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Empire Company sees Q1 net earnings reach $233 million, a 9.9% y/y increase

By
Mario Toneguzzi
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Image: Sobeys Orangeville

Empire Company Limited announced Thursday its financial results for the first quarter ended August 1, 2026. For the quarter, the Company recorded net earnings of $233 million ($1.04 per share) compared to $212 million ($0.91 per share) last year, an increase of 9.9% (or 14.3% on a per share basis).

The first quarter had sales of $8.475 billion, an increase of 2.6%; same-store sales growth; food increased by 1.2%; and operating income increased by 7.6%.

Empire is a Canadian company headquartered in Stellarton, Nova Scotia. Empire’s key businesses are food retailing, through wholly-owned subsidiary Sobeys Inc., and related real estate. With approximately $32 billion in annual sales and $17 billion in assets, Empire and its subsidiaries, franchisees and affiliates employ approximately 130,000 people.

“We delivered a strong first quarter, driven by disciplined execution across the business and progress against our strategic priorities,” said Pierre St-Laurent, President and CEO. “Our banners are competing effectively across the country, and our results reflect the strength of our operations, increasing productivity and efficiency, and our continued focus on delivering value for Canadians.”

Pierre St-Laurent
Pierre St-Laurent
Sobeys grocery store in Orangeville, ON. Photo: Sobeys

The company said its ambition is to be the best retailer in Canada, providing quality and value with differentiated offerings and seamless experiences, with a strong focus on serving local cultures in every community.

“Empire recently launched its new three-year corporate strategy which is anchored to four core priority focus areas: Customers, Stores, Growth, and Cost Efficiency. Empire’s belief is that long-term success is driven not solely by scale or market presence, but by the quality of the relationships the teammates in stores build with customers and the experiences they consistently deliver,” it said.

“Technology is a critical enabler of Empire’s strategy. Advanced analytics, artificial intelligence, and modern digital platforms are being applied thoughtfully across the business to enhance the customer experience, support better decision making and improve how Empire’s teams work every day.

“Through these four core priority focus areas, which will be enabled by Empire’s people, data and technology, the Company aims to grow total adjusted EPS over the long-term through sustained net earnings growth and share repurchases. Specifically, the Company intends to continue growing sales, expanding gross margin (excluding fuel), and generating operating leverage.”

Food sales for the quarter increased by 1.7% primarily driven by positive growth across the business, particularly in the Full-Service and Discount banners. Fuel sales for the quarter ended August 1, 2026 increased by 18.4% primarily driven by higher fuel prices, explained Empire.

Image: Sobeys

Empire said it invested $220 million in capital expenditures(1) for the quarter ended August 1, 2026 (August 2, 2025 – $138 million) including store renovations, construction of new stores and investments in advanced analytics technology and other technology systems.

It said it is building a larger, stronger network by adding new stores to its network, optimizing its portfolio through store conversions, and pursuing strategic acquisitions.

“The Company is continuing to expand its FreshCo discount banner across the country. On August 20, 2026, the Company opened its first two FreshCo stores in Atlantic Canada and expects to open 13 more stores across Western Canada, Ontario and Atlantic Canada in fiscal 2027. The FreshCo discount banner provides strong value proposition and robust multicultural assortment, providing value and choice to better serve our customers, it said.

“During the quarter ended May 2, 2026, the Company, and its wholly-owned subsidiary Sobeys, announced it has entered into an agreement to acquire Mayrand Food Group Inc., a long-established Québec food retailer operating four large-format locations across the Greater Montréal Area. The Company received the required court approval and regulatory approval for the transaction, which closed during the first quarter of fiscal 2027. For further details, see Note 14 of the Company’s unaudited Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for the quarter ended August 1, 2026.

“Subsequent to the quarter ended August 1, 2026, the Company announced its acquisition of nine Morelli’s pharmacies currently operating within Longo’s stores in the Toronto and Hamilton areas. The plan is to convert these nine sites to Longo’s Pharmacy locations. The transaction remains subject to customary closing conditions, including approval from the Ontario College of Pharmacists, and is expected to close during the second quarter of fiscal 2027.”

