Friday, May 08, 2020


K-Bro Linen reports first quarter revenue and EBITDA for 2020
ALBERTA BASED PRIVATE LAUNDRY SERVICE CREATED BY RALPH KLEIN GOVERNMENT IN 1995 SEE https://plawiuk.blogspot.com/search?q=LAUNDRY+WORKERS
NEWS PROVIDED BY
May 07, 2020


(TSX: KBL)
EDMONTON, May 7, 2020 /CNW/ - K-Bro Linen Inc. ("K-Bro" or the "Corporation") today announces its 2020 Q1 financial and operating results.
2020 Financial and Operating Highlights
·       Revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2020 was $57.3 million and decreased by 0.9% over the comparable 2019 period. This reflects a period of significant growth through the end of February, with a significant decline in March after the COVID-19 restrictions began in Canada and the UK.
·       EBITDA decreased in the first quarter to $3.7 million compared to $9.1 million over the comparable 2019 period. This includes a non-cash impairment to goodwill of $5.5 million related to three smaller hospitality cash generating units within the Canadian Division, without which EBITDA would have been $9.2 million.
·       EBITDA margin for the first quarter including the impairment decreased to 6.5% from 15.8% for the comparative period of 2019. Excluding the non-cash impairment charge, EBITDA margin increased to 16.2% from 15.8%.
·       On a consolidated basis excluding IFRS 16 Leases ("IFRS 16") and the impairment of assets, the Corporation recorded adjusted EBITDA of $7.1 million, adjusted EBITDA margin of 12.4%, and adjusted net earnings of $1.0 million in the first quarter of 2020. This is an increase over the comparable 2019 period where adjusted EBITDA was $6.8 million, adjusted EBITDA margin was 11.8% and adjusted net earnings was $0.6 million.
·       Net earnings in the first quarter of 2020 decreased by $3.9 million to $-3.4 million compared to $0.5 million in the comparative period of 2019, and as a percentage of revenue decreased by 6.9% to 6.0% this includes the non-cash impairment charge of $5.5 million.
·       During the first quarter, K-Bro declared dividends of $0.300 per common share and distributable cash was $0.574 per common share on a fully diluted basis.
Linda McCurdy, President & CEO of K-Bro commented, "First and foremost, I would like to express my sincerest gratitude to the hundreds of front-line employees who are dedicated to ensuring our healthcare customers receive hygienically clean linen and our hotels continue to receive their products as required."  
"Although we came into 2020 in a position of strength, we are entering unprecedented times as the COVID-19 pandemic rapidly develops.  We have seen many adverse effects from the pandemic, though we have developed and implemented plans to mitigate the effects of COVID-19 including consolidating operations, reducing headcount, and accessing available government assistance.  We have a highly experienced team that has been crucial in managing the situation and in combination with our proven operating model, we will continue to leverage our experience for the challenges ahead," continued McCurdy.
"We remain well-positioned from a balance sheet and liquidity perspective, in addition to having a strong concentration of our Canadian revenue being from the healthcare sector, at approximately 70%. We are continuing to monitor our situation carefully and will consider any and all actions, including any opportunities that will allow us to come out of this downturn with a stronger market position," concluded McCurdy.
Highlights and Significant Events for Fiscal 2020
Capital Investment Plan
For fiscal 2020, K-Bro had previously anticipated capital spending to be approximately $5.0 million on a consolidated basis. However, in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Corporation's planned capital spending for fiscal 2020 is expected to be approximately $3.0 million, as a result of the deferral of the Corporation's plan to implement an enterprise wide operating system because pandemic-related workforce restrictions makes implementation very difficult.  This guidance includes both strategic and maintenance capital requirements to support existing base business in both Canada and the United Kingdom ("UK").
Alberta Contract Award
On March 1, 2020, the Corporation was awarded a one-year extension to provide laundry and linen services to Alberta Health Services Calgary. The contract extends the existing relationship between the Corporation and Alberta Health Services Calgary.
Loss of Whitbread Group Contract
Subsequent to the 2019 fiscal year, the Corporation was unsuccessful in renewing its UK-based contract with the Whitbread Group.  The associated volume will be phased out of the relevant plant over the first two quarters of 2020.  For the year ended December 31, 2019, this contract accounted for approximately 14% of the overall revenue of Fisher Topco Ltd. ("Fishers").
COVID-19 Pandemic 
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has caused world governments to institute travel restrictions both in and out of and within Canada and the UK, which has had, and is expected to continue to have, a significant adverse impact on the Corporation's hospitality business, the duration of which we are unable to predict with any degree of accuracy.  Since mid-March, we have seen significantly reduced hotel occupancy rates compared to historical levels.  Demand for both business and leisure airline travel has declined significantly on a global basis, and airlines are responding by cancelling international and domestic flights.  Accordingly, hospitality volumes in all of our Canadian and UK markets have slowed to historically low levels.  In addition to this, more recently, we have seen decreases in our healthcare business as the result of hospitals and health authorities taking measures to prepare for anticipated COVID-19 surges (i.e., cancellation of elective surgeries). Consolidated revenue for April 2020 decreased by approximately 45% with a decrease in consolidated healthcare revenue of approximately 10% and a decrease in consolidated hospitality revenue of approximately 90% compared to the same period last year with both the Canadian and UK divisions seeing hospitality revenues drop by the same percentages.
