Canada’s Health Coalitions signed a joint statement and held a media conference today on the recent bilateral health care deals and called for a united health accord.

Since late December, the federal government has abandoned a national health accord negotiation and is now signing bilateral health deals with the provinces and territories. These deals will not fund public health care at the necessary levels to maintain today’s public services. Canada’s Health Coalitions are calling for a national health accord which ensures everyone can access needed health care services in accordance with the Canada Health Act.

“The health coalitions are deeply concerned about the future of Canada’s universal, single-tier public health care system,” said Adrienne Silnicki, national coordinator, Canadian Health Coalition. “Today the Coalitions are warning that the bilateral deals will likely lead to cuts in public health care, further inequality across the country, and a reduced authority of the federal government to uphold the Canada Health Act,” said Mary Boyd, PEI Health Coalition.

Across the country, the health coalitions are sharing their concerns about how the bilateral deals will affect the people in their provinces and territories.

“The provinces and territories simply can’t afford to shoulder the proposed federal cut to the funding formula,” said Natalie Mehra, Executive Director, Ontario Health Coalition. “We are also deeply concerned the federal minister’s proposed ‘transformation’ will lead to damaging cuts to public hospitals. Funding needs to meet projected population need for hospital care and we need to create a continuum of public health care for the aging and chronically ill.”

“In Saskatchewan we’re very worried about a deal that underfunds health care. But we’re additionally concerned that the provincial and federal government have worked out a deal to allow wealthy Saskatchewanians to jump the queue and get health care services faster than the rest,” said Leading Eagle Man, Chair, Saskatchewan Health Coalition. “We want to see the Federal government uphold their commitment to the Canada Health Act and for Minister Philpott to make good on her warnings to Saskatchewan that they must deliver care in accordance with the principles of the Act.”

“Nova Scotia was one of the first provinces to sign the deal. The problems we’re facing with an aging population, and few resources especially in our rural communities will only be exacerbated by signing a deal that cuts current federal contributions almost in half,” said Chris Parsons, coordinator, Nova Scotia Health Coalition.

“The reality is that tying health care to GDP means that when we need health care the most, we have the fewest resources to pay for it,” said Rick Turner, Co-Chair of the BC Health Coalition. Turner urged the federal, provincial, territorial and First Nations governments to return to the negotiating table: “We need a health accord to unite the country in recommitting to a shared vision and framework for improving health care for everyone in Canada.”

Giant Tiger Stores Limited is pleased to announce the opening of its newest location in the National Capital Region. This new store will be located at 1512 Merivale Road and will occupy approximately 23,000 square feet of retail space. It is scheduled to open on July 8, 2017.

This is the 16^th location in the Ottawa-Gatineau area. The all-Canadian retailer was founded in 1961 in Ottawa’s Byward Market. That historic location is still in operation today and stands as a reminder of Giant Tiger’s entrepreneurial and Canadian roots.

“We are pleased to be bringing another Giant Tiger store to Ottawa,” says Thomas Haig, President and COO of Giant Tiger Stores Limited. “This location will not only be our 16^thstore in Ottawa/ Gatineau but will mark the opening of our 232nd store. This new location will bring our unique shopping experience, everyday low prices, and exceptional customer service to this vibrant Ottawa neighborhood.”

Giant Tiger is proud to make a difference in the communities we call home by building lasting relationships with local organizations to benefit causes that affect customers and communities directly. Annually, Giant Tiger Stores Limited donates more than $2 million to more than 700 community associations and charities across Canada. Giving back is deeply rooted in the corporate culture and makes Giant Tiger a community proud retailer.

As one of Canada’s top discount retailers, Giant Tiger is committed to saving Canadians time and money through everyday low prices, an incredible flyer program, ad match guarantee and a focus on exceptional customer service.

According to the Globe and Mail, Walmart will be expanding its grocery delivery service to more homes in Toronto’s downtown core.

Previously, the service was being tested in three of the city’s condos. Walmart CEO Lee Tappenden said to the Globe that while the retailer had previously been using its own trucks, the company will now also work with “Uber-style” delivery services. The delivery service comes with a $10 fee and requires a minimum $50 order.

