Payroll employment in accommodation and food services decreased by 13,600 (-1.0%) in February, bringing the cumulative decline since December 2024 to 19,200 (-1.5%). The decline over the two-month period was driven by full-service restaurants and limited-service eating places (-18,400; -1.8%, according to a report released Thursday by Statistics Canada.
Payroll employment in retail trade decreased by 10,600 (-0.5%) in February, more than offsetting the gain observed in January (+5,700; +0.3%). On a year-over-year basis, payroll employment in retail trade was down 28,500 (-1.4%) in February, added the federal agency.
The month-over-month decline in February in payroll employment in the retail trade sector was led by health and personal care retailers (-2,200; -1.0%), warehouse clubs, supercentres and other general merchandise retailers (-2,100; -1.3%) and building material and supplies dealers (-1,600; -1.2%), it said.
In Canada, the number of employees receiving pay and benefits from their employer—measured as “payroll employment” in the Survey of Employment, Payrolls and Hours—decreased by 49,000 (-0.3%) in February, following an increase of 14,400 (+0.1%) in January. On a year-over-year basis, payroll employment was up 124,300 (+0.7%) in February.
In February, monthly payroll employment declines were recorded in 9 of the 20 sectors, including educational services (-21,300; -1.4%), accommodation and food services (-13,600; -1.0%), retail trade (-10,600; -0.5%), manufacturing (-6,800; -0.4%) and public administration (-5,600; -0.4%). Health care and social assistance (+12,600; +0.5%) as well as administrative and support, waste management and remediation services (+3,700; +0.5%) were the only sectors to record increases in February. The remaining nine sectors were little changed, said Statistics Canada.
Meanwhile, in February, there were 528,000 job vacancies in Canada, marking the sixth consecutive month of little change. On a year-over-year basis, job vacancies were down by 131,100 (-19.9%) in February, it added.
KINTON RAMEN, Canada’s leading Japanese ramen brand, is partnering with global fashion retailer UNIQLO for an exclusive UTme! collection, transforming the love of ramen into wearable art.
This collaboration is a fusion of food, culture, and creativity, celebrating nationwide expansion while showcasing local artistic talent. Through the innovative UTme! platform, KINTON RAMEN and UNIQLO are offering ramen lovers and style enthusiasts a new way to express their passion—through wearable art, according to a news release.
Alan De Luna
“KINTON RAMEN is proudly Canadian, and as we grow across the country, it’s about more than just ramen — it’s about sharing culture in a way that feels local and real,” said Alan De Luna, Senior Marketing Manager at KINTON RAMEN. “Teaming up with UNIQLO isn’t just about style. It’s about celebrating food, art, and the communities that make Canada such a unique place.”
Tanya Mu
Designed by Toronto-based artist Tanya Mu (Tonton Art), the collection showcases bold, hand-drawn illustrations inspired by KINTON RAMEN’s signature bowls. The customizable T-shirts and tote bags will be available exclusively at select UNIQLO Canada stores, offering a seamless blend of Japanese tradition and contemporary design, said the release.
“Partnering with Tanya, an artist who champions creativity and cultural storytelling, alongside UNIQLO makes this collaboration incredibly special,” explained De Luna. “Seeing our ramen-inspired designs worn by fans everywhere is exactly the kind of moment we live for.”
The KINTON RAMEN x UNIQLO UTme! collection will be available at:
• UNIQLO Toronto Eaton Centre • UNIQLO Yorkdale Mall • UNIQLO Metropolis at Metrotown
“Express yourself with a unique creation through the UTme! machine. This innovative on-demand printing platform allows customers to design and personalize their own original T-shirts and tote bags,” said the release.
“Using the UTme! machine, you can create your own custom designs or choose from a curated selection of “stamps” available on in-store iPads, including these exclusive KINTON RAMEN designs. These one-of-a-kind prints will be available at UNIQLO Toronto Eaton Centre, UNIQLO Yorkdale Mall, and UNIQLO Metropolis at Metrotown, bringing a new level of interactive fashion to Canadian shoppers.”
