Today is Bell Let’s Talk – a great opportunity to raise awareness, money and help end the stigma surrounding mental health. It’s likely that you, or someone you know, has suffered from a mental illness. Mental illness refers to a wide range of mental health conditions — disorders that affect your mood, thinking and behaviour. Examples of mental illness include depression, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, eating disorders and addictive behaviours.
There are many ways to help end the stigma and start a conversation, such as:
Educate yourself: When it comes to mental illness, education is key. Having the right tools, knowing the right words to use and understanding how to correctly speak with someone experiencing a mental illness can make all the difference.
Be kind: Simple kindness can make a world of a difference. Whether it be a smile, being a good listener or an invitation for a chat over coffee, these simple acts of kindness can help open up the conversation and let someone know you’re there for them. Expressions like “You’ll get over it” and “Just relax” can hurt more than help. Instead, offer your support and say “I’m sorry you aren’t feeling well” or better yet, ask what you can do to help.
Listen and ask: Mental illness is a very common form of human pain and suffering. Being a good listener and asking how you can help, or simply just being there for people you care about, can be the first step to recovery.
Break the silence: Two out of three people suffer in silence, fearing judgement and rejection. Being open to a conversation is the first step towards eliminating stigma. Know the facts, be kind, be a good listener and friend. Be part of the conversation to eliminate stigma once and for all.
If your loved one shows signs of mental illness, have an open and honest discussion with him or her about your concerns. You may not be able to force someone to get professional care, but you can offer encouragement and support. You can also help your loved one find a qualified mental health provider and make an appointment. You may even be able to go along to the appointment.
If you’re a person who lives in fear that kids nowadays won’t ever get to experience the textile joy that was building your first LEGO set, or that they’ll never fully appreciate the haptic feedback relief of playing a real-life piano rather than tapping a simulated LED version on the screen of their smartphone, then you’ll be relieved to hear what Nintendo Canada has up their sleeve.
Starting in April 20, 2018, you’ll be able to pick up Nintendo Labo DIY cardboard kits to complement your Nintendo Switch system.
How these cardboard corrugated creations will work is actually quite ingenious. If you buy the Variety Kit, your child will have the opportunity to build five different toy-con creations, including a piano, 2 RC cars, a fishing rod, a house or a motorbike. Once you connect your Nintendo Switch to these hand-crafted toys, you’ll be able to continue the fun by either holding a recital or competing in a race.
The other kit available will be the toy-con Robot Kit, which will be a kit that provides you with the instructions to make a cool robot suit that can also be connected to your Nintendo Switch to extend the fun outside of the box.
These Nintendo Labo’s will start at about $69.99 USD and we’ll be sure to update this post once there are announcements of where these cardboard delights will begin being sold in Canada.
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and so Dairy Queen Canada is heating up their offers to reflect products that will be more suitable for the loving occasion.
The first new product that they will be offering for the month of February is one that will attract those who like it hot. Right now, you can pick up either 4-piece or six-piece honey hot glazed chicken strips, which will be made with none other than Frank’s Red Hot sauce. This order will come with fries and a ranch sauce, and if you opt for the six-piece it’ll make for a nice snack to split before heading to the movies for a date night.
The second St. Valentine-themed offer from Dairy Queen is the new Ultimate Choco Brownie Blizzard Cupid Cake. This cake will be starting at $9.99, and though it’s marketed as being ‘perfectly split’ between two, I’m sure that if you are celebrating an independent Valentine’s Day, it would also be perfectly acceptable in an individual sized portion.
And since it’s February, Dairy Queen will be bringing back the Chocolate Xtreme Blizzard as their blizzard of the month.
Toys R Us Canada has FREE Family Events in January & February 2018. The Toys R Us Family Events include fun make & Takes, product demos, giveaways and more.
Visit your local Toys “R” Us store to take part in the exciting promotions and activities your kids will love. All events are offered In-store only. While quantities last. Giveaways and make and takes are limit to one per child. Events recommended for children ages 4 years and up.
Today, Saturday, January 27, 2018 – from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m: LEGO 20 Brick Make and Take Challenge.