Although the Corporation has developed and implemented measures to mitigate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, including consolidating operations, reducing headcount, reducing non critical capital expenditures and accessing available government assistance programs, earnings will continue to be particularly affected if we continue to experience reductions in travel and reduced hospitality and healthcare occupancy rates. The extent of such negative effects on our business and our financial and operational performance will depend on future developments, including the duration, spread and severity of the outbreak, the duration and geographic scope of related travel advisories and restrictions and the extent of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on overall demand for personal and business travel, all of which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted with any degree of accuracy.  If hotels and hospitals continue to experience significantly reduced occupancy rates for an extended period, our 2020 consolidated results of operations will be significantly impacted. Additionally, our suppliers or other third parties we rely upon may experience delays or shortages, which could have an adverse effect on our business prospects and results of operations.
As an ongoing risk, the duration and full financial effect of the COVID-19 pandemic is unknown at this time, and continues to be offset through the Corporation's business continuity plan and other mitigating measures. Any estimate of the length and severity of these developments is therefore subject to significant uncertainty, and, accordingly, estimates of the extent to which the COVID-19 pandemic may materially and adversely affect the Corporation's operations, financial results and condition in future periods are also subject to significant uncertainty.
Therefore, uncertainty about judgments, estimates and assumptions made by management during the preparation of the Corporation's interim condensed consolidated financial statements related to potential impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on revenue, expenses, assets, liabilities, and note disclosures could result in a material adjustment to the carrying value of the asset or liability affected.
Impairment of Assets
Management has assessed the impairment indicators that existed as at March 31, 2020 in certain CGUs. Specifically, we assessed five CGUs that rely primarily on hospitality revenues due to the significant impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on the hospitality industry. The recoverable amounts of these specific CGUs were recalculated using the value in use method by applying probability weightings to capture the increased risk and uncertainty arising from the COVID-19 pandemic. 
Our probability-weighted approach has been evaluated based on an equally weighted probability of a one-year downturn in sales to the worst case of a two-year downturn in sales. The scenarios estimated a decline of 70% for year 1 and 50% for year 2, with sales returning to normalized levels thereafter with sales growth estimates used between 2% to 3%.  An impairment loss of $5,516 was recognized for three CGUs in the Canadian division, of which $3,177 was allocated to goodwill and $2,339 was allocated to PP&E.
EBITDA before impairment and gain/loss on disposal of PP&E was $9,254 (2019 - $9,115). 
CGU
Allocated to
Goodwill
Allocated to
PP&E
Total
impairment
recorded
Recoverable
Amount
Montreal
$
823
$
-
$
823
$
2,485
Quebec
654
2,339
2,993
1,917
Victoria
1,700
-
1,700
5,433
$
3,177
$
2,339
$
5,516
$
9,835
The recoverable amounts in respect of the UK division and Vancouver 2 CGUs were estimated to be £67,234 and $24,008, respectively, as at March 31, 2020, which exceeded the carrying amount of both of the CGUs.  No impairment was therefore required for either of these CGUs.
The key assumptions in calculating the recoverable amount of the five CGUs where impairment calculations were updated as at March 31, 2020 were as follows:              
March 31, 2020
Long-term growth rate %
2.0% to 3.0%
Pre-tax discount rate %
10.5% to 12.5%
For Vancouver 2 and the UK division, in addition to the key assumptions noted above, management has also evaluated other reasonable changes in estimates and assumptions and did not identify any other instances as at March 31, 2020 that could cause the carrying amount of these CGUs to exceed the recoverable amount.
There were no other CGUs that were showing signs of impairment as at March 31, 2020 and as such we have not updated any of the other impairment calculations.  The Corporation will continue to carefully monitor the situation as it pertains to COVID-19 and further consider if there are new or additional indicators that exist during fiscal 2020.
With the ongoing evolution of the COVID-19 pandemic, the length and severity of these developments is subject to significant uncertainty. Accordingly, new developments may materially and adversely affect assumptions used in the consideration of the impairment of assets, impact whether a CGU has been impaired and may change prior recorded impairment amounts.   
Financial Results
GO TO K-BRO PRESS RELEASE FOR THIS DATA 
Dividends
The Board of Directors has declared a monthly dividend of $0.10 per common share for the period from May 1 to May 31, 2020, to be paid on June 15, 2020 to shareholders of record on May 31, 2020. The Corporation's policy is for shareholders of record on the last business day of a calendar month to receive dividends during the fifteen days following the end of such month.  K-Bro designates this dividend as an eligible dividend pursuant to subsection 89(14) of the Income Tax Act (Canada) and similar provincial and territorial legislation.
Outlook
While the COVID-19 pandemic will have a significant negative impact on our hospitality revenue, management believes the prospects for the Corporation's healthcare business remain strong in the medium-to-long-term.  By providing integral laundry and linen processing services to the hospitality and healthcare sectors, the Corporation has been designated an "essential" service in the jurisdictions in which it operates, which has allowed the Corporation's facilities to remain open and continue "normal" operations. This has mitigated some of the more dramatic financial and operational impacts experienced by many other businesses in other industries.  In addition, management believes that the financial flexibility provided by our strong balance sheet will enable us to operate without disruption to our business model while maintaining our ability to service the healthcare and hospitality sectors in our Canadian and UK markets.  
CORPORATE PROFILE
