Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) is considering introducing a two-hour transfer policy on PRESTO from August 2018. The TTC report says:
“The greatest benefit from this policy change stems from reducing the cost of transit, making it more affordable for multiple short distance trips, thereby giving TTC customers the flexibility they require to carry out everyday activities. This will encourage off-peak ridership, adding an estimated 5 million customer trips per year. The net cost associated with a Two-hour Transfer Policy is estimated to be $11.1 million in 2018 based on an implementation in August and full year cost of $20.9 million as of 2020. This should not be viewed simply as an additional expense, but as part of the wider Ridership Growth Strategy that will enable the TTC to provide a high quality, flexible and competitive transit service to customers.”
Ontario’s legislature passed a bill yesterday that included the minimum wage increase as part of an overhaul of labour laws. The minimum wage will be raised in two steps: from $11.40 to $14 in January 2018 and then to $15 in January 2019. Alberta also plants to raise its wage to $15 in October 2018. That would give Ontario the highest wage in the country for most of 2018.
The reforms also include changes to paid vacations, emergency and sick leave, and equal pay for part-time or casual workers doing the same job as full-time employees.
We have all done it, walked by a store and notice a sale sign and just have to look (and shop) but are they all really good deals? We have some tips and tricks to help you make the most of your Black Friday shopping if you choose not to cross the border.
Research: We have all seen the signs that say 70% off but when you look more closely, the “regular” price is inflated to a never seen price. Make a list of items you want to buy and their usual sale prices.
Store rely on the fact that once in the store, you are likely to buy and capitalize on that. You will often find that clearance items are back up to close to regular prices with an additional percentage off, making them the same price they were reduced to previously.
Have some back up choices too. While you may have a specific item in mind, if it sells out before you get to the store, know what item or brand you want to replace it with if you are not willing to wait for another sale. Check what other stores nearby will have it for a similar price. Remember that many stores will not price-match a Black Friday deal.
Plan: With some stores offering shopping online as early and various opening times on Black Friday, plan where you will go first to make the most of door crasher sales that are often the best deals. Decide if those prices are worth the wait time and potentially missing out on other sales (and if they are worth setting that early alarm for on your day off). We get a little luckier than our US counterparts as some sales will start earlier on Thursday here since it is not a holiday.
Set a budget!Door-crashers and unadvertised sales plus random items you just have to have can be tempting, know how much you want to spend. Buyers remorse is no fun and Black Friday is pointless if you overspend.
Where to shop? Heading across the border may get you better deals but the line up at border crossings may be long and customs is happy to take your money when you come back, factor in the duty when considering prices.
Some stores will offer coupons as will some malls. Make sure you print or save them ahead of time as data can be spotty when deep in the mall and you don’t want a huge line of angry shoppers behind you while you try and download a coupon. Some malls will also be trying out their special personalized offers when you visit a store if you connect to their app and allow location access this year.
Keep your receipts. We have all come home and wondered what happened to that receipt, make sure you keep them, especially for big ticket items. I usually stick an envelope in my purse and put them all in that rather than my wallet so I don’t risk losing them when I pull cash out. You may need the receipt for a return on a faulty item or for proof of purchase for warranty.
Be comfy & prepared: Let’s face it, shopping during big sale events can be stressful. Parking is a nightmare and it is a prime time for thieves. Plan your parking and make sure you lock your car with all items hidden from view. Wear a cross body bag so you can carry shopping or grab that last cute sweater off the rack without worrying about a purse and wear comfy shoes for all of that walking. Have breakfast because shopping on an empty stomach is a big no – no!
If using public transit, it can be chilly in the morning but warm in the stores or malls – layers you can take off will help rather than bulkier clothing you have to carry (or check to see if your mall offers coat check).
Remember it is a work day for many, if you are heading from the suburbs, add plenty of time for dealing with commuters trying to get to work too. Even with malls like the Eaton Centre opening at super early, Toronto roads can be busy, I am sure the same is true for other areas.
Shopping with a friend or family member will help too. You can hit up two stores at once, or save a place in a line while the other runs back to grab an extra item. Not too big a group though or you will waste time browsing and chatting!
Bring some cash. While Black Friday is not as big here as in the US, it is still one of the busiest shopping days in Canada and it can put a strain on credit card and debit processing systems. It is not unheard of for the system to go down, so some cash always helps.
Use rebates and loyalty cards: I remember shopping during Black Friday last year and watching someone buy a television along with other items at Shoppers Drug Mart and not use an Optimum card. I stood there behind them thinking of my 20x offer sitting on my card which would have been $100+ back in points at bonus redemption. With so many people not using points on their cards, it is also a good time to redeem loyalty points or just use the card to keep it active.
There are lots of discount gift cards to be had during the year and even this week. Pick them up now and decide what you will buy with them. Plus buy the ones offered on Black Friday for Boxing Day shopping!
While the grocery rebate apps will not have many big ticket items, it is always a good idea to check to see what is available and if shopping online, check for online rebates at select stores to help you make the most of your shopping.
Get social: While SmartCanucks has an extensive list of Black Friday sales, there are many smaller stores you may visit that we will not know about. Follow your favourites on social media and watch for flash sales throughout the day. During big shopping days, I like to add notifications for stores I plan to buy from so I don’t miss a sale – even if I have to delete some extra push notifications throughout the day.
Lastly, of course, check back with us throughout the day as we add more sales and be nice to store staff, they are working and probably a lot more stressed at the lineups than you are!
Netflix Canada is hiking all of its subscription plan prices by $1 amidst an increase in its spending and a huge increase of competition.