The child must be present to participate. Parental supervision required at all times. Event activities may vary by store and are subject to change. While supplies last. Limit one per customer.
Good morning! Cineplex Canada Family Favourites Movies is back again 🙂 Join Cineplex on Saturday mornings at 11:00 am for Cineplex Family Favourites. Watch a family favourite film each week for only $2.99. A portion of the proceeds goes towards supporting WE Charity. It’s a fun and affordable way to enjoy the weekend with your family!
Cineplex Canada has released their new schedule. The Cineplex Canada Family Favourites Movies include:
Today, Saturday, January 27, 2018, at 11:00 am the film The Lego Ninjago Movie, Action, Adventure, Animation, is the Family Favourites for $2.99 (1h 42m).
No, we are not reverse ageing here at Smart Canucks, though I am feeling a bit of my childlike whim and whimsy in writing about one of the places I held in the highest regard from ages 4 to 16. But in case you need some more adult-like justification for reading about one of the most magical places on earth, that is, Walt Disney World, then you should know that the New York Times recently named Disney World as number 41 of their 52 Places to Visit in 2018.
Part of the Times reasoning behind recommending Disney World, specifically for the more seasoned traveller, is because of a redesign that the Disney World neighbourhood known as Downtown Disney has undergone in 2018. The neighbourhood has been rebranded as Disney Springs and features hot culinary venues from top chefs in the industry, such as Wolfgang Puck and Masaharu Morimoto. Disney Springs also has a grown-up wine bar opening in the spring in addition to some evening activities that only people who are above the drinking age will truly appreciate.
But aside from the adult playground that Disney is updating, there are also a number of new attractions, rides and renovations that Disney World will be launching in 2018. We’ve collected just a couple of the reasons why you’ll want to make 2018 the year you make everyone in your family’s dreams come true!
New lands to explore
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to explore Andy’s backyard through the vantage point of one of his toy soldiers from the Disney Pixar movie franchise Toy Story? Well starting in summer 2018, you will be able to do so at the 11-acre Toy Story Land, which will include rides like Slinky Dog Dash and Alien Swirling Saucers.
Also coming in 2018, at Walt Disney World at least (Disneyland will have to wait until 2019), is the addition of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.
Magic Kingdom
In case you’ve been anxiously wondering when US President Donald Trump will be added to the Hall of Presidents inside Magic Kingdom, you needn’t fret as an animatronic version of the headline grabbing president made its way into the ride this past December 2017.
New Rides
There are a number of new rides coming in 2018, and even more were announced to the lineup to be added over the next few years!
TRON COASTER (opening on 50th anniversary in 2021): Tron Coaster will be replaced and setup closeby to Space Mountain
MICKEY’S RUNAWAY RAILWAY (not announced yet, but last day to ride original is Aug. 13, 2018): The classic The Great Movie Ride is going to be replaced with a new and immersive ride, called Mickey’s Runaway Railway
RATATOUILLE ATTRACTION (unspecified date): a Ratatouille themed attraction will be arriving at Epcot
SEAMLESS CIRCLE-VISION IN CHINA PAVILION (opening date not announced): an updated digital video production at the China Pavilion
Canadians receive 20% discount offer!
As always, saving the best for last with this offer that is exclusively available to Canadian residents. In case you missed our much more detailed post about this saving opportunity back in November, you can check it out here as all the same rules and restrictions apply.
Essentially, if you buy a pass for at least four days, then you will qualify to receive a discount of 20% off. You will only have until February 10, 2018 to buy tickets at this reduced price and you will have until December 31, 2018 to activate your tickets.
There is always a good time to visit Walt Disney World, but 2018 is really shaping up to be the best for both new offerings and money saving.
Loblaws Canada and Amazon had best watch out, as Sobeys Canada has recently announced their bold decision to amp up their online grocery delivery service by partnering with the UK supermarket brand Ocado Group.
Since Amazon’s acquisition of Whole Foods Market last year, the multi-national e-commerce site has been putting pressure on Canadian grocers, such as Sobeys, to make significant improvements to their online grocery delivery systems.
