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Hi-Tech Pharmaceuticals Expands Manufacturing Capabilities to Meet Growing Demand

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The company has added two new powder lines and four Stokes 328 tablet presses to meet the increasing demand for its products, including Precision Protein® and private label offerings.

New Powder Lines for Increased Production

In response to growing demand, Hi-Tech Pharmaceuticals has introduced two additional powder lines. These lines will enhance the company’s ability to produce more of its popular Precision Protein® and support growth in its private label sector. This expansion follows earlier enhancements to the company’s tablet production capabilities.

Enhanced Tablet Production with New Presses

Earlier this year, Hi-Tech Pharmaceuticals added four new Stokes 328 tablet presses. These presses are strategically allocated to bolster the company’s production capabilities:

SLIMAGLUTIDE® and Cyclosome® Products: Two of the new presses are dedicated to producing large tablets for Hi-Tech’s Cyclosome® Technology and the revolutionary weight management product, SLIMAGLUTIDE®.

Ameripharm OTC Products: The other two presses will be used for the Ameripharm brand of over-the-counter (OTC) products, including a high-quality generic version of Mucinex tablets.
The new presses will support the production of guaifenesin 1200-mg and dextromethorphan HBr 60-mg extended-release tablets, designed to control coughs and break up mucus, making coughs more productive. These products will be sold under both retailers’ private labels and the Ameripharm line of OTC products.

Growing OTC Market and Consumer Demand

The over-the-counter cold and flu market is substantial, with total revenue for cough and cold remedies exceeding $12 billion annually. According to Statista, this market could grow by 7% each year. The Consumer Healthcare Protection Association notes that upper respiratory treatments are the largest OTC drug category.

Hi-Tech Pharmaceuticals’ CEO, Jared Wheat, emphasized the company’s commitment to leveraging its capabilities to provide consumers with state-of-the-art products at greater savings. “Hi-Tech continues to expand its nutritional and OTC store brand products. Our supply chain management and manufacturing speed are unrivaled, making us a major producer for many top sports nutrition brands,” said Wheat.

Hi-Tech Pharmaceuticals: A Legacy of Quality and Innovation

Since its inception in 1979, Hi-Tech Pharmaceuticals has been dedicated to delivering high-quality custom manufacturing services. The company operates out of four U.S. facilities and multiple warehouses, totaling over 600,000 square feet. Before the recent expansions, Hi-Tech had the capacity to manufacture 40 billion tablets and 12 billion capsules annually. The company also boasts extensive blending, packaging, and production capabilities for various products, including beverages and nutritional supplements.

Hi-Tech Pharmaceuticals is a cGMP-certified company, committed to maintaining high standards of quality and customer service. The company’s extensive manufacturing capacity and global reach have positioned it as a leading healthcare supplier worldwide.

Comprehensive Production Capabilities

Hi-Tech Pharmaceuticals’ facilities are equipped to produce a wide range of products, including tablets, capsules, liquids, energy shots, beverages, RTDs, animal health products, and protein and pre-workout powders. The company can produce, bottle, and package a variety of beverages, such as private label water, teas, fruit juices, flavored waters, sports nutrition drinks, pre-workout drinks, liquid vitamins, protein-based products, and vitamin waters.

With high-speed shot lines capable of producing 400 shots per minute, Hi-Tech can deliver 500,000 shots per day per line. This level of production capacity ensures that Hi-Tech Pharmaceuticals can meet the diverse needs of its customers and continue to lead in the healthcare manufacturing industry.

Hi-Tech Pharmaceuticals’ recent expansions reflect its commitment to meeting growing consumer demand and maintaining its position as a leader in the pharmaceutical and nutritional supplement manufacturing industry. By enhancing its production capabilities, Hi-Tech is well-equipped to continue providing high-quality products and innovative solutions to its global customer base.

How EMA’s Leadership and Global Partnerships Enhance Medicines Regulation

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Emer Cooke, the Executive Director of the European Medicines Agency (EMA), has been at the forefront of significant advancements in global medicines regulation. Her leadership and the EMA’s collaborative efforts are crucial not only for Europe but also for countries like Canada that are part of the global health landscape. This detailed exploration of EMA’s role, challenges, and future priorities provides valuable insights for enhancing Canada’s regulatory practices.