K-Bro is the largest owner and operator of laundry and linen processing facilities in Canada and a market leader for laundry and textile rental services in Scotland and the North East of England. K­­­‑Bro and its wholly-owned subsidiaries operate across Canada and the UK, providing a range of linen services to healthcare institutions, hotels and other commercial accounts that include the processing, management and distribution of general linen and operating room linen. 
The Corporation's operations in Canada include nine processing facilities and two distribution centres under three distinctive brands: K‑Bro Linen Systems Inc., Buanderie HMR and Les Buanderies Dextraze.  The Corporation operates in ten Canadian cities: Québec City, Montréal, Toronto, Regina, Saskatoon, Prince Albert, Edmonton, Calgary, Vancouver and Victoria.
The Corporation's operations in the UK include Fishers, which was acquired by K‑Bro on November 27, 2017. Fishers was established in 1900 and is a leading operator of laundry and linen processing facilities in Scotland, providing linen rental, workwear hire and cleanroom garment services to the hospitality, healthcare, manufacturing and pharmaceutical sectors. The Corporation operates six UK sites located in Cupar, Perth, Newcastle, Livingston and Coatbridge.
Additional information regarding the Corporation including required securities filings are available on our website at www.k-brolinen.com and on the Canadian Securities Administrators' website at www.sedar.com; the System for Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval ("SEDAR").
TERMINOLOGY
Throughout this news release and other documents referred to herein, and in order to provide a better understanding of the financial results, K-Bro uses the terms "EBITDA", "Adjusted EBITDA", "Adjusted net earnings", "Adjusted net earnings per share", "debt to total capital", "distributable cash" and "payout ratio". These terms do not have any standardized meaning under International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS") as set out in the CICA Handbook. Therefore, EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted net earnings, Adjusted net earnings per share, distributable cash and payout ratio may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers.  Specifically, the terms "EBITDA", "Adjusted EBITDA", "Adjusted net earnings", "Adjusted net earnings per share", "distributable cash", and "payout ratio" have been defined as follows:
"EBITDA" is defined as earnings before finance expense, income taxes, depreciation, and amortization. EBITDA is not a recognized measure for financial statement presentation under IFRS.  EBITDA is not intended to represent cash flow from operations, as defined by IFRS, and it should not be considered as an alternative to net earnings, cash flow from operations, or any other measure of performance prescribed by IFRS.  The Corporation's EBITDA may also not be comparable to EBITDA used by other corporations, which may be calculated differently.  The Corporation considers EBITDA to be a meaningful measure to assess its operating performance in addition to standardized IFRS measures.  It is included because the Corporation believes it can be useful in measuring its ability to service debt, fund capital expenditures and expand its business.
Three Months Ended
March 31,
(thousands)
2020
2019
Net earnings (loss)
$
(3,408)
$
495
Add:
Income tax (recovery) expense
(1,123)
191
Finance expense
1,193
1,513
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment
6,115
6,135
Amortization of intangible assets
966
781
EBITDA
$
3,743
$
9,115
Adjusted EBITDA without adoption of IFRS 16 is a measure which has been reported in order to assist in the comparison of historical EBITDA to current results.  "Adjusted EBITDA" without adoption of IFRS 16 is defined as EBITDA (defined above) with the exclusion of IFRS 16 and certain material items that are unusual in nature, infrequently occurring or not considered part of our core operations. 
Three Months Ended March 31,
Canadian
Division
UK
Division
Canadian
Division
UK
Division
(thousands)
2020
2020
2020
2019
2019
2019
EBITDA
$
2,794
$
949
$
3,743
$
7,384
$
1,731
$
9,115
Add back IFRS 16 Adjustments:
Delivery
(358)
(397)
(755)
(326)
(562)
(888)
Occupancy costs
(1,104)
(291)
(1,395)
(1,098)
(326)
(1,424)
EBITDA without adoption of IFRS 16
$
1,332
$
261
$
1,593
$
5,960
$
843
$
6,803
Add back non-reoccuring items:
Impairment of assets
5,516
-
5,516
-
-
-
-
-
-
Adjusted EBITDA without adoption of IFRS 16
$
6,848
$
261
$
7,109
$
5,960
$
843
$
6,803
Adjusted net earnings and adjusted net earnings per share are measures which have been reported in order to assist in the comparison of historical net earnings to current results.  "Adjusted net earnings" is defined as net earnings with the exclusion of IFRS 16 and certain material items that are unusual in nature, infrequently occurring or not considered part of our core operations. The calculation of adjusted net earnings normalizes the impact of the transaction costs related to the acquisition of Fishers, and the related impact on net earnings and net earnings per share. The normalization of this net expense in the calculation of adjusted net earnings and adjusted net earnings per share is considered by management to be a more accurate representation of the net earnings from core operations.
Three Months Ended March 31,
Canadian
Division
UK
Division
Canadian
Division
UK
Division
(thousands)
2020
2020
2020
2019
2019
2019
Net earnings (loss)
$
(2,472)
$
(936)
$
(3,408)
$
731
$
(236)
$
495
Add back IFRS 16 Adjustments:
Delivery
(358)
(397)
(755)
(326)
(562)
(888)
Occupancy costs
(1,104)
(291)
(1,395)
(1,098)
(326)
(1,424)
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment
1,113
657
1,770
1,087
773
1,860
Finance expense
384
101
485
413
124
537
Income tax
(9)
(12)
(21)
(20)
(2)
(22)
-
-
Net earnings (loss) without adoption of IFRS 16
$
(2,446)
$
(878)
$
(3,324)
$
787
$
(229)
$
558
Add back non-reoccuring items (net of income taxes):
Impairment of assets
4,309
-
4,309
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Adjusted net earnings (loss) without adoption of IFRS 16
$
1,863
$
(878)
$
985
$
787
$
(229)
$
558
Weighted average number of shares outstanding:
Basic
10,539,458
10,539,458
10,539,458
10,496,590
10,496,590
10,496,590
Diluted
10,590,526
10,590,526
10,590,526
10,545,970
10,545,970
10,545,970
Adjusted net earnings (loss) without adoption of IFRS 16 per share:
Basic
$
0.177
($0.083)
$
0.093
$
0.070
($0.022)
$
0.053
Diluted
$
0.176
($0.083)
$
0.093
$
0.069
($0.022)
$
0.053
