ontario and Quebec class-action lawsuits. Loblaw’s share of the settlement includes a $96-million credit for the gift cards it gave out years earlier.
Sept. 12, 2024: Canada Bread files new documents in Ontario court as part of the class action, claiming Maple Leaf used it as a “shield” to avoid liability in the alleged scheme. Maple Leaf was a majority shareholder of Canada Bread until 2014, and the company claims it’s liable for any price-fixing activity. Maple Leaf refutes the claims.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 19, 2024.
Companies in this story: (TSX:L, TSX:MFI, TSX:MRU, TSX:EMP.A, TSX:WN)
TORONTO – TD Bank Group, which is mired in a money laundering scandal in the U.S., says chief executive Bharat Masrani will retire next year.
Masrani, who will retire officially on April 10, 2025, says the bank’s, “anti-money laundering challenges,” took place on his watch and he takes full responsibility.
The bank named Raymond Chun, TD’s group head, Canadian personal banking, as his successor.
As part of a transition plan, Chun will become chief operating officer on Nov. 1 before taking over the top job when Masrani steps down at the bank’s annual meeting next year.
TD also announced that Riaz Ahmed, group head, wholesale banking and president and CEO of TD Securities, will retire at the end of January 2025.
TD has taken billions in charges related to ongoing U.S. investigations into the failure of its anti-money laundering program.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 19, 2024.