EMA’s Responsibilities and Scope

The EMA, akin to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), is tasked with safeguarding public health by regulating human and veterinary medicines within the EU. Unlike the FDA, which also oversees food, cosmetics, and tobacco products, the EMA’s focus is exclusively on medicines and medical devices. This includes drugs, biologics, and vaccines, which are all considered medicines in Europe.

One of the EMA’s unique aspects is its operation as a multicountry regulator. It oversees a market comprising 27 EU member states, home to over 450 million people speaking 24 different official languages. The EMA collaborates with national competent authorities in each member state, ensuring that medicines are safe, effective, and of high quality across Europe.

Cooke highlights the EMA’s success in uniting countries with diverse economies and sizes into a single pharmaceutical market. This unity is achieved through a system of reliance and recognition across the EU, where a single scientific assessment leads to one marketing authorization valid in all member states. This streamlined process was particularly effective during the COVID-19 pandemic, enabling rapid decision-making and global collaboration.

The pandemic underscored the importance of EMA’s network and its ability to adapt swiftly. For instance, the EMA’s ‘OPEN’ pilot invited regulators from outside the EU to participate in scientific meetings, facilitating quicker approvals in up to 160 countries. This initiative is now expanding to include non-COVID products, particularly innovative treatments and those addressing antimicrobial resistance.

Emer Cooke’s Leadership and Vision

Emer Cooke’s extensive background in medicines regulation, including her roles at the World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Commission, has prepared her to lead the EMA through unprecedented challenges. Her tenure as Executive Director began in November 2020, amidst the global pandemic, which required agile and responsive leadership.

Cooke emphasizes the transformative impact of the pandemic on EMA. The agency had to go beyond its formal mandate, developing new tasks like crisis coordination and medicine shortages management. This experience has fundamentally changed how EMA operates, making it more flexible and prepared for future crises.

Looking ahead, Cooke identifies several priorities for the EMA over the next five years:

Scientific Advancements and Data Utilization: The accelerating pace of scientific developments and the increasing volume of data are significant opportunities. The EMA aims to leverage digitalization and artificial intelligence to enhance regulatory processes. The Data Analysis and Real World Interrogation Network (DARWIN EU) exemplifies this approach, using real-world evidence to inform regulatory decisions.

Smarter Clinical Trials: Through the Accelerating Clinical Trials in the EU (ACT EU) initiative, the EMA is modernizing clinical trials by incorporating technological and process innovations. This initiative involves collaboration with various stakeholders, including patients, healthcare professionals, industry, regulators, and academia.

Regulatory Framework Updates: A package of draft legislation under discussion by EU lawmakers aims to review and update the pharmaceutical regulation framework. This legislation builds on the lessons learned during COVID-19, ensuring that the regulatory framework is fit for new and innovative medicines and supports better access for patients.

International Collaborations

The EMA’s international engagement is pivotal in its mission. Cooke discusses the agency’s long-standing relationship with the FDA, which includes mutual recognition agreements, parallel scientific advice, and joint efforts to address medicine shortages. This partnership, based on trust and shared challenges, enhances regulatory convergence and efficiency.

The EMA also collaborates with other international regulators through the International Coalition of Medicines Regulatory Authorities (ICMRA). This coalition facilitates strategic international approaches to common regulatory challenges. Additionally, the EMA supports the establishment of the African Medicines Agency (AMA), aiming to strengthen regulatory systems across Africa.

Implications for Canada

Canada can draw several lessons from EMA’s strategies and international collaborations. By observing EMA’s use of real-world evidence, digitalization, and innovative regulatory processes, Canada can enhance its own regulatory practices. The importance of international partnerships, as demonstrated by EMA’s collaboration with FDA and other global regulators, underscores the need for Canada to strengthen its ties with these bodies.

Canada’s participation in global health initiatives can benefit from EMA’s experience in crisis management and regulatory harmonization. For example, adopting similar approaches to streamline medicine approvals and enhance crisis preparedness can improve public health outcomes in Canada.