Empire said its e-commerce platforms Voilà (including curbside pickup), IGA.net, ThriftyFoods.com and partnerships with Instacart, Uber Eats, and DoorDash generated a combined sales increase of 11.3% compared to the same quarter in the prior year. The increase is primarily driven by growth in third-party partnership sales and continued sales growth for Voilà.

Photo: Sobeys

Empire said the outcome of its e-commerce review is expected to improve overall e-commerce financial performance with improvements in annualized operating income of approximately $95 million, which began in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2026, has continued in the first quarter of fiscal 2027 and will continue into fiscal 2027 and beyond. The company said it is intensifying its focus on increasing customer engagement, cost discipline, operational efficiencies and accelerating execution.

“For fiscal 2027, capital spend is expected to be approximately $850 million, with approximately half of this investment allocated to renovations and new store expansion (including approximately 1.5% growth in store footprint expansion driven by new stores), approximately 25% allocated to IT and business development projects and the remainder allocated largely to logistics and sustainability. The Company expects to renovate approximately 20% to 25% of its store network between fiscal 2027 and fiscal 2029,” it explained.

“Continued uncertainty related to the timing and extent of imposition of future tariffs by the United States government and the risk of potential retaliatory tariffs by the Canadian government could create volatility in the Canadian economy, including higher future costs for importing goods, potentially contributing to higher inflation if increased costs are passed to Canadian consumers. The timing and duration of increased tariffs create financial uncertainty for Canadian companies, and may lead to potential job losses, reduced economic activity, and weakening confidence in the future, and could disrupt supplier relationships and the supply chain, and this may increase the volatility in the Company’s operational results.”

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Giant Tiger marks five years with Indspire partnership, raises $1.8M for Indigenous education

By
Mario Toneguzzi
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Giant Tiger Stores Ltd. is marking the fifth year of its partnership with Indspire with the launch of a new orange shirt campaign that has raised more than $1.8 million to date for Indigenous education.

The Ottawa-based retailer said Wednesday that 100 per cent of profits from sales of this year’s shirt will be donated to Indspire to support the new Giant Tiger Learning from the Past Bursary. The bursary will assist Indigenous post-secondary students pursuing studies in Indigenous Studies and Languages.

The shirt is available at select Giant Tiger stores and online, with a new design by Anishinaabe artist and visual storyteller Emily Kewageshig of Saugeen First Nation No. 29.

Emily Kewageshig
Emily Kewageshig

Kewageshig’s design draws on Anishinaabe teachings and explores the interconnectedness of living beings, with themes of balance, renewal and the cycles of life.

“I’ve been highlighting Truth and Reconciliation Day and Orange Shirt Day for a long time, personally through social media and through my art,” said Kewageshig. “It’s really special to now be able to share that message on a bigger stage, with two organizations that are helping amplify it and doing everything they can to contribute to the cause.”

The campaign is tied to National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and continues Giant Tiger’s fundraising relationship with Indspire, a national Indigenous charity that supports education for First Nations, Inuit and Métis people.

Indspire president and chief executive Jocelyn Formsma said the continued partnership will help provide financial support for students pursuing post-secondary education focused on Indigenous languages and cultures.

“Reconciliation requires sustained action, and partnerships like this show what is possible when we invest in Indigenous learners together,” said Formsma. “We are grateful for Giant Tiger’s five years of support for the Orange Shirt Day Campaign. Through Giant Tiger’s ongoing commitment, the Learning from the Past Bursary will support more First Nations, Inuit, and Métis students to pursue post-secondary studies in Indigenous languages and cultures. We are proud to recognize Giant Tiger and its customers for helping create these opportunities.”

The retailer said proceeds from the shirts have supported the Learning from the Past Fund, which provides bursaries to Indigenous post-secondary students pursuing studies in Indigenous languages and culture.

Giant Tiger said the $1.8-million fundraising total represents money raised through sales of the shirts during the partnership.