Under the leadership of President and COO Nick Veloce, Innovative Food Brands is steering Chopped Leaf into a new chapter of growth and evolution. Since acquiring the health-focused restaurant brand in 2014, the company has expanded its national footprint and embarked on a strategic brand refresh to meet changing customer expectations.
Veloce confirmed that Innovative Food Brands currently has 122 open Chopped Leaf locations, with another 28 committed. “We’ve got 150 opened and committed to,” he said. “Those should open within 18 months.”
Nick Veloce
The brand, originally launched in western Canada, is now present from coast to coast. “When we bought it, it was just out west,” Veloce explained. “We took it to Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Ontario and also the East Coast.”
Last year marked the 15th anniversary of Chopped Leaf, prompting what Veloce described as a “tweaking and cleansing” of the brand’s image. “We didn’t feel it needed a rehaul,” he said. “We refined our logo—we felt our logo was a bit strong, so we softened it. We changed the inside to make it a little more welcoming, a little more comfortable.”
A notable feature of the refresh includes increased visibility into food preparation. “We dropped our counter so customers can actually see what we’re doing, what we’re prepping. A little more openness from a customer’s perspective,” Veloce noted.
In addition to visual changes, the brand has put a new emphasis on local community engagement.
“We localized it,” said Veloce. “For example, if we opened up a location in Oakville, we’d have a sign as soon as you walk in that says, Hello Oakville, or Hello Edmonton, or wherever we’re going. Our partners are always local operators, so we just felt that it was important to be connected with the local community.”
The new design debuted in Kelowna, and according to Veloce, the company is now in rollout mode across its network. “All the new stores are full-blown new system,” he said.
In early 2024, Innovative Food Brands also made a strategic decision to sell Teriyaki Experience, a brand they had operated since 1986. “We just felt it was time for somebody else to kind of give it the attention it needs, and it gives us the opportunity to focus on our core business,” said Veloce. “We’ve gone full throttle into Chopped Leaf and that was the mindset.”
At the time of the sale, Teriyaki Experience had 40 locations.
Veloce also revealed that the company is piloting a new coffee concept. “It’s ethically sourced, high-quality coffee,” he said. “We’re piloting with McMaster University. We’re doing two locations—one in September, the other in January.”
The university setting aligns with the values of the new concept. “We feel that there’s an opportunity in the university world for that type of concept—more along the lines of ethically sourced and sustainability,” he added. “We just feel there’s a niche there for that kind of concept. So we’ll see how this goes.”
As Innovative Food Brands continues to expand and refine its offerings, the focus remains clear. “We saw a good runway with Chopped Leaf,” said Veloce. “And we’re seeing results with that already.”
By Bruce Winder. I think as Canadians we need to strike the right balance between “buying Canadian” and “avoiding American” products during the trade war with the US. On the surface, consumers may want to boycott American products and retailers but I think we need to be careful with this.
Why?
Bruce Winder
American companies, with Canadian operations, employ hundreds of thousands of Canadians at stores, warehouses, delivery companies and buy from thousands of Canadian suppliers.
Turley-Ewart discusses how the City of Toronto has instructed staff to stop using Amazon for city purchases. But Amazon Canada employs over 45,000 workers and has spent about $50 BN in this country since 2010. With over 70 facilities, they are the de facto distribution system for Canada and sell the products of tens of thousands of Canadian 3rd party marketplace suppliers. Not to mention the millions of dollars they buy from Canadian vendors through their own main line website. Does this seem right to you?
I think some retailers have got the trade war balance right (ie. Loblaw) but other entities (i.e. LCBO) have taken more of an extreme view.
Loblaw has been very clear they are not anti-American; they simply use icons and signage to be transparent to the shopper which items are made or processed in Canada (using a Maple Leaf) and which products are impacted by US imposed tariffs or Canada imposed counter tariffs (with a T). This gives the consumer the right information to make their own decision.