Emer Cooke’s leadership at the EMA and the agency’s collaborative efforts provide a blueprint for effective medicines regulation in a globalized world. The EMA’s ability to adapt and innovate in response to the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrates the importance of international cooperation and regulatory convergence. As Canada continues to navigate its regulatory landscape, learning from EMA’s successes and challenges can help ensure the safety, quality, and availability of medicines for Canadian citizens.

Detailed Insights and Analysis

EMA’s Role in Protecting Public Health

The EMA’s primary responsibility is to ensure that both human and veterinary medicines within the EU are safe, effective, and of high quality. This involves a comprehensive evaluation process conducted in collaboration with national competent authorities from each member state. By pooling scientific expertise across the EU, the EMA ensures a robust regulatory framework that benefits all European citizens.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, this collaborative approach was crucial. The EMA’s ability to coordinate evaluations and approvals across multiple countries allowed for rapid deployment of vaccines and treatments, significantly impacting public health outcomes. This approach highlights the potential benefits of similar collaboration for Canada, particularly in times of global health crises.

Leveraging Real-World Evidence and Digital Tools

One of the EMA’s innovative strategies is the use of real-world evidence to inform regulatory decisions. Through initiatives like DARWIN EU, the EMA collects and analyzes data from various sources, such as hospitals, registries, and insurance claims. This data-driven approach allows for more informed decisions, filling information gaps that traditional clinical trials may not address.

For Canada, adopting similar strategies could enhance the regulatory process by providing a more comprehensive understanding of medicine usage and its impacts in real-world settings. The use of digital tools and artificial intelligence can streamline administrative tasks, allowing regulators to focus on critical assessments and improve overall efficiency.

The ACT EU initiative represents a significant step towards modernizing clinical trials in Europe. By integrating technological and process innovations, the EMA aims to make clinical trials more efficient and responsive to the needs of patients and healthcare professionals. This initiative involves collaboration with various stakeholders, ensuring that the regulatory framework evolves in line with scientific advancements.

Canada can benefit from similar modernization efforts. By incorporating innovative technologies and fostering collaboration among stakeholders, Canada can enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of its clinical trials. This will not only improve patient outcomes but also support the development and approval of new and innovative medicines.

The COVID-19 pandemic was a significant test for the EMA, highlighting the need for flexibility and rapid response in regulatory processes. The EMA’s ability to adapt and expand its mandate during the crisis demonstrates the importance of being prepared for future public health emergencies. This experience led to an expanded legal mandate under the EU Health Union, which requires greater collaboration with member states and stakeholders.

For Canada, the key takeaway is the importance of building a resilient regulatory framework that can quickly adapt to emerging challenges. Strengthening crisis preparedness, ensuring supply chain resilience, and enhancing communication with the public are crucial steps in this direction.

International Partnerships: A Model for Canada

The EMA’s strong relationship with the FDA and other international regulators is a testament to the benefits of global collaboration. Mutual recognition agreements, parallel scientific advice, and shared efforts in addressing medicine shortages exemplify the advantages of working together. These partnerships not only enhance regulatory efficiency but also ensure that medicines meet high standards of safety and quality across borders.

Canada’s regulatory bodies can benefit from forging similar partnerships. By collaborating with international counterparts, Canada can share expertise, harmonize regulatory standards, and improve access to safe and effective medicines. This approach is particularly important in a globalized world where public health challenges often transcend national borders.

Supporting Global Health: The EMA’s Role in Africa

The EMA’s support for the establishment of the African Medicines Agency (AMA) underscores its commitment to global health. By sharing its expertise and providing guidance, the EMA helps strengthen regulatory systems across Africa. This initiative aims to improve patient access to high-quality medicines and foster a more robust pharmaceutical industry on the continent.

Canada can play a similar role in supporting global health initiatives. By leveraging its regulatory expertise and collaborating with international organizations, Canada can contribute to the development of strong regulatory frameworks in other regions. This not only promotes global health but also enhances Canada’s standing as a leader in medicines regulation.

