The past week has been a busy one for business news out of Canada. These are some leading stories.
Air Canada Lays Off 1,700 Employees
Air Canada announced on Jan. 14 that it is laying off 1,700 employees. It is also reducing capacity on its planes by another 25% because of lockdown restrictions and reduced travel demand. 200 of the people being laid off work for Air Canada Express carriers.
Unifor is the union that represents the customer sales and service agents who work for Air Canada. It released a statement that said there would be fewer job losses if Ottawa had created a plan to support the airline industry. All flights to Newfoundland, Gander and Goose Bay, New Brunswick, Northwest Territories, Yellowknife and Fredericton have been suspended. Affected customers can choose either a refund or alternative travel.
Alliant Acquires One Source Risk Management Capital
Alliant Insurance Services, Inc. announced on Jan. 14 that it is acquiring One Source Risk Management Canada, Inc. One Source is an insurance brokerage firm based in Calgary. Alliant CEO and Chairman Tom Corbett said acquiring One Source helps his company expand internationally, which helps it fulfill its long-term goals.
One Source sells insurance policies in Canada, the United States and Mexico. It offers catastrophic loss protection against customer insolvency and excessive bad debts. One Source President George Babeu said he’s pleased his company will soon be part of Alliant. The acquisition will help his company continue its expansion throughout North America and help it offer more products.
Wolseley Canada Changes How It Does Business Because Of Pandemic
Wolseley Canada has changed how it does business because of the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s a wholesale distributor of HVAC, plumbing and refrigeration equipment that has 220 locations and 2,500 employees. Wolseley Canada President Sebastien Laforge said he’s made his decisions based on what is best for his company’s employees.
Once the pandemic took hold in Canada, Wolseley Canada boosted its e-commerce platform. It has also started doing express and curbside pickup at all of its locations. Employees were supplied with protective equipment such as face masks, gloves and hand sanitizer. It also allows employees who can work from home to do so for the foreseeable future.
First Nations Procurement Begins Manufacturing PPE Products
First Nations Procurement, Inc. is an indigenous manufacturer based in Sagamok. It recently began manufacturing personal protective equipment to be used across North America. It was importing PPE products from China, but First Nations Procurement President Matthew Owl said his team saw an opportunity to pivot to indigenous created products. Its customers were concerned that the PPE products it was importing were inferior or not certified. The PPE products it is now producing are recognized by Health Canada.