At the LCBO, all US-made alcohol brands have been removed from shelves, online and through wholesalers. This may be too extreme. What about the Canadians who work for these US brands? I am sure many of these firms have Canadian subsidiaries that take care of Canadian sales, marketing, and supply chain, not to mention other support activities. Will these employees lose their jobs now that demand has dried up?
Photo by Mario Toneguzzi
What is the right balance and how do consumers even know if a particular retailer or supplier is owned by Canadians, employs Canadians, or buys from Canadian suppliers? It can be tough to get enough information to make that decision. That is where retailers can help inform consumers through shelf labels and online icons. Nothing beats a good Google search too, letting AI do some research for you.
As a country we need to use caution and not “throw out the baby with the bath water” so to speak. Our supply chains and value chains are intertwined with the US (and globally) and this trade war will not last forever. We need to protect Canada’s interests while protecting Canadian jobs and protecting foreign investment in this country if we are to ever meet our full economic potential.
This recognition honours more than three decades of exemplary leadership and unwavering dedication that has shaped the future of retail in Canada. Brisebois has been at the helm of RCC since 1995, and over the past 30 years, she has elevated the organization into the preeminent voice of retail in the country, said the RCC in a news release.
Diane J. Brisebois. Image: Retail Council of Canada
From general merchandise and grocery to pharmacy and digital innovation, Diane J. Brisebois has made a lasting impact on every sector of retail. With bold leadership, tireless commitment, and deep pride, she has navigated industry upheavals, championed forward-thinking policy, and built powerful alliances between retailers, government, and communities nationwide, it said.
Anne Martin-Vachon
“As Canada’s retail community celebrates this extraordinary milestone, we do so with deep gratitude,” said Anne Martin-Vachon, Chair of the Board of Directors at RCC. “Diane has not only helped define the voice of retail in Canada but has ensured that it echoes with purpose, inclusion, and progress. The Canadian Retail Hall of Fame Award is a testament to a career defined by meaningful impact to Canada’s ever evolving retail sector.”
The RCC said Brisebois’ influence stretches far beyond retail, with invaluable contributions as a board member to national and international organizations, including the Toronto Region Board of Trade, Stewardship Ontario, Covenant House Toronto, and advisor to academic institutions like the School of Retailing of the University of Alberta and St. Mary’s University David Sobey Centre for Retail. Her approach continues to ignite big ideas, bold action, and purpose-driven leadership in the next generation.
Capping off the first day of RCCSTORE25, Canada’s premier retail conference, the Excellence in Retailing Awards Gala will celebrate the industry’s top performers. Taking place June 3–4, 2025, RCCSTORE25 will feature 75+ expert speakers and draw retail leaders from across North America and beyond.
Retail is Canada’s largest private-sector employer with over 2.3 million Canadians working in our industry. This sector is a major economic contributor, generating more than $93 billion annually in wages and employee benefits. In 2024, core retail sales (excluding vehicles and gasoline) exceeded $507 billion. Retail Council of Canada (RCC) members account for more than two-thirds of these core retail sales and 95 per cent of the grocery market. Its membership extends across the country, embracing over 54,000 storefronts in diverse formats such as department, grocery, specialty, discount, independent retailers, online merchants, and quick service restaurants.
Hudson's Bay/Saks Fifth Avenue flagships in downtown Toronto. The building at 176 Yonge Street began its life in 1898 as a Simpsons store. Photo taken April 23, 2025 by Craig Patterson
The future of the Hudson’s Bay Company took a critical turn this week as court documents revealed plans to begin liquidation sales at six prominent locations not previously in liquidation. The move marks a potentially final chapter for a company that has been interwoven with the history of Canada for over 350 years.
Clearance sales at the six stores — which had previously been excluded from the retailer’s larger liquidation strategy — are set to commence Friday, April 25. The stores include two flagships: the historic Queen Street store in downtown Toronto and the Sainte-Catherine Street location in downtown Montreal, as well as stores in Toronto’s Yorkdale Shopping Centre, Hillcrest Mall in Richmond Hill, CF Carrefour Laval in Laval, and CF Fairview Pointe-Claire. A licensed Saks Fifth Avenue store connected to the Queen Street Hudson’s Bay will also be liquidated.