Strategic Insights for Canada

Emer Cooke’s leadership and the EMA’s collaborative efforts offer valuable lessons for Canada. By adopting similar strategies in digitalization, real-world evidence utilization, and crisis preparedness, Canada can enhance its regulatory framework. Strengthening international partnerships and supporting global health initiatives are also crucial steps towards ensuring the safety, quality, and availability of medicines.

As Canada continues to navigate its regulatory landscape, learning from the EMA’s successes and challenges will be instrumental in achieving better health outcomes for its citizens. The EMA’s experience highlights the importance of adaptability, collaboration, and innovation in medicines regulation, providing a roadmap for Canada to follow in its pursuit of excellence in public health.

Nature’s Path Gardens for Good Campaign Now Accepting Applications

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Nature’s Path Organic Foods has opened applications for its annual Gardens for Good: Plant it Forward campaign. This initiative celebrates and supports organic community gardens across the U.S. and Canada by distributing over $100,000 annually. Each year, 15 community gardens receive $7,500 grants to further their work in combating food insecurity and increasing access to fresh, organic food.

Founded on the belief in creating positive social impact, Gardens for Good supports urban gardening initiatives that enhance community access to organic food. “Organic community gardens increase food security, provide healthy outdoor spaces, and build community connections,” says Jyoti Stephens, VP Mission and Strategy at Nature’s Path.

Program Highlights
Since its inception in 2010, Gardens for Good has donated over $820,000, supporting 105 organic community gardens in the U.S. and Canada. Nature’s Path aims to exceed $1 million in donations by 2028. Special consideration is given to BIPOC-led gardens and those serving BIPOC communities.

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For the first time, previous grant recipients from over five years ago are eligible to apply again. This year, ten U.S. gardens and five Canadian gardens will receive grants. Winners must be registered non-profit organizations.

Reatha Hardy-Jordan, President of the Black Urban Farmers Association in French Camp, CA, shared how the 2021 grant helped their farm grow, enhancing their mission of providing fresh, organic produce and education to the community.

“We’re excited to continue celebrating and supporting the incredible work of organic gardens,” says Stephens. “I can’t wait to see the positive impacts our 2024 winners will make.”

AIR MILES announces Pharmasave as its exclusive pharmacy partner across Canada

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AIR MILES® Reward Program (AIR MILES) is expanding its collaboration with Pharmasave, a leading independent pharmacy retailer in Canada, beginning in September, 2024.

This expansion gives AIR MILES collectors a new way to earn and redeem Reward Miles in-store at participating Pharmasave outlets across Canada, excluding Quebec. This announcement builds on AIR MILES’ latest program enhancements designed to allow Canadians to shop and earn the way they want on groceries and more.

“Pharmacies are a cornerstone of communities across Canada and a major category of everyday spend, along with gas and grocery. We’re thrilled to be expanding our partnership with Pharmasave to offer Canadians more value on the money they’re already spending on essentials,” says Shawn Stewart, President of AIR MILES Reward Program. “This new chapter allows us to provide more collectors across Canada with another avenue to earn Reward Miles on their everyday purchases and help alleviate some pressures on their wallets.”

“At Pharmasave, our mission is to serve Canadian communities and empower individuals to prioritize their health and wellbeing. Integral to achieving this mission is building partnerships that enhance value to our customers,” says Ivan Guillen, CEO of Pharmasave. “As a network of independently owned and operated pharmacies, embarking on this new journey with AIR MILES as part of our partnership expansion allows us to deliver exceptional value but also deepen the relationship with our customers in each of our communities.”

In September, collectors will earn one Mile for every $10 spent on eligible purchases, with Bonus Mile offers to be announced.

Pharmasave operates over 870 stores across Canada, offering a wide range of products including health, beauty, household items, food, and personal care items. Each independently owned Pharmasave location prides itself on tailoring its services to meet the unique needs of each community it serves.

