Advertisement

Learn more about Free Press Advertising solutions

Business

(Phil Hossack / Free Press files)

WestJet’s winter schedule for Winnipeg grows by a third

Free Press staff 2 minute read 10:59 AM CDT

WestJet will increase its Winnipeg winter schedule by more than one third compared with the same time last year, the airline announced Monday.

WestJet said it is boosting its schedule by 36 per cent compared with last winter. The increase includes new routes to Montreal, Fort Lauderdale, Fla., and San Jose del Cabo, a resort city on Mexico’s Baja California peninsula.

“This significant increase in flights will not only enhance our connectivity but also strengthen the local economy by providing more opportunities for everyone who lives and works here,” Nick Hays, Winnipeg Airports Authority president and CEO, said in a news release.

The new hot spot routes were announced in May. The airline announced in April that it will begin offering daily year-round flights from Winnipeg to Montreal and Ottawa, and seasonal flights to Nashville.

Advertisement

Advertise With Us

Weather

Jul. 22, 12 PM: 23°c Cloudy with wind Jul. 22, 6 PM: 25°c Windy

Winnipeg MB

21°C, Partly cloudy

Full Forecast

New mixed-use tower Align joins sister building Arc in strengthening U of M-area population

Joshua Frey-Sam 4 minute read Preview

New mixed-use tower Align joins sister building Arc in strengthening U of M-area population

Joshua Frey-Sam 4 minute read 6:00 AM CDT

Campus Suites’ eight-year vision for student housing in Winnipeg will finally come to fruition this summer.

The Toronto-based developer is putting the finishing touches on Align, its second mixed-use building at 2537 Pembina Hwy., across from the University of Manitoba’s Fort Garry campus. It will open for occupancy by the end of July.

The 16-storey, 397-unit (554-bed) development stands next to Phase 1 of the two-building project, the Arc — a 16-storey, 368-unit (570-bed) complex which opened in 2021.

“We’ve created two iconic buildings that I think will stand the test of time,” Henry Morton, president of Campus Suites, told the Free Press.

Read
6:00 AM CDT

Ruth Bonneville / Free Press

Realestate Feature - Align and Arc Photo of the Align (left) and the sister building next to it, the Arc, student residences apartment building at 2537 Pembina. The story is really about both buildings being complete.

Ruth Bonneville / Free Press Realestate Feature - Align and Arc Photo of the Align (left) and the sister building next to it, the Arc, student residences apartment building at 2537 Pembina. The story is really about both buildings being complete.

Philippine president orders shutdown of Chinese-run online gambling industry employing thousands.

Jim Gomez, The Associated Press 5 minute read Preview

Philippine president orders shutdown of Chinese-run online gambling industry employing thousands.

Jim Gomez, The Associated Press 5 minute read Updated: 10:23 AM CDT

MANILA, Philippines (AP) — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday ordered an immediate ban on widespread and mostly Chinese-run online gaming operations in the Philippines, accusing them of venturing into crimes, including financial scams, human trafficking, torture, kidnappings and murders.

His move to ban the Chinese-run online gambling outfits — estimated to number more than 400 across the Philippines and employing tens of thousands of Chinese and Southeast Asian nationals— came amid an ongoing government crackdown backed by Beijing.

That has led to the shutdown of several sprawling complexes with dozens of buildings, where authorities suspect thousands of Chinese, Vietnamese and other nationals mostly from Southeast Asia have been illegally recruited and forced to work in dismal conditions.

Marcos announced the decision during his state-of-the-nation address, when he also said that the Philippines would press efforts to strengthen its defensive capability by forging security alliances with friendly countries to counter threats to its territorial interests in the South China Sea, adding that his country would only settle disputes through diplomacy.

Read
Updated: 10:23 AM CDT

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. delivers his third State of the Nation Address as Senate President Francis Escudero, left and House Speaker Martin Romualdez, right, look on at the House of Representatives in Quezon City, Philippines, on Monday, July 22, 2024. (AP Photo/ Gerard V. Carreon)
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. delivers his third State of the Nation Address as Senate President Francis Escudero, left and House Speaker Martin Romualdez, right, look on at the House of Representatives in Quezon City, Philippines, on Monday, July 22, 2024. (AP Photo/ Gerard V. Carreon)

Baby Gourmet Foods recalls organic baby cereal over possible bacteria contamination

The Canadian Press 1 minute read Preview

Baby Gourmet Foods recalls organic baby cereal over possible bacteria contamination

The Canadian Press 1 minute read Updated: Yesterday at 5:40 PM CDT

CALGARY - A brand of baby cereal is being pulled from all in-store and online retailers in Canada due to possible Cronobacter contamination.

Calgary-based Baby Gourmet Foods has issued a product recall for its Banana Raisin Oatmeal Organic Whole Grain Cereal, which is sold in 227 g packages.