“We’re proud to continue our longstanding partnership with Indspire, a charity that shares our commitment to creating stronger communities,” said Alison Scarlett, Head of PR, Communications and Corporate Responsibility, Giant Tiger Stores Limited. “Reaching more than $1.8 million raised through this campaign is an incredible milestone and a testament to what’s possible when organizations come together around a shared purpose. Every shirt sold helps create greater access to education for Indigenous students while encouraging important conversations about truth and reconciliation.”

Jocelyn Formsma
Jocelyn Formsma
Alison Scarlett
Alison Scarlett

The retailer has more than 260 locations across Canada and employs more than 10,000 people. Its stores are locally owned or operated by a team member.

Indspire said its broader mandate is to invest in the education of First Nations, Inuit and Métis people through financial assistance, programs and resources.

Kewageshig’s work uses vivid colours and bold graphic lines and is rooted in themes of interconnectedness, balance, renewal and the cycles of life.

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Instacart launches AI grocery assistant Clementine in Canada, U.S.

By
Mario Toneguzzi
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Instacart website photo
Instacart website photo

Instacart has launched an artificial intelligence-powered grocery shopping assistant that can turn conversations, recipes and grocery lists into personalized shopping carts for customers in Canada and the United States.

The company introduced Clementine on Wednesday as part of its broader AI strategy, while also announcing the expansion of its enterprise Cart Assistant to additional grocery retailers.

Clementine is designed to use customers’ preferences, previous shopping behaviour and real-time store inventory to help with meal planning, grocery lists, reordering and finding deals. Instacart said the tool is available to most Canadian and U.S. customers through its app and website.

Chris Rogers
Chris Rogers
John Adams
John Adams

“Every night, millions of families ask the same question: ‘What’s for dinner?’ Not knowing the answer, let alone what to shop for, is one of the most universal human experiences, and a problem Instacart is built to solve,” said Chris Rogers, CEO of Instacart. “We’ve spent nearly 15 years learning how families shop and eat, and Clementine puts that knowledge to work. It learns from the preferences you share and the way you’ve shopped on Instacart. It can help you stay on budget and surface what’s actually in stock at your chosen store, handling enough of the weekly planning that the mental load actually feels lighter.”

The company said Clementine’s technology is supported by data from more than 1.6 billion lifetime orders, a catalogue of more than two billion items and more than 10 million daily inventory signals from nearly 100,000 stores across more than 2,200 retail banners in North America.

The assistant can generate personalized recipes or surface options from publishers, apply household preferences such as gluten-free, vegetarian, nut-free or organic choices, identify promotions and lower-cost alternatives, and assemble repeat orders based on previous purchases.

Customers can also use Clementine for occasion-based shopping, such as preparing food for a football watch party, or upload a photo of a handwritten grocery list or a screenshot of a digital list.

Instacart website photo
Instacart website photo

Instacart said early results show customers initially using Clementine for simpler tasks such as restocking before moving to more complex uses such as recipe discovery. Orders placed with Clementine have more items on average than Instacart’s typical basket and exceed the company’s stated average basket size of US$115.

“Grocery shopping is one of the most routine things people do, and also one of the most personal,” said John Adams, vice-president and head of product at Instacart. “What we built with Clementine is a system that understands both of those things – not just what you need, but how you eat, what you love, and what’s on the shelves at your store right now. Whatever you’re craving or planning for, Clementine can get you there. The more you use it, the more it feels like a natural part of how your household shops, becoming something you reach for week after week.”

The company is also expanding Cart Assistant, its white-label AI shopping tool for grocery retailers. The technology combines Instacart’s grocery data with a retailer’s catalogue and customer data and can be customized to include a retailer’s branding, loyalty integration and recipe content.

Food Bazaar, Heritage Grocers Group and Woodman’s are now using Cart Assistant, while ALDI U.S., Harmon’s, The Save Mart Companies and Stew Leonard’s are among the retailers expected to follow.

Instacart website photo
Instacart website photo

Instacart said Cart Assistant allows grocery retailers to offer AI-assisted shopping directly through their own websites and apps, including capabilities such as surfacing deals and recipes and building shopping carts.