New Study Reveals Pycnogenol® Inhibits Skin Discoloration

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A new study reveals that daily supplementation with Pycnogenol®, a natural extract from French maritime pine bark, improves healing and reduces skin discoloration following sclerotherapy, a minimally invasive procedure used to manage primary superficial veins, commonly known as spider veins.
Sclerotherapy involves the injection of a chemical solution directly into the vein, causing the vein walls to swell, stick together, and seal shut, stopping the flow of blood. Cosmetic complications, such as skin discoloration, are a common side effect. This study investigated the use of supplement Pycnogenol® to evaluate its effects on possible skin discolorations after sclerotherapy compared to the standard management used for the condition.

Published in Minerva Surgery, the study involved 161 women treated with standard compression sclerotherapy for spider veins. Eighty-four participants took 150mg of Pycnogenol® daily starting the day before sclerotherapy and continued for 12 weeks, alongside standard management. The remaining 77 participants received only standard management and served as the control group.

Significant reduction in discoloration
After 12 weeks, researchers assessed skin discoloration using a standardized scoring system. The skin staining score goes from 0-3, with 0 being no staining and 3 being visible staining. The Pycnogenol® group had a significantly lower average score (0.4±0.2) compared to the control group (2.1±0.4).

Additionally, there were also significantly fewer discolorations per treated vein in the Pycnogenol® group at 3.81% (16 stains/420 vein segments) than in the control group with 8.58% (37 stains/431 vein segments) observing a number of stains per vein segment.

“Spider veins can affect individuals of all ages but are particularly prevalent among women over 50 and those who have recently been pregnant,” explains Dr. Fred Pescatore, author and renowned natural physician. “While spider veins are generally not a health risk, they often pose a cosmetic concern for many women. This study emphasizes the importance of addressing skin discoloration after sclerotherapy for women’s skin health, beauty, and confidence. Pycnogenol® not only helps prevent discoloration but also offers a potential enhancement to one’s skincare routine, providing a radiant glow as the summer months approach.”

Dr. Pescatore further highlights, “the study’s findings indicate a remarkable reduction in skin discoloration among participants who supplemented with Pycnogenol® compared to those who received standard management alone. These results open up new possibilities for Pycnogenol® in skincare, highlighting its potential to enhance skin health and beauty in a safe, natural way.”

This research expands Pycnogenol®’s catalog of clinical research for venous health demonstrated in 25 published studies with more than 1,000 people.

The Government of Canada invests in a physical activity to promote healthy living

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The Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Public Services and Procurement of Canada, on behalf of the Honourable Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Sport and Physical Activity and the Honourable Mark Holland, Minister of Health, announced an investment of $301,918 through the Healthy Canadians and Communities Fund to Nature Québec for its project entitled Des ruelles vertes ET ACTIVES.

Nature Québec will use alleys in Québec City to help promote physical activity, active transportation and free play. The project includes support for community members to create green and active alleys by providing their expertise in design, planning, logistics and implementation. The organization will also create and coordinate a community of green and active streets in Québec City, which will serve as an exchange network for the organization of sport and socio-cultural activities.

The Nature Québec project will support those living on low incomes, including families with young children, seniors, people living alone and newcomers to Canada. The project is also geared toward engaging those who are at greater risk of developing a chronic disease, to help them create opportunities to lead healthier lives.

“We are committed to working alongside community partners like Nature Québec to help everyone achieve their optimal health. With this new investment, Nature Québec will be able to build on successes from its previous work to further create living environments that support physical activity, in the neighbourhoods they already frequent and enjoy.”

The Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos
Minister of Public Services and Procurement of Canada

Lycored Launches New Lumenato® Delivery Format

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This will be Lycored’s latest addition to their lineup of delivery formats for this ingestible skincare ingredient, providing Consumer Packaged Goods companies with expanded formulation opportunities.

Lumenato is made of phytonutrients, like phytoene and phytofluene, and essential fatty acids that build a reservoir of goodness within the body; working from inside of the body out to support skin structure and protect collagen for improved elasticity, firmness, and more.1,2 This new liquid emulsion expands brands’ opportunities to leverage the versatile benefits of Lumenato in new applications, including liquid and shot-style beverages, such as wellness shots.