“We want to be the other player,” Sobeys spokesperson Cynthia Thomspon said in an interview with Bloomberg. “The grocer that is competing with them head on.”
And this deal between British Ocado and Sobeys intends to launch the Canadian grocer into competing head on with the tech giant, specifically when it comes to their online grocery business.
Ocado will provide Sobeys with engineering and tech support to help build their online brand, an expertise that can be seen in Ocado’s own successful launch of Ocado.com and several other specialist banners.
The two firms are going to be setting up their main warehouse in the Greater Toronto Area over the course of the next two years, where they will build a customer base by providing services to 1,500 stores across the region falling under brands like IGA, Safeway and Thrifty Foods.
Sobeys has made this announcement just on the heels of their competitor Loblaw Companies Ltd., who also said they would be outsourcing their home delivery services to an international company. Loblaws announced they would be partnering with the California-based Instacart to provide home delivery services starting in Toronto and would later be adding Vancouver to the cities with home delivery.
Toys R Us Canada has FREE Family Events in January & February, 2018. The Toys R Us Family Events include fun make & Takes, product demos, giveaways and more.
Visit your local Toys“R”Us store to take part in the exciting promotions and activities your kids will love. All events are offered In-store only. While quantities last. Giveaways and make and takes are limit to one per child. Events recommended for children ages 4 years and up.
Boycott Boring this Winter!
Toys R Us is the ultimate destination for fun in store activities, giveaways and promotions.
Here is a preview of Toys “R” Us upcoming FREE Family events for January & February 2018:
Saturday, January 27, 2018 – from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m : LEGO 20 Brick Make and Take Challenge
Saturday, February 17, 2018:
Toys”R”Us Play Day.
Pink Shirt Day: Bullying Awareness & Prevention
Saturday, February 24, 2018 – from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.: LEGO Creativity Make and Take Challenge
SmartCanucks will post the full list of events as soon as it is published, check back later in the month for updates!
Child must be present to participate. Parental supervision required at all times. Event activities may vary by store and are subject to change. While supplies last. Limit one per customer.
The Home Depot Canada has a new list of FREE workshops for do-it-yourselfers of all ages and experience levels that are going on February, 2018! You have to register in advance to be able to attend these FREE Workshops, the registration dates are shown beside each workshop. The Home Depot Canada February, 2018 FREE workshops include:
Kids Workshops:
Build a Valentine Bean Bag Toss. If you are looking for a fun activity to do with the family, we’ve got a great workshop for kids that will teach them about building. Kids can learn how to build their very own Valentine Bean Bag Toss out of wood. (Registration closes February 3, 2018)
Do-It-Yourself Workshops:
Saturday, February 17, 2018 – 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM: Plan a Bathroom Renovation. We’ve got a workshop that will teach participants about the steps in planning a bathroom renovation, as well as knowledge about different styles of bathroom fixtures and materials available. (Registration closes February 10, 2018)
Sunday, February 18, 2018 – 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM: Install a Vanity and a Faucet. This workshop will teach participants about the steps to properly remove an old vanity, how to safely mount and install a new vanity, different styles and finishes for faucets, as well as basic plumbing know-how. (Registration closes February 11, 2018)
Saturday, February 24, 2018 – 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM: Install a Toilet. We’ve got a workshop that will teach participants about removing an existing toilet, fitting the new toilet, and know-how for installing it – such as setting the mounting bolts and wax ring, assembling the various components, as well as installing the shutoff valve and supply pipe. (Registration closes February 17, 2018)
Sunday, February 25, 2018 – 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM: Install Floor and Backsplash Tile. This workshop will teach participants about removing old grout, cleaning joints, applying and sealing new grout, as well as cleaning tiles. Participants will also learn the basics of tile selection, as well as discover how to avoid common installation problems. (Registration closes February 18, 2018)
You have to register in advance to be able to attend these FREE Workshops.
Good morning! Cineplex Canada Family Favourites Movies is back again 🙂 Join Cineplex on Saturday mornings at 11am for Cineplex Family Favourites. Watch a family favourite film each week for only $2.99. A portion of the proceeds goes towards supporting WE Charity. It’s a fun and affordable way to enjoy the weekend with your family!