Distributable cash flow is a measure used by management to evaluate the Corporation's performance. While the closest IFRS measure is cash provided by operating activities, distributable cash flow is considered relevant because it provides an indication of how much cash generated by operations is available after capital expenditures. It should be noted that although we consider this measure to be distributable cash flow, financial and non-financial covenants in our credit facilities and dealer agreements may restrict cash from being available for dividends, re-investment in the Corporation, potential acquisitions, or other purposes. Investors should be cautioned that distributable cash flow may not actually be available for growth or distribution from the Corporation. Management refers to "Distributable cash flow" as to cash provided by (used in) operating activities with the addition of net changes in non-cash working capital items, less share-based compensation, maintenance capital expenditures and principal elements of lease payments.
Three Months Ended
March 31,
(thousands)
2020(1)
2019
Cash provided by  operating activities
$
11,588
$
9,670
Deduct (add):
Net changes in non-cash working capital items
3,011
1,484
Share-based compensation expense
507
540
Maintenance capital expenditures
328
374
Principal elements of lease payments
1,666
1,648
Distributable cash flow(2)
$
6,076
$
5,624
(1)
Effective January 1, 2019, the Corporation has adopted IFRS 16 using the modified retrospective method but has not restated comparatives for the prior periods, as permitted under the specific transitional provisions of IFRS 16. See "Accounting Changes" in the Corporation's MD&A for the three month period ending March 31, 2020 for more information.
(2)
Effective January 1, 2019, distributable cash flow includes the addition of principal elements of lease payments. This accounts for the change in accounting policies and the adoption of IFRS 16, where now the principal elements of lease payments flow through financing outflows opposed to operating cash flows.
"Payout ratio" is defined by management as the actual cash dividend divided by distributable cash. This is a key measure used by investors to value K-Bro, assess its performance and provide an indication of the sustainability of dividends.  The payout ratio depends on the distributable cash and the Corporation's dividend policy.
Three Months Ended
March 31,
(thousands)
2020
2019
Cash dividends
3,181
3,168
Distributable cash flow
6,076
5,624
Payout ratio
52.4%
56.3%
 FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS
This news release contains forward‑looking information that represents internal expectations, estimates or beliefs concerning, among other things, future activities or future operating results and various components thereof. The use of any of the words "anticipate", "continue", "expect", "may", "will", "project", "should", "believe", and similar expressions suggesting future outcomes or events are intended to identify forward‑looking information.  Statements regarding such forward‑looking information reflect management's current beliefs and are based on information currently available to management.
These statements are not guarantees of future performance and are based on management's estimates and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties, which could cause K-Bro's actual performance and financial results in future periods to differ materially from the forward-looking information contained in this news release.  These risks and uncertainties include, among other things: (i) risks associated with acquisitions, including the possibility of undisclosed material liabilities; (ii) K-Bro's competitive environment; (iii) utility costs, minimum wage legislation and labour costs; (iv) K-Bro's dependence on long-term contracts with the associated renewal risk; (v) increased capital expenditure requirements; (vi) reliance on key personnel; (vii) changing trends in government outsourcing; (viii) changes or proposed changes to minimum wage laws in Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, Quebec, Saskatchewan and the UK; (ix) the availability of future financing; * textile demand; (xi) the adverse impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Corporation, which has been significant to date and which we believe will continue to be significant for the near-to-medium term; and (xii) foreign currency risk. Material factors or assumptions that were applied in drawing a conclusion or making an estimate set out in the forward-looking information include: (i) volumes and pricing assumptions; (ii) expected impact of labour cost initiatives; (iii) frequency of one-time costs impacting quarterly and annual financial results; (iv) foreign exchange rates; and (v) the level of capital expenditures. Although the forward-looking information contained in this news release is based upon what management believes are reasonable assumptions, there can be no assurance that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements.  Certain statements regarding forward-looking information included in this news release may be considered "financial outlook" for purposes of applicable securities laws, and such financial outlook may not be appropriate for purposes other than this news release. Forward looking information included in this news release includes the expected annual healthcare revenues to be generated from the Corporation's contracts with new customers, the anticipated capital costs for the Corporation's Toronto and Vancouver facilities, calculation of costs, including one-time costs impacting the quarterly financial results, anticipated future capital spending and statements with respect to future expectations on margins and volume growth, as well as statements related to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Corporation. 
All forward‑looking information in this news release is qualified by these cautionary statements.  Forward‑looking information in this news release is presented only as of the date made. Except as required by law, K‑Bro does not undertake any obligation to publicly revise these forward‑looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.
This news release also makes reference to certain measures in this document that do not have any standardized meaning as prescribed by IFRS and, therefore, are considered non‑GAAP measures. These measures may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers.  Please see "Terminology" for further discussion.
SOURCE K-Bro Linen Inc.
For further information: Linda McCurdy, Chief Executive Officer, K-Bro Linen Inc. (TSX: KBL), Phone: 780.453.5218,
 Email: inquiries@k-brolinen.com, Web: www.k-brolinen.com
Related Links
Organization Profile
Also from this source