Backed by science and formulated with results and functionality in mind, Lumenato Emulsion brings Lycored’s customers a free-flowing format that leaves no visible particles and can be handled with ease. To assess Lumenato emulsion’s performance over time, a 9-month shelf-life stability study helped determine the active’s presence by measuring levels of carotenoids, phytoene and phytofluene, while stability was determined by evaluating beverage color. Results established it as a reliable, shelf-stable format that effectively supports beauty from within for consumers. Whether used stand-alone or paired with other ingredients like collagen and ceramides for synergistic effects, Lumenato presents diverse opportunities for brands in the growing wellness beverage category.

Lumenato comes in two other formulations: Lumenato Starch Beadlets, used for gummies, dry beverages, and capsules, and Lumenato Extract, used for soft gels, nutritional bars, chocolates, and ice cream. Caroline Schroeder, Global Head of Marketing, states, “Lumenato is a star skincare ingredient that strengthens skin from the inside out, supporting beauty from within. With our latest Lumenato emulsion delivery format, brands can develop more nourishing, top-of-the-line, and shelf-stable products to draw in and delight their consumers.”

Ardent Mills Appoints Sheryl Wallace as New CEO, Succeeding Dan Dye

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Sheryl Wallace Named CEO of Ardent Mills, Succeeding Retiring Dan Dye

Ardent Mills, the leading flour-milling and ingredient company, has announced the appointment of Sheryl Wallace as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective July 8. This decision follows the retirement of current CEO Dan Dye, who announced his departure earlier this month.

Sheryl Wallace, who has been a member of the Ardent Mills board since 2020 and serves as the President of U.S. Origination and Grain at Cargill, brings nearly three decades of expertise in business growth, strategy, commercial operations, trading, and risk management within the food and agriculture sectors.

Sheryl Wallace: A Proven Leader in Agribusiness

“Sheryl’s steadfast commitment to Ardent Mills’ core values—trust, serving, simplicity, and safety—has been evident throughout her time on our board,” said Dave Marberger, a member of the Ardent Mills board. “Her exceptional leadership skills and innovative approach uniquely position her to guide Ardent Mills into its next era. Sheryl’s vast experience in agribusiness and her ability to build strong relationships will inspire our teams and strengthen partnerships with customers, suppliers, and industry stakeholders.”

Wallace’s Extensive Experience and Vision for the Future

Before joining Ardent Mills, Wallace held the position of Corporate Vice President and Global Leader of the Risk Management Group at Cargill, overseeing commodity markets, credit risks, and balance sheet exposures. She has also been actively involved with the National Grain and Feed Association, the Women in Agriculture’s Advisory Board, and the National Futures Association (NFA).

“I am honored to lead Ardent Mills into its next phase of growth, building on the strong foundation established by Dan Dye,” said Wallace. “I look forward to driving the growth of our emerging nutrition business and working with the talented Ardent Mills team to serve our customers, support our communities, and fulfill our mission of transforming how the world is nourished.”
Dan Dye’s Decade of Service

Dan Dye, who has served as Ardent Mills’ CEO for the past decade, will continue in an advisory role to ensure a seamless transition over the summer. His leadership has been instrumental in shaping the company’s success, and his guidance will remain invaluable during this transition period.

About Ardent Mills

Ardent Mills is the premier flour-milling and ingredient company, dedicated to transforming how the world is nourished. With a vision centered on innovation, sustainability, and community support, Ardent Mills aims to provide high-quality ingredients and solutions to its customers.

Amazon Opens New Robotics Fulfilment Centre in Calgary, Alberta

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New 2.8 million square foot facility offers unique career development opportunities for employees, with innovative technology that increases delivery speeds

The company announced the grand opening of its newest robotics fulfilment centre, YYC4, in Calgary, Alberta. Measuring 2.8 million square feet with more than 1,500 employees, the new facility will offer in-demand skills training and career growth opportunities with cutting-edge technology that fulfils customer orders more quickly.

“Amazon is thrilled to invest in Calgary while benefiting our employees, customers, and the community,” said Sushant Jha, General Manager at YYC4. “Through the ingenuity of our Amazon Robotics technology, we are creating new career paths and development opportunities. At the same time, we are delivering to customers at our fastest speeds ever with our safest, most sophisticated, and most advanced operations network.”