“This decision underscores the low probability of a buyer emerging to continue operating these locations,” said Adam Zalev, Managing Director of Reflect Advisors and the financial advisor to Hudson’s Bay Company. “Keeping these stores out of the liquidation was negatively impacting our efforts to repay lenders.”
Zalev’s comments came in a sworn affidavit submitted as part of the company’s court-supervised restructuring under the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act (CCAA). Hudson’s Bay was granted creditor protection on March 7, 2025, after succumbing to $1.1 billion in debt and years of mounting losses.
5th floor men’s department at Hudson’s Bay Queen Street in Toronto. Photo taken April 23, 2025 by Craig Patterson
Liquidation Performance and Market Realities
Since the launch of nationwide clearance events in late March, the Hudson’s Bay has generated over $235 million in sales across 74 department stores, as well as two Saks Fifth Avenue and 13 Saks Off Fifth locations. The initial consumer frenzy, driven by nostalgic loyalty and deep discounts, has since slowed.
Carl Boutet
Retail analyst Carl Boutet told Retail Insider, “Liquidation sales are often the most profitable period in a retailer’s life cycle. Consumers are highly motivated when they think it might be their last chance to shop somewhere.”
Boutet added, “Bringing these six stores into the liquidation process is not necessarily the end, but it signals that no credible interest has emerged to keep the business running in any recognizable format.”
Indeed, a confidential pitch memo reviewed by prospective buyers earlier this month outlined an $82 million first-year investment required to turn around operations at the six remaining stores. It would take an estimated two years to make such a business profitable. Zalev confirmed in his Wednesday affidavit that no viable bidder stepped forward.
The End of a Retail Era?
For decades, Hudson’s Bay’s flagship stores stood as landmarks of Canadian retail, cultural memory, and civic identity. But like many legacy department stores in North America, the brand has struggled to modernize amid shifts to e-commerce, rising operating costs, and declining foot traffic.
“Even five years ago, the idea that these flagship stores could close was unthinkable,” said Boutet. “What we’re seeing now is the collapse of a model that simply couldn’t keep up.”
The Queen Street store in Toronto, once considered a $220 million annual sales powerhouse, has seen declining performance in recent years, exacerbated by a lack of investment and recent infrastructure disruptions from adjacent subway construction. Montreal’s downtown store, with a similar legacy, also faces significant renovation needs.
“These buildings are massive, historic, and expensive to maintain,” said Boutet. “Without serious capital investment, they simply aren’t viable.” He noted that estimates to refurbish the former downtown Winnipeg Hudson’s Bay flagship are estimated to be over $300 million.
Hudson’s Bay flagship store in downtown Montreal in 2021. Photo: Maxime Frechette
Interest in Leases, But Not the Brand
While 18 letters of intent have been submitted for Hudson’s Bay leases, they do not reflect interest in continuing operations under the brand itself. “It’s a strong sign that potential bidders are more interested in the real estate footprint than in the retail business,” said Boutet.
Boutet speculates that landlords such as RioCan and other institutional players may be aiming to reclaim space for redevelopment or to subdivide the large-format stores for multiple tenants.
“We’re likely to see the same pattern that followed Sears’ collapse in Canada,” added Boutet. “Anchor spaces get carved up, and malls reposition with newer, more agile tenants.”
Hudson’s Bay store at Hillcrest Mall in Richmond Hill, ON. Photo: Renee Suen
Art and Artifact Auction Raises Ethical Questions
Compounding the retailer’s unraveling is a controversial plan to auction over 4,400 pieces from the Hudson’s Bay art and historical artifact collection. This includes more than 1,700 artworks and 2,700 culturally significant artifacts — among them, the 1670 Royal Charter that established the company.