The bacteria can cause serious or fatal infections to the bloodstream, central nervous system and intestines.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency says the recall was triggered by agency test results.

Read
Updated: Yesterday at 5:40 PM CDT

A brand of baby cereal is being pulled from all in-store and online retailers in Canada due to possible Cronobacter contamination. Calgary-based Baby Gourmet Foods has issued a product recall for its Banana Raisin Oatmeal Organic Whole Grain Cereal (shown), which is sold in 227g packages. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO-Canadian Food Inspection Agency **MANDATORY CREDIT**

A brand of baby cereal is being pulled from all in-store and online retailers in Canada due to possible Cronobacter contamination. Calgary-based Baby Gourmet Foods has issued a product recall for its Banana Raisin Oatmeal Organic Whole Grain Cereal (shown), which is sold in 227g packages. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO-Canadian Food Inspection Agency **MANDATORY CREDIT**

Trucking leadership flags down ‘Driver Inc.’

Gabrielle Piché 6 minute read Preview

Trucking leadership flags down ‘Driver Inc.’

Gabrielle Piché 6 minute read Friday, Jul. 19, 2024

Trucking companies operating illegally — by misclassifying employees to avoid paying taxes — are running rampant in Manitoba, according to the sector’s biggest advocate.

“It’s becoming a larger and larger challenge,” said Aaron Dolyniuk, executive director of the Manitoba Trucking Association.

Canadian industry leadership have been sounding alarm bells for at least six years. However, the problem seems to be getting worse amid an oversaturation of trucks and less demand for loads, Dolyniuk said.

Trucking groups call the scheme “Driver Inc.”

Read
Friday, Jul. 19, 2024

NIC ADAM / FREE PRESS Aaron Dolyniuk, executive director of the Manitoba Trucking Association or MTA, pictured outside the MTAs building Friday morning. The MTA is speaking out against “Driver Inc.,” a trucking industry scheme where companies misclassify employees to avoid paying taxes and other labour deductions.
NIC ADAM / FREE PRESS Aaron Dolyniuk, executive director of the Manitoba Trucking Association or MTA, pictured outside the MTAs building Friday morning. The MTA is speaking out against “Driver Inc.,” a trucking industry scheme where companies misclassify employees to avoid paying taxes and other labour deductions.

Most airlines except one are recovering from the CrowdStrike tech outage. The feds have noticed

David Koenig, The Associated Press 3 minute read Preview

Most airlines except one are recovering from the CrowdStrike tech outage. The feds have noticed

David Koenig, The Associated Press 3 minute read Updated: 11:02 AM CDT

Delta Air Lines struggled for a fourth straight day to recover from a worldwide technology outage caused by a faulty software update, stranding tens of thousands of passengers and drawing unwanted attention from the federal government.

Other carriers were returning Monday to nearly normal levels of service disruptions, intensifying the glare on Delta’s relatively weaker response to the outage that hit airlines, hospitals and businesses around the world.

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg spoke to Delta CEO Ed Bastian on Sunday about the airline’s high number of cancellations since Friday. Buttigieg said his agency had received “hundreds of complaints” about Delta, and he expects the airline to provide hotels and meals for travelers who are delayed and to issue quick refunds to customers who don’t want to be rebooked on a later flight.

“No one should be stranded at an airport overnight or stuck on hold for hours waiting to talk to a customer service agent,” Buttigieg said. He vowed to help Delta passengers by enforcing air-travel consumer-protection rules.

Read
Updated: 11:02 AM CDT

FILE - A Delta Air Lines jet leaves the gate, Friday, July 19, 2024, at Logan International Airport in Boston. Some airline issues are continuing on Monday after a faulty software update caused technological havoc worldwide and resulted in several carriers grounding flights, but the number of flights impacted is declining. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer, File)
FILE - A Delta Air Lines jet leaves the gate, Friday, July 19, 2024, at Logan International Airport in Boston. Some airline issues are continuing on Monday after a faulty software update caused technological havoc worldwide and resulted in several carriers grounding flights, but the number of flights impacted is declining. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer, File)

Collaborative effort builds supportive, thriving environment

Tory McNally 5 minute read Preview

Collaborative effort builds supportive, thriving environment

Tory McNally 5 minute read Saturday, Jul. 20, 2024

When Sarah, a talented graphic designer who uses a wheelchair, joined a small marketing firm, the team knew it had to make some adjustments to ensure she felt comfortable and could perform her best.

Instead of simply checking off the legal requirements, Sarah’s manager, Philip, sat down with her to discuss her specific needs and brainstorm practical solutions. Together, they developed a plan that was both fiscally responsible and effective.