With the launch of YYC4, Amazon now operates five fulfilment centres, one sortation centre, three delivery stations, and two AMXL delivery stations in Alberta.

At an Amazon Robotics fulfilment centre, employees work alongside automated systems and robots to pick, pack, and ship customer orders. Amazon’s innovative robotics technology creates a safer, more efficient workplace while providing employees with hands-on training to develop new, in-demand career skills. Amazon Robotics technology used at YYC4 includes RWC4, a large robotic arm that sorts totes by destination and builds pallets for shipping, and Kermit, a trolley that focuses on towing empty totes throughout the facility and can adjust its speed and route as needed.

“I’ve learned a lot working with Amazon Robotics. The goal isn’t just to master new technology, but to chart a whole new career path,” said Danielle Olliviere, Learning Trainer at YYC4. “Seeing my colleagues embrace this innovation has been really inspiring for me as a learning trainer. We’re not just keeping up with the times; we’re shaping the future.”

$1 Billion Invested in Workplace Safety
The safety of Amazon’s employees is—and always will be—the company’s top priority. Amazon has invested over $1 billion globally in safety initiatives since 2019. In 2024 alone, the company allocated over $750 million to invest globally in technologies, resources, training, and programs to further safety efforts.

Career Development and Benefits at Amazon
As part of its mission to become Earth’s Best Employer, Amazon provides eligible operations employees with access to educational opportunities through upskilling programs like Career Choice, a paid benefit that allows eligible employees to grow their careers by building the skills needed for today’s most in-demand fields, including Transportation, Technology and Administration, and Business Services. Career Choice is offered in partnership with more than 70 educational institutions across Canada.

To date, more than 5,500 eligible employees across Amazon’s Canadian fulfilment network have enrolled in the program. Amazon pays up to 95% of tuition and fees toward a certificate or diploma in qualified fields of study. Regular Amazon employees also receive competitive benefits, including medical, vision, and dental coverage, and a group RRSP plan. Through Amazon’s step plan compensation model, eligible hourly full- and part-time employees can count on planned pay increases every six months until their 24-month anniversary, and then they receive another increase at month 36. Employees can also receive referral bonuses for candidates they get hired to eligible positions.

“Amazon is one of many companies choosing to invest in Alberta, and it’s fantastic to celebrate with the grand opening of YYC4 with them. This is what economic diversification looks like. It’s also what the future looks like, and I’m so pleased that Amazon has chosen our province as the stage for its newest innovations.” – Honourable Danielle Smith, Premier of Alberta

“Amazon’s latest expansion in our province is proof positive that Alberta’s business and investment environment remains second-to-none. This new fulfilment centre will help serve the consumer needs of our province. It will also provide employees with good jobs and important opportunities for skills development on innovative new robotics technology so that Amazon remains on the cutting edge of logistics. I want to congratulate Amazon on this exciting milestone and wish them continued success.” – Honourable Matt Jones, Minister of Jobs, Economy and Trade

“Today’s unveiling of Amazon’s latest robotic fulfilment centre, YYC4, marks a monumental day for Calgary, cementing our city’s status as a hub for innovation and technology. Amazon’s investment sparks economic development and job creation, serving as a prime example of how strategic partnerships can lead to shared growth and prosperity in our community.” – Jyoti Gondek, Mayor of Calgary

Essential Measures to Protect Your Business

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In light of the recent cyber attack on London Drug that caused the temporary closure of all their locations and consumers’ data at risk, retailers, both big and small, must prioritize protecting their digital assets and customer data. Some fundamental cybersecurity measures every retailer should implement to safeguard their business against potential cyber threats are crucial for consumer confidence.

Secure Your Web Applications

Web applications are the backbone of online retail operations. Ensuring your security is paramount. Here are key steps to secure web applications:

Use HTTPS: Ensure all data transmitted between your web servers and browsers is encrypted by implementing HTTPS. This protects against data interception and tampering.
Web Application Firewalls (WAFs): Deploy WAFs to filter and monitor HTTP traffic between your web application and the Internet. They can protect against various attacks, such as SQL injection and cross-site scripting (XSS).