“This is not just a piece of paper; it’s a foundational document in Canada’s colonial history,” said Boutet. “It granted Hudson’s Bay dominion over land it claimed without Indigenous consent.”
Heffel Gallery Limited has been selected to conduct the auction. In consultation with court-appointed Monitor Alvarez & Marsal, Heffel will implement safeguards to prioritize Canadian buyers and institutions.
Hudson’s Bay Royal Charter from 1670
Yet opposition to the sale is growing. On April 22, Grand Chief Kyra Wilson of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs issued an urgent plea to halt the auction.
“Selling these items at auction without full transparency and consultation with impacted First Nations would not only be morally irresponsible but also represent a continuation of colonial dispossession,” she wrote.
The Assembly has called for the publication of a full item catalogue, a First Nations-led review, and discussions on repatriation or shared stewardship.
Other voices have echoed these concerns. The Canadian Commission for UNESCO’s Memory of the World Committee requested that the 1670 Charter be transferred to a public archival institution like the Archives of Manitoba. The Department of Canadian Heritage has also reminded HBC that certain items may require export permits under the Cultural Property Export and Import Act.
The Room women’s luxury department at Hudson’s Bay Queen Street in Toronto. Photo taken April 23, 2025 by Craig Patterson
More Than Just a Business Closure
Boutet sees the liquidation and artifact sale as reflective of broader societal shifts. “There was a time when service to a company was valued so deeply that employees received gold watches for loyalty,” he said, referencing a vintage Hudson’s Bay timepiece he owns. “Now, we’re watching the last pieces of that legacy get boxed up and sold off.”
While the sale process officially ends on April 30, the future remains uncertain. The court has yet to rule on the art auction protocols, and Hudson’s Bay is expected to request an interim cash distribution to secured lenders while seeking a stay extension past May 15.
“It feels like we’re nearing the end of Hudson’s Bay as we’ve known it,” said Boutet. “But the company’s intellectual property and legacy may yet be reborn in another form.”
For now, all eyes remain on the outcome of a potential buyer, liquidation sales, artifact auction, and the legacy of a Canadian institution that has shaped the nation’s commerce and culture for centuries.
Enterprise Ireland is set to host its first-ever consumer retail showcase in Toronto on April 29, bringing a curated group of 11 Irish fashion, textile, and beauty brands to the forefront of Canada’s largest city. The evening event will take place at Gotstyle at the Distillery District, aiming to build bridges between Irish innovation and Canadian retail.
“We’re really excited about this event,” said Molly Tuite, Trade Development Executive at Enterprise Ireland. “This is the first time we’re hosting a retail-focused initiative in Toronto, and we see it as a huge opportunity to connect Irish brands with Canadian retailers looking to diversify their offerings.”
Molly Tuite, Trade Development Executive at Enterprise Ireland
Enterprise Ireland’s Global Mission and Canadian Presence
Enterprise Ireland is the Irish government’s investment and innovation agency, responsible for supporting Irish companies in global markets. As Europe’s largest seed investor by deal flow, it has deployed more than €700 million (approximately CAD $1.1 billion) to foster international growth for Irish businesses.
With offices in Toronto and Montreal, Enterprise Ireland has had a growing presence in Canada since 2006. Its mandate includes organizing trade missions and facilitating partnerships between Irish companies and Canadian businesses across sectors—from technology to consumer goods.
“Our job is to support Irish companies in entering and expanding in Canada,” said Tuite. “We also bring Canadian businesses to Ireland to showcase our innovation. It’s a two-way relationship that benefits both economies.”
A Strong Irish-Canadian Relationship
The timing of this initiative aligns with deepening economic and cultural ties between Ireland and Canada. Since the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) came into effect in 2017, bilateral trade between the two countries has quadrupled.
“The relationship between the Irish and Canadian business communities is incredibly strong,” Tuite noted. “There’s a shared value system and a long-standing cultural connection—14% of Canadians have Irish ancestry, which is remarkable considering there are only about 7 million people in Ireland.”