While many companies are considering growth into the online grocery category, this sector has not caught on in Canada. Last year, BMO released a report that noted grocery ecommerce represented just 1 per cent of total food purchases in Canada.

As such, online grocery seems only to be a way for large-scale grocers—like Costco and Walmart—to remain competitive with one another. While you may want to investigate the future of online grocery retail, it will not be a major issue for independents in the years to come.

This week, Nature’s Emporium officially marked the grand opening of its Burlington location with a ribbon-cutting and bread-breaking ceremony.

The new location showcases a rich selection of premium natural and organic foods, vitamins, supplements, as well as plant-based, sustainable personal and homecare products dedicated to green living.

“Every member of our team has played a part in making our new location at 2180 Itabashi Way in Burlington a reality,” said the company in a blog post. “It’s our third store, our first expansion outside of the York Region, and it represents a big leap forward for the Nature’s Emporium family.”

The Burlington store will also include:

• An Always Organic produce department (with seasonal emphasis on local fare)
• Juiceppe’s Juice Bar and Cafe, featuring Fair Trade & Organic Coffee, Tea as well as fresh cold-pressed Juices & Smoothies
• Traditional, Vegetarian and Vegan Friendly Hot Tables & Salad Bar
• an Artisan Cheese and Specialty Deli Department
• Sustainably Sourced Seafood
• Natural, Organic & Grass Fed Meats
• Organic Bulk Foods
• Gluten-Free Products
• Vitamins, Supplements, Herbs & Homeopathics
• Vegan Raw Foods

According to CBC News, Costco has confirmed that it will be moving its St. John’s warehouse from Stavanger Drive in the city’s east end to the new Galway development in the west end.

Although a specific date has not been set, staff confirmed with CBC that the target date is November.

While Costco customer Walter Harding says he was told by staff that the new location will be 22,000 square feet larger than the existing location, Costco’s Ron Damiani notes that this information will not be released at this time. He did reveal that the Stavanger Drive store will remain open until the Galway location is fully operational, meaning staff and inventory will be located in two stores for a period.

Jamieson Laboratories, Canada’s number one manufacturer and marketer of branded vitamins, minerals and supplements, has announced its acquisition of Body Plus, a leading manufacturer and marketer of innovative natural health and sports nutrition supplements in Canada.

Body Plus is well-known for Progressive nutritional therapies, Precision sports supplements and the Iron Vegan brands. The company has long-standing relationships with over 2,000 Canadian retail locations and employs more than 140 people across Canada, with manufacturing based in Toronto and a distribution centre in Burnaby, B.C. The company also includes Sonoma Nutraceuticals, a well-established manufacturer of private label supplements.

“The acquisition of Body Plus will further accelerate Jamieson’s already-strong growth by expanding our reach into the fast-growing sports nutrition and specialty retail channels,” says Mark Hornick, President and CEO of Jamieson. “We admire Body Plus’ market leadership in its categories, and are committing our global expertise and resources to further elevate its operational excellence and growth.”

Body Plus will continue to operate independently with support from the Jamieson team to accelerate growth in Canada and globally.

“Attracting an iconic Canadian company of Jamieson’s stature is a testament to the innovation of Body Plus’ products, brands and team,” says Norm Danniels, President and Founder of Body Plus. “Through this acquisition, Body Plus will have the resources it needs to grow and meet the needs of its rapidly expanding consumer base.”

Houlihan Lokey, Andrew Durnford of White Point Capital and Bank of Montreal acted as financial advisors on this transaction.

About Jamieson Laboratories: Established in 1922, Jamieson Laboratories is Canada’s number one manufacturer and marketer of vitamin, mineral and natural health supplements. The company also owns Nutricorp, an industry-leading private label manufacturer, and leading women’s natural health brand Lorna Vanderhaeghe Health Solutions. Jamieson branded products are made at the company’s state-of-the-art facilities in Windsor, Ontario. With corporate offices in Toronto, Jamieson exports to more than 30 countries. For more information, visit Jamiesonvitamins.com.