Scientific Evidence Shows Everyday Hygiene Is Essential to Help Prevent the Spread of Infections, Reveals New Paper From The Global Hygiene Council


NEWS PROVIDED BY The Global Hygiene Council

May 07, 2020

LONDON, May 7, 2020 /CNW/ -- According to a new Position Paper published in the American Journal of Infection Control online, improved everyday hygiene practices, such as handwashing, can help to significantly reduce the risk of common infections. Evidence shows risk reduction can be up to 50%. With the increased hygiene efforts being deployed to delay the spread of COVID-19, the Global Hygiene Council's (GHC) public health experts are now calling for even greater attention to improved hygiene behaviour in homes and communities to help reduce the spread of infection.

Evidence shows hand hygiene and surface disinfection reduce the spread of infection. (PRNewsfoto/The Global Hygiene Council)

This Position Paper, developed on behalf of the GHC, explores evidence that following everyday hygiene measures in homes and community settings (including workplaces, universities, schools, nurseries, on public transport and during shopping and leisure activities) can play a vital role in containing and delaying the threat from infectious microorganisms. Multiple studies demonstrate that harmful bacteria and viruses can be transferred from an infected individual to other people via hands and frequently touched surfaces and can survive in enough numbers to cause an infection.

Regular handwashing and surface disinfection are key hygiene measures that can help reduce the levels of microorganisms on hands and frequently touched surfaces. Adopting a hygienic approach in our homes and everyday lives offers a way to maximise protection against infection, at the times and places where there is the greatest risk of transmission.