The company has also partnered with Anthropic, OpenAI and Google so grocery shopping conversations that begin through Claude, ChatGPT, Gemini or AI Mode in Google Search can be completed through Instacart, allowing users to order from their preferred retailer for delivery or pickup.

Clementine is available through the Instacart app and website. Most Canadian and U.S. customers can access it by selecting a retailer and choosing the Clementine icon on mobile or the corresponding option in the desktop navigation.

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IKEA Canada launches 50th anniversary year with storage offers, new consumer research

By
Mario Toneguzzi
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IKEA image
IKEA image

IKEA Canada is marking its 50th anniversary in the country with a series of promotional offers and new research examining how Canadians organize their homes.

The retailer says its 2026 Store & Organize Report found Canadians spend an average of 28 minutes a day looking for misplaced items at home, equivalent to about one week a year.

The research also found 30 per cent of Canadians identify the kitchen countertop as the hardest area of the home to keep free of clutter, while 21 per cent have purchased a duplicate item because they could not find the original.

Phone chargers account for about five minutes of daily searching, according to the report, adding up to more than 30 hours a year.

At the same time, the survey suggests Canadians are reluctant to part with many of the things they own. More than eight in 10 respondents, or 83 per cent, said they keep items purely for sentimental reasons, even when they are never used or stored out of sight.

About 27 per cent said they hold on to mementos from past relationships, with men more likely than women to retain something from an ex-partner.

Meghan Willisko
Meghan Willisko
IKEA photo
IKEA photo

“What we keep says a lot about who we are,” said Meghan Willisko, Head of Home Furnishing & Retail Design at IKEA Canada. “It was never just stuff. At IKEA, we believe everyone deserves a home that works for them, and that a little organization can go a long way toward making room for what actually matters. That’s what smart, affordable storage solutions are for.”

The research is being released as IKEA Canada begins a year-long series of events and offers marking 50 years of operations in Canada.

The retailer’s first anniversary promotion includes 50 per cent off the four-drawer STORKLINTA chest of drawers from Sept. 12 to 13, although quantities are limited and conditions apply.

Other offers include 15 per cent back in IKEA gift cards on wardrobe purchases of more than $250, running from Aug. 27 to Sept. 14, and a $1 breakfast on Sept. 12 and 13. IKEA says proceeds from the breakfast will go to Breakfast Club of Canada, while the offer also includes a $50 coupon toward a future in-store purchase of more than $199.

The offers are available exclusively to IKEA Family members, with membership free through IKEA stores or IKEA.ca.

The company says its Store & Organize product range is intended to help customers make use of existing space through storage products for areas including kitchens, closets and drawers.

IKEA photo

The IKEA Store & Organize Report 2026: Finding Meaning in the Mess is based on a global survey conducted by YouGov in April 2026 involving 31,488 participants across 31 markets, including Canada. The findings cited by IKEA are based on the Canadian sample.

IKEA Canada is part of Ingka Group, which operates 574 IKEA stores in 31 countries. In Canada, the company operates 15 stores and 13 plan and order points.

IKEA Canada says its stores attracted 33.3 million visitors last year, while its website recorded 199.9 million visitors.

The company says the anniversary offers and research are the beginning of further initiatives planned throughout the coming year as IKEA marks 50 years in Canada.

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Jersey Mike’s Subs opens first Calgary location as Redberry targets 300 Canadian stores by 2035

By
Mario Toneguzzi
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Jersey Mike's photo
Jersey Mike's photo

Jersey Mike’s Subs is opening its first Calgary restaurant as Canadian franchisee Redberry Restaurants continues an expansion plan that calls for 300 locations of the sandwich chain across the country by 2035.

The new restaurant at 9631 Macleod Trail opens Wednesday, Sept. 9, adding Calgary to Jersey Mike’s Alberta footprint, which includes locations in Edmonton, Red Deer, Lethbridge, Grande Prairie and Fort Saskatchewan.

A second Edmonton location and a restaurant in St. Albert are also planned to open later this year, according to Redberry.