The presence of Irish culture in Toronto is increasingly visible. Next year, the Canada Ireland Foundation will open the CORLÉK building on the Toronto waterfront, a new multicultural arts and events space located beside Ireland Park.
Gotstyle at the Distillery District in Toronnto (Image: Dustin Fuhs)
Toronto Event to Showcase Ireland’s Retail Potential
The April 29 event at Gotstyle will feature 11 Irish brands that span fashion, textile, skincare, and wellness. While the full list will be shared closer to the event, Enterprise Ireland confirmed that the group includes makers of luxury wool products, tailored garments, and natural beauty lines.
“These are high-quality, innovative brands that Canadian consumers haven’t had access to—yet,” said Tuite. “The companies are coming here to learn about Canadian retail, meet industry experts, and explore potential partnerships.”
Melissa Austria, founder of Gotstyle, will host the event at her Distillery District store. “Toronto is the right market for this,” said Tuite. “It’s often the first port of call for international brands entering North America, thanks to its diverse and discerning consumer base.”
An Expert’s Perspective on Irish Brands in Canada
Liza Amlani
Liza Amlani, Principal of Retail Strategy Group and retail executive advisor, is working with Enterprise Ireland to ensure the visiting brands are prepared to engage with Canadian buyers. Her role includes leading workshops, coaching brands on wholesale fundamentals, and planning a “retail safari” to explore Toronto’s key shopping districts. Amlani has a long-standing relationship with Enterprise Ireland and has worked with the U.S. group on similar initiatives.
“Canadian consumers are looking for transparency, sustainability, and authenticity,” Amlani explained. “Irish brands are already ahead in many of these areas. They often have vertical supply chains and meet high EU standards around traceability, which aligns well with what Canadian shoppers want.”
Amlani believes that Irish products have strong potential to resonate with Canadians. “There’s an emotional connection—many Canadians have Irish roots or have travelled to Ireland. Products like wool garments or heritage-style pieces carry a sense of authenticity and craftsmanship that consumers here appreciate.”
She also underscored why Canada itself is an increasingly desirable market for international brands. “Canada is also an attractive option for many brands looking to scale as there are more certainties around tariffs and trade vs. the U.S.,” she explained. “This is a plus for retailers in Canada who might be shying away from U.S. brands and who are looking to diversify their assortment offering.”
With Canadian retailers actively seeking fresh product lines and differentiation, Amlani believes the timing is ideal for Irish brands to enter the market.
“We want these companies to leave with a clear understanding of what it takes to succeed in Canadian retail—from wholesale pricing models to packaging and storytelling. It’s not just about having a great product; it’s about being ready to meet the expectations of a buyer.”
The Retail Safari: Learning from Toronto’s Shopping Scene
On the day following the event, Amlani will lead participating brands on a tour of prominent Toronto retail areas, offering insights into the Canadian market from both an aesthetic and operational perspective.
“We want the brands to understand what it means to be ‘retail ready’ in Canada,” said Amlani. “From product curation and merchandising to markups and ideal retail pricing, these are all things buyers look at.”
She emphasized that this approach is designed to make the brands more attractive to Canadian partners.
“Retailers here want fresh product offerings, but they also want brands that are prepared. That’s what we’re working on—setting these companies up for long-term success.”
A Platform for Collaboration and Growth
The Enterprise Ireland Toronto showcase isn’t simply a product exhibition—it’s a platform to create long-term connections between Canada and Ireland.
“We hope to see genuine business opportunities emerge from this,” said Tuite. “Irish companies are looking for retail partnerships, distributors, and collaborators who understand their values. And Canadian retailers are looking to offer something new and meaningful to their customers.”
Event Details
Date: Tuesday, April 29, 2025
Time: 5:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Location: Gotstyle at the Distillery District, Toronto
The event is geared toward Canadian retailers, buyers, and industry professionals interested in exploring Irish innovation in retail.
