Toronto, Aug. 07, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Restaurants Canada supports the Federal Government’s announcement that it is considering new regulations aimed at enhancing the integrity of the Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) program and is seeking long-term solutions to address the labour shortage.   

The restaurant industry was devastated during the COVID pandemic with many workers leaving due to the uncertainty of steady employment. The use of the TFW program was necessary to allow the industry to reopen and recover following the lifting of public health restrictions. As a result, the percentage of the restaurant industry’s workforce made up of TFWs increased from 1% pre-covid to 3% post-covid (made up primarily of cooks and supervisors). Restaurants Canada is expecting use of the program to continue to steadily decline over the next year. 

Today, the foodservice industry has 73,000 job vacancies, and our focus now is on longer-term solutions, specifically providing opportunities for newcomers such as refugees and asylum seekers to fill the gaps permanently. There are currently more than 1 million of these individuals without work in Canada.  

“Our priority is not TFW’s, but to provide unemployed newcomers, already in Canada, with employment opportunities in our industry,” said Kelly Higginson, President and CEO of Restaurants Canada. “These individuals are facing significant barriers to employment, and we have asked Minister Boissonnault to help facilitate matching and training for these individuals. This kind of program would represent a win-win-win scenario for governments, newcomers and the restaurant industry,” said Higginson. 

The restaurant industry has a long track record of supporting and providing opportunities for immigrants. The industry is the #1 employer of newcomers to Canada and 56% of restaurant owners are immigrants themselves.  

“There is a place for the TFW program, particularly in areas without the population to support services, such as seasonal tourist destinations. The government’s attention needs to turn to supporting the more than 1 million newcomers already in Canada without a job,” said Higginson. The restaurant industry is here to help Minister Boissonnault address this challenge.

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA, Aug. 07, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bow WOW! Triple O’s, a division of White Spot Hospitality, unleashes its brand-new Pup Menu on Monday, August 19 featuring special treats for our best canine friends. Adding to the excitement, they’ll be giving away 5,000 free Pup “Shakes” and Pup Patties on Monday, August 26 in celebration of “International Dog Day”. 

People and pups can now enjoy the great taste of Triple O’s together at drive-thru locations across British Columbia, Alberta, and Ontario. The tasty dog-friendly treats are sure to be the “bark” of the town.

The Triple O’s Pup Menu features two paw-some items that will make tails wag with joy:

• Pup Patty: A 4oz 100% fresh Canadian Beef patty, cooked to perfection with a dash of salt and pepper. Unseasoned patties are available upon request for more sensitive pups.
• Pup “Shake”: A delightful 4oz cup of real whipped cream, the perfect sweet treat for deserving dogs. 

“We know how much Canadians love their four-legged-friends,” said Paul Volk, Director of Operations, and pup parent to Theo, his beloved Keeshond. “These furry pals mean so much to us, and we wanted to create something special that acknowledges the joy they bring into our lives. With International Dog Day just around the corner, we thought this would be the perfect time.”

Celebrate International Dog Day with Triple O’s:
To mark the official launch of the brand-new Pup Menu and to celebrate International Dog Day, Triple O’s is giving away 5,000 Pup “Shakes” and Pup Patties to the first 100 pup guests at each participating drive-thru location on Monday, August 26. 

How to Get a Free Triple O’s Pup “Shake” & Pup Patty:

1. Be one of the first 100 guests with your dog at a participating Triple O’s drive-thru location on Monday, August 26 (visit www/tripleos.ca/pup-menu for full list).
2. Receive a free Pup “Shake” and Pup Patty at your location (one per pup, while supplies last). 
3. Share your experience on social media using the hashtag #TripleOsPupMenu for a chance to be featured on Triple O’s official channels.

The Pup Menu is available exclusively at Triple O’s drive-thru restaurants; pets are not allowed in the dining area (unless they are service or guide dogs). Not valid at White Spot full-service restaurants, BC Ferries, PNE, Royal Alex Hospital, Aldergrove Community Centre, YVR, arenas, or universities. Dietary consideration: Please note the Pup “Shake” contains dairy, and the Pup Patty is seasoned with salt and pepper (though it can be requested unseasoned). The Triple O’s Pup Menu is intended as a special treat and not to replace your pet’s daily dietary requirements. It should be enjoyed in moderation as some pets are more sensitive than others.

OEB Breakfast Co. Canada - August 6, 2024 - In celebration of National Waffle Day, OEB Breakfast Co. is thrilled to announce Waffle Week from August 19th to 25th. Join OEB and enjoy two special waffle creations that are sure to satisfy your tastebuds.

Very Berry Waffle

 A light and fluffy buttermilk waffle topped with fresh strawberries, blueberries, and powdered sugar. This sweet treat offers the perfect balance of sweetness and freshness.

Bacon and Buttermilk Waffle

 Try the signature buttermilk waffle mixed with crispy bacon lardons, giving a savoury twist!

Don't miss out on this special celebration of waffles. Visit any OEB Breakfast Co. location across Canada for a week of exceptional flavours and a memorable dining experience.

Most OEB locations offer a Yelp Waitlist only, however, weekday reservations can be made at a select number of locations. For more information on each specific location, guests can visit the website here

July 29, 2024 – Toronto, ON – Lactalis Canada, the Canadian dairy leader behind iconic brands like Cracker Barrel, Black Diamond, Balderson, Astro and Lactantia and a subsidiary of France-based Lactalis Group, was recognized with the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) Gold Quill Award – in the Audio/Visual category for the company’s 2023 Year-in-Review corporate video. This recognition marks Lactalis Canada’s second award by the association following its 2022 win in the Special and Experiential Events category for its annual company town hall.

“Premiering at Lactalis Group’s annual summit in France and to kick-off the company’s all-employee event, the 2023 Year-in Review video succeeded in showcasing Lactalis Canada’s growth story and future ambitions in a highly engaging, informative and impactful manner,” said Roopa Shah, Director of Corporate Communications at Lactalis Canada. “This recognition speaks to the creativity and dedication of our talented team who consistently aim for excellence in communications, and we are honoured to once again be recognized amongst the world’s best communicators.”

Lactalis Canada was recognized during the 2024 IABC World Conference in Chicago earlier this summer. The International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) sets the global standard for communication professionals. The IABC Gold Quill Awards program recognizes business communication excellence globally and is acknowledged as one of the most prestigious awards programs in the industry.

For more information on the Gold Quill Awards, including the full list of winners, visit the Gold Quill website here.