The Canadian Union of Postal Workers’ strike mandate is expiring in a weeks time on August 25, 2016 and contract negotiations are coming to an end. The question is whether it will follow with the same conclusion as the Canadian Postmasters and Assistants Association; an arbitrator has accepted Canada Post’s proposal to include a defined contribution pension plan for new employees as well as changes to entry-level wages.
The CUPW is determined to keep the defined benefit pension plans for newer workers. A defined benefit pension plan is where employees earn a specific amount of pension regardless of how the pension fund’s investments performed; whereas a defined contribution pension plan pays out according to how the investments fair. The CUPW rejected the pension proposal and Jon Hamilton, the spokesperson for Canada Post, said it has put “more than a billion dollars in demands on the table and that would certainly impact our ability to provide affordable service to Canadians.”
There has been a report in Kanata, Ontario where a consumer purchased infant formula that was tampered with; the outer container was intact but the security seal had been altered and the product was substituted with another. The infant formula was purchased from the Walmart Canada in Kanata and The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has been notified.
The CFIA wants to warn consumers to examine all packages of infant formula product that is purchased to ensure the packaging hasn’t been modified or altered. If it has, you’re advised to contact the CFIA or your local police.
Typically, this kind of product issue doesn’t occur during the manufacturing process; rather, it occurs when an item or product has been returned by a different consumer for a refund.
Rocky Mountain Pies has recalled its Sea Salt Caramel Apple Pie due to an undeclared ingredient of almonds. If you have the product below and you or a family member is allergic to almonds, you’re advised to throw the item in the garbage or return it to where you purchased it. These apple pies were sold in Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Northwest Territories, Ontario, and Saskatchewan.
Students heading to school this September are in luck because on Monday, August 1, 2016 the Canadian Student Federal Grants increased by 50%! For low and middle-income families, this is a fantastic change that can help make paying for a college or university education a little bit easier. Along with the changes in grant amounts, there will also be changes in to the Repayment Assistance options including the increase in access to interest-free loans, extended financial support for mature students, and more.
Full-time students from low-income families will get $3000 (was $2000)
Full-time students from middle-income families will get $1200 (was $800)
Part-time students from low-income families will get $1800 (was $1200)
Starbucks Coffee Company recallscold-to-go stainless steel straws. According to Health Canada, this recall involves Grande and Venti sized reusable stainless steel drinking straws, sold either in packages of three, or as part of Grande and Venti sized beverage cups with stainless steel straws. The stainless steel straws may pose an injury hazard for young children using them while simultaneously engaged in activities, such as running or jumping.
Approximately 301,261 straws were sold in Starbucks locations across Canada. The recalled products were sold from June 2012 to June 2016. Consumers should immediately take the stainless steel straws away from children and not allow children to handle or use the product, or dispose of the product in regular household garbage.
Sadly, Ben Moss Jewellers is closing its doors after more than a century in business. All of its 54 locations across Canada will shut down but there is no word yet on when exactly this will happen. Liquidation sales have begun in several locations including Cambridge Centre and Waterloo locations.
If you shop online, Ben Moss offers free Shipping on orders over $149.
Fletcher’s Fine Brand is recalling Fletcher’s Fine Foods brand Sweet Victory Fully Cooked Smoked Sausages from the marketplace because they contain milk which is not declared on the label. Consumers should not consume the recalled products described below.
What you should do
Check to see if you have recalled products in your home. Recalled products should be thrown out or returned to the store where they were purchased.
H. Van Wijnen Brand is recalling Smoked Atlantic Salmon Filet Royal recalled due to potential growth of dangerous bacteria if sold refrigerated. Consumers should not consume the recalled products described below.
What you should do
Check to see if you have recalled products in your home. Recalled products should be thrown out or returned to the store where they were purchased.
If you think you became sick from consuming a recalled product, call your doctor.
Food contaminated with Clostridium botulinum toxin may not look or smell spoiled but can still make you sick. Symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, fatigue, dizziness, blurred or double vision, dry mouth, respiratory failure and paralysis. In severe cases of illness, people may die.
Costco Canada is recalling the Snack Factory brand of Original Pretzel Crisps because the package doesn’t declare the milk ingredients that were used to make the pretzels. These Original Pretzel Crisps have been distributed in New Brunswick, Ontario, and Quebec.
If you have the recalled item above and you’re allergic to milk ingredients, you’re advised to throw the Pretzel Crisps out or return them to your local Costco location.
Ocean’s Brand is recalling Ocean’s Brand Flaked White Tuna and Solid White Tuna from the marketplace due to leaking cans. Consumers should not consume the recalled products described below.
What you should do
Check to see if you have recalled products in your home. Recalled products should be thrown out or returned to the store where they were purchased.
Betty Crocker Canada is recalling its Super Moist Cake Mix Rainbow Bit because it was found to be contaminated with E. coli. The flavour chips were made with Wondra flour, which was recalled back on July 1, 2016.This recall was triggered by the company and there have been no reported illnesses from customers after consuming the cake mix; however, if you have this product in your home, you’re advised to return it to where you purchased it or throw it out.
As with all food contaminated with E. coli, it may not smell or look spoiled but it can give you symptoms including nausea, vomiting, mild to severe abdominal cramps, among others. If you are experiencing these symptoms, contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Ikea Canada is recalling Ikea brand dark chocolate bars from the marketplace because they may contain tree nuts and milk which are improperly declared on the label.
People with an allergy to tree nuts or milk should not consume the recalled products described below.
Recalled products:
What you should do
Check to see if you have recalled products in your home. Recalled products should be thrown out or returned to the store where they were purchased.
If you have an allergy to tree nuts or milk, do not consume the recalled products as they may cause a serious or life-threatening reaction.
Longo’s Canada is recalling its brand of Hot Red Thai Chili Peppers recalled due to a Salmonella contamination. These chili peppers were sold up to and including July 6, 2016. There have been no illnesses associated with eating these chili peppers.
If you previously purchased this product, you’re advised to throw it out or return it to the store. Food that is contaminated with Salmonella may not look or smell bad but it can certainly make you sick with symptoms like fever, headache, vomiting, nausea, abdominal cramps and diarrhea.
Walmart Canada is recalling its home brand Great Value Original Bagels because the bagels were made with sesame seeds and it was not properly noted on the packaging. These bagels were distributed in central and eastern Canadian in provinces including New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, and Quebec.
If you are allergic to sesame seeds, you’re advised to return the bagels to your nearest Walmart Canada or throw them out.