“As a powerful blend of personal narrative, environmental urgency, and spiritual reflection, Echoes from Eden takes readers deep into the frontlines of conservation efforts alongside courageous and renowned conservationists fighting to protect vital ecosystems, from Dr. Jane Goodall, Chief Juma Xipaia, Dr. Russell Mittermeier, Captain Paul Watson, Suzan Baptiste, Dr. Kerry Bowman, Paul Rosolie, and more. Echoes from Eden will also feature a foreword by Dr. Jane Goodall with all proceeds from the book going toward the Jane Goodall Legacy Fund. Co-authored by acclaimed journalist and writer Eric Hendrikx, the book arrives in North American bookstores on September 2, 2025,” according to a news release.
“From the founder of Age of Union, a global environmental non-profit organization, Echoes from Eden is a gripping first-hand account of Dasilva’s environmental expeditions to some of the world’s most critically endangered regions. Dasilva’s journey unfolds with each encounter, from tracking endangered Grauer’s gorillas in the Congo, protecting leatherback turtles of Trinidad, braving militia-held territories in Haiti, to intercepting illegal fishing operations in the Bay of Biscay.”
Dax Dasilva
“I am incredibly proud to announce Echoes from Eden, a book that reflects my journeys through some of the world’s most remote and endangered ecosystems,” said Dax Dasilva, author of Echoes from Eden. “It’s essential to bring these vulnerable ecosystems to light in order to take meaningful action. It is an incredible honour to have traveled alongside some of the most inspiring environmental changemakers leading the charge to protect our planet. Their dedication and courage have shaped my own path, and I hope this book will inspire others to take action and help safeguard the future of our planet.”
Echoes from Eden: A Daring Voyage to Protect Earth’s Last Wild Places (CNW Group/Age of Union Alliance)
“Echoes from Eden recounts Dax Dasilva’s journey supporting conservation efforts in the places that need it most,” said Jane Goodall, PhD, DBE. “This book is a testament to the power of direct action, a blueprint for environmental conservation, and, as well, a deeply personal exploration of spirituality and Earth stewardship.”
The press release said Echoes from Eden serves as a natural continuation of Dasilva’s first book release, Age of Union: Igniting the Changemaker (2019), a compelling guide for igniting today’s changemaker through four transformative pillars: leadership, culture, spirituality, and nature. The success of Age of Union sparked the creation of the non-profit Age of Union in 2021, which focuses on boots-on-the-ground conservation, art, film, and immersive experiences to protect the planet’s most threatened ecosystems.
“Since Dasilva’s initial pledge of $40 million in 2021, Age of Union has supported conservation projects around the globe, from the rainforest protection in the Amazon, Indonesia, Madagascar, and Haiti, to protecting lowland gorillas in the Congo and freshwater reserves in Canada. Most recently, Age of Union premiered season 2 of the Black Hole Experience, a mobile immersive exhibition with a mission to foster connection between humanity and the natural world, at the South by Southwest (SXSW) Convention in Austin, Texas. In March, the non-profit also proudly announced its strategic partnership with Re:wild, a global conservation organization founded by a group of renowned scientists together with Leonardo DiCaprio, to scale up global conservation efforts,” it said.
Echoes from Eden: A Daring Voyage to Protect Earth’s Last Wild Places is available for pre-sale on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other independent bookstores.
Dax Dasilva, Founder of Age of Union and Wes Sechrest, Chair and CEO of Re:wild (CNW Group/Age of Union Alliance)
About Age of Union: Age of Union is a non-profit organization committed to uniting humanity with nature. It supports and makes visible a global community of changemakers working on the ground to protect the planet’s threatened species and ecosystems.
“Launched in October 2021 by tech leader and environmental activist Dax Dasilva in Montreal, Canada, Age of Union seeks to ignite a flame within every person through conservation efforts, film, and immersive experiences that hope to solve critical environmental challenges around the world and inspire high-impact change by showing the positive impact that every individual can make,” said the organization.