The different TV networks have been slowly withdrawing their shows from Netflix to play them exclusively on their own networks. Hulu for instance is a joint project between ABC, Time Warner, Fox and others. These companies have been removing their shows from Netflix to play it on there or other networks they own. Disney is also planning on launching its own exclusive Disney channel soon.
Amongst these changes, Netflix has been spending tons of money to produce original content that will keep it relevant as shows disappear from its network. Netflix plans to spend over $6 Billion USD this year on original content.
And now we pay the price! All 3 Netflix Canada subscription plans will increase by $1. The new Netflix prices are:
Basic Plan (1 Screen) $8.99 (was $7.99)
Standard Plan (2 Screens & HD) $10.99 (was $9.99)
Premium Plan (4 Screens Ultra HD) $13.99 (was $12.99)
If the market becomes exceedingly fragmented and inconvenient and it’s Cable Chaos 2.0 I know I’ll personally move back to torrenting again.
The wait is almost over! The Cheesecake Factory is opening on November 21st 2017! The full-service restaurant, popular for its encyclopedic menu and over 50 signature cheesecakes and desserts, will open in Yorkdale Shopping Centre in Toronto, ON on Tuesday!
Spanning over 10,400 square feet with two covered patios, The Cheesecake Factory location will feature imported limestone floors and custom wood columns, hand painted murals and modern lighting — décor that is as creative and imaginative as the menu itself. Food-wise, the restaurant will offer its famous menu that includes: “super foods, pizzas, glamburger® & sandwiches, pastas, steaks, chops, fish & seafood, skinnylicious®, Sunday brunch, all handmade, in-house with fresh ingredients.
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 November, 2017! You have to register in advance to be able to attend these FREE Workshops, the registration dates are shown beside each workshop.
Sunday, November 26, 2017 – 01:00 PM to 02:00 PM: Power Tools 101: selecting the perfect tool for any project. This workshop introduces participants to a variety of power tools including: cordless drills, nailers, routers, sanders as well as circular, mitre, and reciprocating saws. (Registration closes Nov 19, 2017 )
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.
Toys R Us Canada has FREE Family Events in November. 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.
Saturday, November 18, 2017, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. : Star Wars Master Your Force Event. Available at all Toys”R”Us locations.
Do you have what it takes to Master the Force?
The Rebellion needs your help! Ships are broken and bases are dispersed. Join us November 18th to help the Rebellion continue its battle against the forces by rebuilding the dilapidated fleet! This make and Take is like no other – Build your own unique Star Wars Ship and get it ready for battle by crash-testing it!
PLUS:
A Hasbro Blade Builder Challenge
Disney Star Wars Collector Poster Giveaways! 4 to collect!
In-store only. Recommended for kids 6 and up. All event materials are available while supplies last and distributed to participants only. Limit 1 per child.
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 November, 2017! You have to register in advance to be able to attend these FREE Workshops, the registration dates are shown beside each workshop.
Saturday, November 25, 2017 – 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM: Build a Christmas Tree Ornament. If you are looking for a fun activity to do with the family, we’ve got a special holiday-themed workshop for kids that will teach them about building. Kids can learn how to build their very own Christmas tree ornament. ( Registration closes Nov 18, 2017 )
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.
Toys R Us Canada has FREE Family Events in November. 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.
Saturday, November 11, 2017, Starting at 10:00 a.m. : FREE Pokémon Giveaways! Available at all Toys”R”Us locations. (Atlantic Canada store locations will be closed for Remembrance Day, Event has been rescheduled for Sunday, November 12, 2017 for these stores.)
Receive a FREE Pokémon Sun & Moon Crimson Invasion Collector Album and Foil Card featuring Jangmo-o
Max 200 per store.
PLUS – The First 50 customers will receive a 2” Togedemaru Figure!
In-store only. While they last.
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 federal government is making some key changes to the rules governing parental leave in Canada. Minister of Families, Children and Social Development Jean-Yves Duclos made the announcement yesterday in Ottawa, confirming that the updated rules will come into effect on December 3 2017.
New parents will be able to choose between 12 months or 18 months of combined maternity and parental leave. If they choose 12 months, the system will mostly remain the same. New birth moms and surrogates will still be eligible for 15 weeks of maternity benefits, with federal employment insurance providing them with 55% of their average weekly salary (up to a maximum $543 a week). After those 15 weeks of maternity leave, any parent or caregiver opting for the old 12-month system can take 35 additional weeks of parental leave.
Furthermore, pregnant women can start claiming the maternity benefit 12 weeks prior to their due date, up from the current eight weeks. To be eligible for maternity and/or parental benefits, you must have worked 600 insurable hours in the 52 weeks leading up to your claim.
What do you think of the new parental leave rules?
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 November, 2017! You have to register in advance to be able to attend these FREE Workshops, the registration dates are shown beside each workshop.
Saturday, November 18, 2017 – 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM: Install Hardwood Flooring: learn how to measure, cut and install hardwood. This Workshop will provide participants with information on selecting, purchasing, and installing hardwood flooring. (Registration closes Nov 11, 2017 )
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.
Vantage Foods (ON) Inc. is recalling ground lean veal from the marketplace due to possible E. coli O157:H7 contamination. Consumers should not consume the recalled product described below.
The following product has been sold in Food Basics supermarket locations in Ontario.
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 E. coli O157:H7 may not look or smell spoiled but can still make you sick. Symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, mild to severe abdominal cramps and watery to bloody diarrhea. In severe cases of illness, some people may have seizures or strokes, need blood transfusions and kidney dialysis or live with permanent kidney damage. In severe cases of illness, people may die.
There have been no reported illnesses associated with the consumption of this product.