Regular Security Testing: Conduct regular security assessments, including penetration testing and vulnerability scanning, to identify and mitigate security weaknesses in your web applications.
Example Risk and Consequence: A retailer’s website could be vulnerable to SQL injection attacks. If an attacker exploits this vulnerability, they could gain access to the retailer’s database, steal customer information, manipulate prices, or disrupt the service. The consequence of such an attack could be significant financial losses, legal penalties, and damage to the retailer’s reputation.

 Implement Strong Authentication and Access Controls

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Implement MFA for all user accounts, especially those with administrative privileges. This adds an additional layer of security beyond just passwords.

Role-Based Access Control (RBAC): Restrict access to sensitive data based on the user’s role within the organization. This minimizes the risk of unauthorized access to critical systems and data.
Secure Password Policies: Enforce strong password policies that require complex passwords and regular password changes. Avoid default and easily guessable passwords.
Example Risk and Consequence: Without MFA, an attacker who obtains or guesses a user’s password could gain full access to the retailer’s internal systems. This could lead to unauthorized changes, data theft, and potential sabotage. The impact includes not only direct financial loss but also long-term trust issues with customers.

Data Protection and Privacy

Data Encryption: Encrypt sensitive data both at rest and in transit. This ensures that even if data is intercepted or accessed unauthorizedly, it remains unreadable.

Regular Backups: Maintain regular backups of critical data. Ensure that backups are stored securely and are tested periodically for integrity and restorability.
Data Minimization: Collect only the data necessary for your operations and ensure it is stored for only as long as necessary. This reduces the risk of data breaches by limiting the amount of sensitive data stored.
Example Risk and Consequence: A data breach at a retailer without proper encryption can lead to the exposure of customer credit card information. This can result in financial fraud, legal action, and significant fines from regulatory bodies. Your business will suffer severe damage, leading to loss of customer trust and revenue.

Employee Training and Awareness

Security Awareness Programs: Regularly train employees on cybersecurity best practices, such as recognizing phishing emails, avoiding suspicious links, and following proper protocols for handling sensitive data.

Incident Response Training: Ensure employees are aware of the procedures to follow in the event of a cybersecurity incident. This includes whom to report to and the steps to mitigate the impact.
Example Risk and Consequence: An untrained employee might fall victim to a phishing attack, inadvertently giving attackers access to the retailer’s internal network. This could lead to data breaches, ransomware attacks, and operational disruptions. The aftermath could involve costly remediation efforts and loss of business continuity.

Monitor and Respond to Threats

Continuous Monitoring: Implement continuous monitoring tools to detect suspicious activities and potential breaches in real-time. This allows for swift response and mitigation.
Incident Response Plan: Develop and maintain an incident response plan outlining the steps to take in the event of a security breach. Regularly update and test the plan to ensure its effectiveness.

Threat Intelligence: Leverage threat intelligence to stay informed about the latest cybersecurity threats and vulnerabilities. This proactive approach helps in anticipating and defending against potential attacks.
Example Risk and Consequence: Failure to monitor and respond to threats promptly can result in prolonged exposure to cyber attacks. For example, a retailer might not notice a malware infection until significant damage has occurred, including the exfiltration of customer data and financial information. This can result in severe financial losses, legal repercussions, and a tarnished reputation.

Physical Security Measures

Secure Access to IT Infrastructure: Limit physical access to servers, network devices, and other critical IT infrastructure to authorized personnel only. Use security measures such as keycards, biometrics, and surveillance cameras.

Environment Controls: Ensure that your IT infrastructure is protected against environmental hazards such as fire, water damage, and electrical surges. This includes maintaining proper climate control in server rooms and data centers.
Example Risk and Consequence: If physical security measures are lax, an attacker could gain physical access to servers and network devices, leading to data theft or sabotage. This can disrupt business operations and result in substantial recovery costs and reputational harm.

By implementing these essential cybersecurity measures, you can significantly reduce your risk of cyberattacks and ensure the safety of your customers’ data and your own business operations.

Staying proactive and continuously improving your security posture is key to navigating the complex landscape of cybersecurity threats.
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