Monogram, the luxury and lifestyle appliance brand, and Lauren Kyle McDavid, a world-renowned celebrity designer, have just announced a two-year partnership that will establish McDavid as the brand’s official Design Ambassador.
The partnership will tap into Lauren’s influential voice and storytelling ability while allowing her to inspire interior designers and design enthusiasts with her style, vision, and perspective, said the company in a news release.
Monogram x Lauren Kyle McDavid (CNW Group/Monogram)
“Partnering with Monogram feels like a natural extension of my passion for design, cooking, and hospitality,” said McDavid. “As a designer, bar owner, and self-proclaimed cook, I constantly strive to create spaces and experiences that align with my ethos – precision, creativity, and excellence. Monogram’s products perfectly complement this vision, and I’m excited to enhance my interiors, bar operations, and culinary creations with their innovative technology.”
As an emerging force in the design world, McDavid will lead the inaugural Monogram Design Council, the brand’s exclusive think tank of visionary designers. Furthermore, this initiative reflects the brand’s commitment to forming meaningful relationships with influential design leaders. Launching in 2025, the Design Council will bring together an elite roster of Canada’s top design, style, and lifestyle experts for a first-of-its-kind content series, explained the company.
Bob Park
“Lauren Kyle McDavid represents the next generation of luxury design: bold, refined, and experience-driven. Her ability to fuse functionality with beauty mirrors everything we stand for at Monogram. This partnership brings a fresh new energy to Monogram,” said Bob Park, Chief Brand Officer at GE Appliance Canada.
Monogram said the collaboration will usher in a new era of luxury and design for Canada; her expertise will allow Monogram to embrace a signature approach that will redefine the world of luxury appliances.
Happy Belly Food Group Inc., a leader in acquiring and scaling emerging food brands across Canada, has signed a real estate location for its first Quebec franchisee within the vicinity of Montreal’s West Island at Galerie des Sources located at 3237 des Sources Blvd., Dollard-des-Ormeaux, Quebec.
“Yolks Breakfast is a boutique restaurant brand serving delicious breakfast, brunch and lunch,” said the company in a news release.
Sean Black
“The news today was over 1 year in the making, so it is really great to see that work pay off. I spent my early days growing up in the Province of Quebec, so this is a very special day for me as we expand our 1st of many brands into the province of Quebec. I was even able to spend time in Quebec during my time at MTY Food Group, so I know how much the people of Quebec appreciate their breakfast and brunch,” said Sean Black, Chief Executive Officer of Happy Belly. “Which is why today is such a significant milestone for Happy Belly as we sign our first franchised real-estate location in Quebec, expanding our national franchising program to four (4) operational provinces across Canada. We are incredibly proud of our Yolks partners on both the operational and area development (“AD”) side.
“Establishing our presence in Quebec affirms that our accelerated franchising program and business model are well-suited for our emerging brands, as demonstrated by our organic growth across the portfolio. With franchise agreements now in place in British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, and Quebec, and 51-units contractually committed with area developers for Yolks, we show no signs of slowing down.
“As the breakfast category remains one of the hottest and fastest-growing sectors in the restaurant industry, we are maintaining our momentum and aggressive approach. Our asset-light strategy continues to attract significant interest and inquiries from potential franchisees. As progress unfolds, we look forward to sharing details about our initial real estate locations. Our overarching strategy has consistently focused on developing and growing emerging brands within the food sector. With the continued rollout of our franchising initiative, we anticipate these new locations will significantly contribute to the company’s revenue and profitability.
Source: Happy Belly Food Group
“Today’s announcement marks another executed step forward in our expansion strategy for Yolks as we continue to incorporate our breakfast brand into our accelerated franchising. We look forward to continuing to execute on our franchising model as we accelerate our growth organically and inorganically through accretive M&A. Happy Belly has 521 contractually committed retail franchise locations across our emerging brands—whether in development, under construction, or already operating. We are working to expand this pipeline throughout 2025 and 2026, continually selecting the right franchise partners and securing optimal real estate to achieve our brands’ development goals.”
