This week, Canadian grocery chains across the country responded to the fallout of the COVID-19 crisis by announcing plans to increase wages and hire en masse. Despite the widespread concern regarding depleting supplies, grocers like Walmart Canada, Save-On-Foods, and Loblaws have stated that they will have plenty of supplies over the coming weeks, but are in dire need of additional help to keep up with demand.
The Calgary Stampede announced that it had temporarily laid off roughly 80 per cent of its staff amid uncertainty surrounding coronavirus. While there has been no word on whether or not the Stampede will continue as planned, it’s highly likely that if the show does go one, it will see significantly reduced attendance.
Finally, actors Blake Lively and Vancouver native Ryan Reynolds provided some much needed optimism on Twitter this week, as the two revealed a $1 million donation to be split between Food Banks Canada and Feeding America. Although some celebrity reactions to the coronavirus have been met with criticism, Reynolds and Lively's comedic call for help has seen a resoundingly positive reaction online.
Here are five stories you might have missed in food news this week.
Grocery stores offers wage increase to staff working through COVID-19 pandemic
On Friday, Save-On-Foods announced that employees who’ve been working through the COVID-19 pandemic will receive a retroactive wage increase of $2 per hour, dating back to March 8. Whole Foods Market also announced a $2 per hour wage increase through April, adding that any employee facing quarantine will receive up to two weeks of paid time off.
Find out more at Victoria News.
Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively donate to Food Banks Canada
Actors Blake Lively and Vancouver native Ryan Reynolds donated a combined $1 million to be split between Food Banks Canada and Feeding America. The two actors took to Twitter in a somewhat comical manner to implore their fans to support the two charitable organizations and to continue to practice social distancing whenever possible.
I think we can all agree, Covid-19 is an asshole. If you can help, visit, https://t.co/gDZHbYYurJ and/or https://t.co/2fserjQQQs pic.twitter.com/4rb4WpoDKo
— Ryan Reynolds (@VancityReynolds) March 16, 2020
Check out all that they had to say at Global News.
Calgary Stampede lays off 80 per cent of staff
Earlier this week, the Calgary Stampede announced that it had temporarily laid off nearly 900 staff members, both part-time and full-time. Although there has yet to be any official word on the status of this year’s annual 10-day July event, Stampede CEO Warren Connell expects that if it does go on, it will likely see a drastic decline in attendees.
Get the full story at The Calgary Herald.
Federal government offers exemptions to travel restrictions for temporary foreign workers
After Transport Canada announced a rule preventing foreign nationals from boarding flights into Canada, the federal government announced that it will exempt some temporary foreign workers because of their importance to the Canadian economy. The government said the exemptions will apply to seasonal agricultural workers, fish and seafood workers, caregivers and all other temporary foreign workers who have committed to making Canada their home.
Get the full breakdown at The Globe and Mail.
Calgary chef killed during break-in
Calgary chef Christophe Herblin was the victim of a tragic and senseless crime last weekend, as at least three offenders attempted to break into an adjoining cannabis shop through Herblin’s French deli, Croque Saveurs Fine Foods. Police say a confrontation ensued between the two parties after the former Glencoe Club executive chef responded to a break-in alarm at around 3 a.m.
Head to The Calgary Herald to read more about chef Herblin.