Cineplex Canada has released their new schedule. The Cineplex Canada Family Favourites Movies include:
Today, Saturday, January 20, 2018 at 11am the film The Emoji Movie, Animation,Comedy,Family, is the Family Favourites for $2.99 (1h 32m).
Distracted driving can take on many forms, but the most common example that you’ll probably see cruising down the freeway on your morning commute to work are people who have one hand resting on the steering wheel and the other furiously thumbing through their Facebook newsfeed.
This is just one example among countless others, but these offences – as they will soon be known – are going to have some serious repercussions if you’re caught doing them in the Ontario, as the province’s new rules are set to take effect after receiving Royal Assent.
“The law has been passed — it’s now just a matter of time,” the Toronto police Const. Clint Stibbe said to 680 NEWS on Monday.
“You the driver has to decide, is answering that text message or making that phone call going to be worth it when you can’t buy your way out of this anymore. You will receive a licence suspension and you will receive a substantial fine.”
These new rules that are to come into effect will mean that offenders who are caught breaking the law and are convicted will automatically have their driver’s license suspended and will receive fines reaching as high as $3,000 for individuals who are convicted three or more times.
For your first offence, you will be fined a maximum of $1,000 whereas for your second conviction you would receive a maximum fine of $2,000.
The suspension of your license will follow a similar scheme to the fines, with your first offence leading to a three day suspension, you second conviction would be a seven day suspension and people who are convicted three or more times will have their license taken away for 30 days.
The license suspension, however, will be at the discretion of the judge who will have to order the license to be taken away, meaning officers won’t be able to confiscate licenses on the side of the road.
It started with their hot beverages getting a price hike this past August, and it now appears that your favourite Tim Hortons Canada breakfast sandwiches may also be witnessing a “slight” price increase in the next few weeks, as CBC reports.
According to the reports gathered by the CBC, Tim Hortons will raising the prices on some breakfast sandwiches by 20 cents.
When Tim Hortons was asked by the news outlet about which exact products would be seeing this unpleasant price hike and what locations would be receiving this update, they could not confirm. The only information that they could offer up was that the raised prices was not related to the minimum wage increase.
This price surge has come after some franchise owners in Ontario decided to cut the benefits of their employees in order to balance the hit they’ll take from Ontario increasing their minimum wage from $11.60 an hour to $14.
“Regular adjustments to menu prices are a normal part of the restaurant business,” said a Tim Hortons spokesperson in an email to CBC News. “Many factors are considered when determining the final price of each menu offering and prices may vary by region.”
Most of the locations that the CBC found reports of the price increase taking place were in Ontario, and after asking an employee of a Tim Hortons in Ontario about the company’s policy on raising prices he confirmed that they usually take place across a large region, such as the entire province.
One customer interviewed for the CBC report found that their go-to breakfast, a bagel sandwich breakfast meal, has increased in price from $6.77 to $7.
Have you noticed an increase in the prices of any of your favourite menu items from Tim Hortons?
Yellow Pages Ltd. Canada, once known for its thick print directories, announced that it will fire around 500 employees in an effort to cut costs. The 500 positions, about 18% of the company’s workforce, will impact its employees across Canada and all functions, the company said. Yellow Pages will report fourth quarter results on February 8th and will book a restructuring charge of about $17 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2018.
The Home Depot Canada has a new list of FREE workshops for do-it-yourselfers of all ages and experience levels that are going on January, 2018! You have to register in advance to be able to attend these FREE Workshops, the registration dates are shown beside each workshop.
Sunday, January 21, 2018 – 01:00 PM to 02:00 PM: Install Laminate Flooring: learn to measure, cut and laminate flooring. You will learn how to undercut door jambs, make tricky cuts, and lay laminate to create attractive, long-lasting floors. (Registration closes Jan 14, 2018)
To book your slot at a workshop, contact your local Home Depot location. You have to register in advance to be able to attend these FREE Workshops.