For instance, while the ideal accommodation might have been a costly, custom-built desk, they found a few affordable ergonomic adjustments and rearranging the office layout met Sarah’s needs perfectly.

This collaborative effort not only made Sarah feel valued and included but also set a positive tone for the entire workplace.

Read
Saturday, Jul. 20, 2024

Inclusive and supportive workplaces can go a long way in fostering loyalty. (Ivan Samkov / Pexels.com)
Inclusive and supportive workplaces can go a long way in fostering loyalty. (Ivan Samkov / Pexels.com)

More Business

Markets bet on second Bank of Canada interest rate cut coming this week

Amanda Stephenson, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Preview

Markets bet on second Bank of Canada interest rate cut coming this week

Amanda Stephenson, The Canadian Press 4 minute read 3:00 AM CDT

Economists and market watchers are betting the Bank of Canada will deliver another interest rate cut this week amid mounting evidence that inflation issustainably easing.

Expectations that the bank will lower its overnight lending rate when it makes its scheduled announcement Wednesday have been high since last week's release of the latest Statistics Canada inflation report, which showed annual inflation cooled to 2.7 per cent in June.

The inflation reading was less than the 2.8 per cent that markets had been expecting and has helped to build market confidence that the Bank of Canada may be poised for a second rate cut, on top of the 25-basis-point cut it announced last month.

"I think it's very likely the Bank of Canada cuts rates again next week. It wouldn't really make sense from a strategic point of view to only cut rates 25 basis points and then leave them there and see how the economy responds, because that wouldn't really cause a lot of change in the trajectory of the economy or inflation," said Royce Mendes, managing director and head of macro strategy at Desjardins.

Read
3:00 AM CDT

Governor of the Bank of Canada Tiff Macklem speaks during a news conference on the Bank of Canada's rate announcement in Ottawa on June 5, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang
Governor of the Bank of Canada Tiff Macklem speaks during a news conference on the Bank of Canada's rate announcement in Ottawa on June 5, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang

Air Canada cuts 2024 forecast amid tough competition in international markets

The Canadian Press 2 minute read Preview

Air Canada cuts 2024 forecast amid tough competition in international markets

The Canadian Press 2 minute read 9:21 AM CDT

MONTREAL - Air Canada is lowering its 2024 forecast as it grapples with tough competition in international markets and its planes aren't as full as it anticipated during the second half of the year.

The airline says it now expects its adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization for the year to be within $3.1 billion to $3.4 billion, down from its previous outlook of $3.7 billion to $4.2 billion.

The new outlook comes as the company reported preliminary results for the second quarter ahead of its next earnings date of Aug. 7.

Air Canada says it expects operating revenues of around $5.5 billion for its second quarter, compared with $5.4 billion in the same quarter last year.

Read
9:21 AM CDT

Air Canada is cutting its 2024 forecast amid challenges such as sustained supply chain pressures, evolving market conditions and ongoing geopolitical issues.Ground crew prepare an Air Canada plane for a flight at Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport in Montreal, Friday, Dec. 23, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christinne Muschi
Air Canada is cutting its 2024 forecast amid challenges such as sustained supply chain pressures, evolving market conditions and ongoing geopolitical issues.Ground crew prepare an Air Canada plane for a flight at Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport in Montreal, Friday, Dec. 23, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christinne Muschi

China moves to pep up its slowing economy, lays out roadmap for its future

Elaine Kurtenbach, The Associated Press 5 minute read Preview

China moves to pep up its slowing economy, lays out roadmap for its future

Elaine Kurtenbach, The Associated Press 5 minute read Updated: 6:20 AM CDT

BANGKOK (AP) — China's ruling Communist Party released a 50-page roadmap addressing long-term challenges confronting the world's second-largest economy, while the central bank cut key interest rates Monday in a surprise move to pep up the struggling property sector.

The action by the People's Bank of China was a short-term adjustment that appeared to signal a recognition that the economy needs immediate help to complement the party's broader ambitions of following leader Xi Jinping's vision for transforming China into a “high-standard socialist market economy in all respects” by 2035.

“If we are to break new ground in advancing Chinese modernization on the new journey in the new era, we must continue to rely on reform and opening up,” Xi said in a written explanation of reforms endorsed last week at a four-day policy-setting meeting.

Overall, the outline of reforms aligns with the ruling party's longstanding ambitions to cement China's status as a leading technology and economic power, while addressing imbalances in its economy, which expanded at a slower-than-expected 4.7% annual pace in the last quarter, down from 5.3% in January-March.

Read
Updated: 6:20 AM CDT

A woman attends to children near a mall with a go-kart track and merry-go-round n Beijing, Monday, July 22, 2024. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)
A woman attends to children near a mall with a go-kart track and merry-go-round n Beijing, Monday, July 22, 2024. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

LOAD MORE