According to the lead author, Jean-Yves Maillard, Professor of Pharmaceutical Microbiology at the School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, at Cardiff University; "In light of the current COVID-19 pandemic and evidence presented in this Paper, it is more urgent than ever for us all to recognise the role of community hygiene to minimise the spread of infections. This also helps to reduce the consumption of antibiotics and helps the fight against antimicrobial resistance."

At this time of increased concern, the Global Hygiene Council is calling for health agencies and healthcare professionals to recognise the importance of advising the public of the importance of hygiene in their home and community settings to minimise the spread of infections.

The Global Hygiene Council is supported by RB, global leaders in health and hygiene products.

References:

Curtis V, Cairncross S. Effect of washing hands with soap on diarrhoea risk in the community: a systematic review. Lancet Infect Dis. May 2003; 3 (5): 275-81

Staniford LJ, Schmidtke KA. A systematic review of hand-hygiene and environmental-disinfection interventions in settings with children. BMC Public Health 20, 195 (2020). Available at: https://bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12889-020-8301-0

International Scientific Forum on Home Hygiene. Containing the burden of infectious diseases is everyone's responsibility. October 2018. Available from: https://www.ifh-homehygiene.org/sites/default/files/publications/IFH%20White%20Paper-10-18.pdf Accessed April 6, 2020.


Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1163611/Global_Hygiene_Council.jpg

SOURCE The Global Hygiene Council
LCBO threatens legal action against OPSEU for standing up for its members

NEWS PROVIDED BY Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU)

May 07, 2020


TORONTO, May 7, 2020 /CNW/ - OPSEU President Warren (Smokey) Thomas says the LCBO is going down a road it will quickly regret, by mindlessly and impetuously threatening legal action against his union.

After a series of public releases in which OPSEU called out the Crown Corporation's senior management for numerous pandemic-related issues, including not being proactive regarding health and safety protocols and refusing to provide hazard pay for workers, the LCBO has served a demand letter upon the union.

Thomas said CEO Dr. George Soleas should stop wasting public money on vanity legal challenges and start thinking about and thanking his front line workers.

"Dr. Soleas is an embarrassment to the CEO high-flyer club," said Thomas. "I'm so sorry you don't like the fact that we're doing our job standing up for the health and safety of our members and LCBO customers; we'll see you in court – Doctor. We look forward to Discoveries and the examination of all internal documents and emails related to labour relations throughout the pandemic. It's a perfect opportunity to right the ship of the crown jewel of Crown Corporations."

Thomas added that Soleas should be on the hook for his own legal counsel.

"I hope Soleas will pay for his own lawyer instead of using LCBO funds for this," said Thomas. "It's outrageous that the bosses at the LCBO would so quickly throw money at high-priced Toronto lawyers, yet they moved with the speed of molasses to bring in vital safety measures at the beginning of this pandemic, and have refused to put any funds toward a pandemic premium for essential frontline workers," said Thomas.

Thomas noted that, while the LCBO has finally implemented safety measures requested by the union, it took weeks of pressure to get the Crown Corporation's leadership to act on them. Following this, the LCBO's senior management communicated a "yahoo plan" to prematurely expand business hours in anticipation of the upcoming holiday weekend.

"The LCBO is a highly-profitable Crown corporation, which is well-positioned to recognize and properly care for its workers for their selfless efforts during this pandemic. C'mon George, do the right thing – at least this one time," said Thomas.

SOURCE Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU)

For further information: OPSEU President Warren (Smokey) Thomas
Related Links

www.opseu.org
Transcript of the Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada's Video Message to Mark the 75th Anniversary of the Liberation of the Netherlands and Victory in Europe Day Français

NEWS PROVIDED BYGovernor General of Canada

May 07, 2020,

OTTAWA, May 7, 2020 /CNW/ - It had lasted for 5 long years of rationing and misery, but in the spring of 1945, following the advances of the Allies, everyone was finally seeing the end of the Second World War. The news of the German surrender spread on the 8th of May 1945, and everywhere, people took to the streets in an outpouring of emotion to celebrate the victory. The war was not completely over in Asia, but the Nazi threat was no more.

It was the deadliest war in history. More than 70 million dead, civilian and military. Six million Jews and other scorned people paid with their dignity and their lives for the evil purpose of a racist regime. Deported, they perished in terrible suffering. We must never forget the horrors of the Holocaust, the ravages of hatred.

More than one million Canadians served in the wartime Forces and played a vital role in the Battle of the Atlantic, and in the Normandy and Italian campaigns. They fought against some of the best German troops on the Dutch and Belgian fronts, and they earned the respect of all in the air war over Germany. Canadian fighters left a legacy of great pride embodied in unforgettable names like: Dieppe, the Scheldt, Ortona, Juno Beach. Canadians helped secure the Allied victory at great sacrifice. More than 43,000 of our brave soldiers, sailors and aviators never made it back home.

