Canada And Beyond
- CEO Says Walmart Not Profiting From Inflation – Walmart Canada president and CEO Gonzalo Gebara told a parliamentary committee that they are not trying to profit from food inflation as the company’s gross profit rate for its food business declined last year. Gebara said Walmart Canada strives to maintain a price gap between its products and those sold by its competitors and that the retailer is doing everything it can to fight inflation. (Canadian Press)
- Federal Budget Will Address Affordability – Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Tuesday’s federal budget will address affordability as the government will spend $2.4 billion to help low and middle income households with the high cost of living. There will also be billions more to expand dental care and health transfer payments to the provinces will increase by $46.2 billion over 10 years. (Toronto Star)
- Ontario Modifies Free Eye Exam – Ontario has announced that they are ending the plan that allows hospitals and doctors to bill the government for “medically necessary” treatments provided to patients without OHIP coverage. As well, Doug Ford’s government is also changing the free OHIP-covered eye tests for those 65 and over from annually to every 18 months and seniors will also be restricted to two free minor follow-up assessments per year with an optometrist. (Toronto Star)
- Several Dead In Nashville School Shooting – Three children and three adults were killed in a shooting at a private Christian school in Nashville on Monday. The 28-year-old shooter, who was killed by police, identified as transgender and is believed to be a former student of the school. No motive has been provided but the suspect left behind a manifesto and other writings that police are examining. (Reuters)