Seventy-five years later, we remember them, but we also remember the many legacies of the war, including an unprecedented reconstruction plan that created bonds that still influence our lives today. In the aftermath of peace, several international organizations were established. Thousands of survivors of this seemingly endless war found refuge in Canada. They brought their cultures to flourish in our great country, helping forge the Canadian identity.

The magnitude and costs of the war made us realize that the prosperity of some is not possible without the prosperity of all. This should encourage us to work together, to collaborate as one, in times of peace, and in times of crisis, as we do now during this pandemic.

In this month of May 2020, let us celebrate freedom and remain strong in the face of adversity.

Julie Payette

Please note that the text above is a transcript of the video available at
https://bit.ly/2Wxaqui.
Unifor welcomes emergency funding for public transit

NEWS PROVIDED BY Unifor

May 08, 2020

VANCOUVER, May 8, 2020 /CNW/ - Widespread transit worker layoffs will be averted thanks to emergency funding announced today by the federal and provincial governments, says Unifor.

"Passengers and transit workers across the country mobilized to defend public transit," said Jerry Dias, Unifor National President. "We're relieved that governments listened and answered with funding that will help avoid transit chaos during recovery from a pandemic."

Unifor led the charge for emergency funding with an online campaign (unifor.org/peopleneedtransit) and a constant lobbying effort at all levels of government. On April 25, the union held an online virtual rally to give a voice to frustrated transit workers who knew that proposed layoffs would be devastating for the commutes of frontline COVID heroes.

Today's announcement will result in the cancellation of 1,200 layoffs of Unifor members, and nearly 300 other union members in the Translink system.

"Transit operators and skilled trades maintenance staff are a lynchpin in the urban transportation network," said Gavin McGarrigle, Unifor Western Regional Director. "They're on the frontlines with other COVID heroes doing work that it is critical to the Canadian economy during this precarious time. Emergency funding announced today will help keep transit workers on the job so they can help other COVID heroes do theirs."

Unifor is Canada's largest union in the private sector, representing 315,000 workers in every major area of the economy. The union advocates for all working people and their rights, fights for equality and social justice in Canada and abroad, and strives to create progressive change for a better future.

SOURCE Unifor
L'Oréal Canada and Garnier Mobilized to Support Front Line Health Care Professionals

NEWS PROVIDED BYGarnier Canada

May 08, 2020, 12:38 ET

MONTREAL, May 8, 2020 /CNW Telbec/ - Following the launch of its COVID-19 Solidarity Plan on March 17, 2020, L'Oréal Canada shifted the production of its Canadian plant, located in Montreal, to include the manufacturing of hand sanitizing (hydroalcoholic) gel. To date, nearly 160 000 bottles of disinfectants have been given to healthcare professionals in Canada and more than $ 200,000 in cash donations and products were offered to hospitals.

Garnier announces contribution to L'Oréal's Solidarity Plan in Canada

Garnier Canada has announced they will be producing units of hand sanitizing gels at their l

ocal certified carbon-free plant and will donate them to Canadian front line healthcare professionals. (CNW Group/Garnier Canada

MONTREAL, May 8, 2020 /CNW Telbec/ - Following the launch of its COVID-19 Solidarity Plan on March 17, 2020, L'Oréal Canada shifted the production of its Canadian plant, located in Montreal, to include the manufacturing of hand sanitizing (hydroalcoholic) gel. To date, nearly 160 000 bottles of disinfectants have been given to healthcare professionals in Canada and more than $ 200,000 in cash donations and products were offered to hospitals.

Garnier Canada and its teams are very proud to be one of the key contributors to the L'Oréal Group's Worldwide Coronavirus Solidarity Plan. In conjunction with L'Oréal Canada's actions, Garnier has announced they will be producing units of hand sanitizing gels at their local certified carbon-free plant. True to Garnier's commitment to reduce their carbon and environmental footprint, each bottle of hand sanitizer will be 100% recyclable and made with 50% recycled materials.

Gel units produced locally will be donated to Canadian front line healthcare professionals. In addition to the donation Garnier Canada is proud to help their community protect themselves by making their hand sanitizer gels accessible for purchase in drugstores and mass retailers at MSRP $3.49 (100ml available) as of May 11th, 2020.

"During these uncertain times, it's important for Garnier Canada to remain true to its core value. In producing it locally at our Canadian carbon-free plant, we are launching a formula that is effective yet respectful to the environment. We believe this to be the beginning of a significant partnership with front line workers who are helping to protect us." - Ali Fakih, Garnier Canada General Manager

The Garnier hand sanitizing gel is made of 65% alcohol and kills harmful bacteria and germs. The formula has also been tested under dermatological control, is fragrance-free and contains glycerin to help with the drying effect of alcohol.

@garniercan @lorealcanada
#lorealtakespart
Ontario Nurses' Association Members Mark Nursing Week 2020  
TORONTOMay 8, 2020 /CNW/ - The Ontario Nurses' Association's (ONA) 68,000 registered nurses, nurse practitioners and registered practical nurses are poised to virtually celebrate their profession during Nursing Week 2020.
"For many of us, Nursing Week is a much-anticipated time when – just for a short while – we can pause to reflect, think about why we love what we do, and celebrate with one another," says ONA President Vicki McKenna, RN. "ONA's Nursing Week theme is 'Our Calling: Care, Compassion, Comfort,' and it perfectly describes the goal of nurses here and around the world."
Nursing Week is scheduled for May 11 to 17. This year is significant in that the World Health Organization has designated 2020 the Year of the Nurse and Midwife, and it also marks the 200th birthday of the founder of modern nursing, Florence Nightingale.
"It is significant that Nursing Week is held to coincide with Florence Nightingale's birthday," notes McKenna. "As nurses use social media to mark this week virtually, I can't help but remember the important advances that she made on proper infection control procedures and practices. This has never been more important than now, during the COVID-19 pandemic, and they hold up today."
Ontario nurses work in all sectors of health care – in hospitals and long-term care facilities, in community and public health, home care, clinics and even in private industry. They will be taking to social media to tell others about their calling. Using the hashtag #ItsMyCalling on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook, ONA members will be able to express their passion for the profession, even in the face of uncertainty. The pandemic has put the spotlight on the critical importance of nursing care, and has also revealed some of the province's shortcomings in its health-care system.
"Each year, ONA asks members of the public to thank a nurse," says McKenna. "One bright spot in during COVID-19 has been the kindness of the public, our patients and their families, and many organizations – they have all stepped up to support nurses – and we thank them. Their thoughtfulness and kindness have been very much appreciated by us all."
She adds that, "while nurses cannot celebrate with one another in person, in order to respect social distancing, we know that we have the support of Ontario."
ONA is the union representing more than 68,000 registered nurses and health-care professionals, as well as more than 18,000 nursing student affiliates, providing care in hospitals, long-term care facilities, public health, the community, clinics and industry.
SOURCE Ontario Nurses' Association
Energy sector cuts blow oil-sands-sized hole in its economy
Kevin Orland, Bloomberg Ne

For Alberta’s economy this year, it’s almost as if the oil sands have gone missing.

Canadian energy companies ranging from oil and gas producers to pipeline operators and service companies have announced plans to cut as much as $11.4 billion (US$8.1 billion) in capital spending, with giants Suncor Energy Inc. and Canadian Natural Resources Ltd. each disclosing their second rounds of reductions this week.

Those reductions would amount to more than the entire $10.7 billion invested in oil-sands production last year. An industry group had forecast a similar level of spending in 2020.

In other words, spending cuts across the Canadian energy sector have been so vast, they effectively cancel out all the new capital that oil-sands growth was expected to bring into Alberta this year -- before the crude price crash forced companies to rewrite their plans.

The effect of those spending reductions showed up in a dismal employment report Friday. The province lost 243,800 jobs in April and the unemployment rate spiked to 13.4 per cent, the highest of Canada’s four western provinces, Statistics Canada said.

While the oil sands will still employ tens of thousands of people and produce millions of barrels of oil a day, providing billions of dollars in tax revenue, it’s their spending that, to a large extent, had made Alberta’s economy tick for years. Plus, that tax income will be significantly less than the province had expected when benchmark oil traded above US$60 a barrel in New York early this year, with prices at US$25 now.

Thousands of mechanics, truck drivers, welders and backhoe operators will be out of work, and scores of white-collar experts and investors won’t be flying in like they used to, with a devastating domino effect on sectors like real estate and retail. All that on top of the economic tsunami caused by the global virus outbreak.

“Every company has reduced its capital spending, so I view it as bad for Canada in the sense that it has jobs attached to it,” Canadian Natural President Tim McKay said in an interview. “Spending drives the economy, and if people have jobs, then they spend their money on goods and services.”

It’s possible that the actual amount of cuts in 2020 could be less drastic, but they will have a huge economic impact either way. At the low end of companies’ announcements so far, about $8.5 billion in capital spending would be reduced.

In any case, the cuts dash hopes for a long-awaited revival of spending in the sector. The Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers had estimated overall oil and gas capital spending this year would rise 5.4 per cent to $37 billion. Oil-sands spending had been expected to climb 8.4 per cent, the first gain in five years.