The Calgary opening comes with a 10-day fundraising campaign for Make-A-Wish Canada running from Sept. 9 to Sept. 18. Customers who received a special fundraising coupon before the opening can make a minimum $5 contribution to Make-A-Wish Canada in exchange for a regular sub. The coupon is required to participate in the offer.

Customers without a coupon can download the Jersey Mike’s app and earn a free regular sub after their first in-app sub purchase. They can also make a donation to Make-A-Wish Canada through a donation box at the restaurant.

Ken Otto
Ken Otto
Jersey Mike's photo
Jersey Mike’s photo

“We are excited to be opening our doors in the great city of Calgary,” said Ken Otto, CEO, Redberry. “We know Calgarians are going to love our authentic sub sandwiches, sliced right in front of them and served Mike’s Way with lettuce, onions, tomatoes, oil, vinegar and spices.”

The expansion is part of Redberry’s broader Canadian growth strategy. The Mississauga, Ont.-based company operates more than 200 restaurants across Canada under the BURGER KING, Taco Bell and Jersey Mike’s Subs brands.

Jersey Mike’s has more than 3,300 locations across the United States and Canada. Redberry said its Canadian expansion plan is to reach 300 Jersey Mike’s locations by 2035.

The company’s Calgary restaurant will operate from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week. Customers can order in-store, through the Jersey Mike’s app, online or through national delivery apps. Catering orders will also be available.

Jersey Mike’s sandwiches feature meats and cheeses sliced in the restaurant and served on in-store baked bread. The chain also offers cheesesteaks prepared to order.

Jersey Mike's photo
Jersey Mike’s photo

The Calgary fundraiser builds on Jersey Mike’s existing relationship with Make-A-Wish Canada. In May, the company pledged to raise $1 million for the organization by 2030. Since 2024, Jersey Mike’s has raised more than $300,000 for Make-A-Wish Canada.

Make-A-Wish Canada grants wishes to children diagnosed with critical illnesses. The organization said it has granted more than 40,000 wishes over the past 43 years, including 1,835 last year.

Redberry was founded in 2005 and is headquartered in Mississauga. The company said its growth is supported through a partnership with Uncommon Equity.

Jersey Mike’s was founded in 1956 as Mike’s Subs in Point Pleasant, N.J., and has since expanded across the United States and Canada. The company’s Canadian and U.S. operations include more than 3,300 locations.

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PetSmart launches 2026 Halloween collection for Canadian pets

By
Mario Toneguzzi
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PetSmart photo
PetSmart photo

PetSmart has launched its 2026 Halloween collection in Canada, offering seasonal costumes, toys, treats and accessories for dogs, cats, reptiles and small pets.

The Thrills & Chills collection is being offered in PetSmart stores and online as the retailer expands its seasonal merchandise ahead of Halloween.

The collection includes traditional Halloween costumes such as pumpkins, bats, devils, angels, skeletons, dragons and dinosaurs, as well as novelty options including lobster, princess, cowboy, banana, Highland cow and hot dog costumes.

“Every pet has a personality all their own, and Halloween is the perfect time for pet parents to let it shine,” said Charndeep Grewal, vice president of merchandising at PetSmart Canada. “We’re seeing more families include their pets in every part of the celebration, whether that means dressing up together, capturing memorable photos or treating four-legged visitors at the door. Our 2026 Halloween collection makes it easy for pet parents to celebrate in ways that feel just as fun and unique as their pets.”

The assortment also includes costumes and seasonal products for smaller animals and reptiles, including pumpkin, spider, banana, Highland cow and hot dog designs.

Beyond apparel, the retailer is offering Halloween-themed treats and toys. Products include ghost and Halloween treats for dogs, seasonal treats for small pets and toys such as vampire teeth, cactus, horseshoe and skull designs.

Charndeep Grewal
Charndeep Grewal
PetSmart photo

The collection also includes Halloween-themed Chance & Friends plush toys, with proceeds from those products supporting pets in need, according to PetSmart.

PetSmart is also promoting a selection of toys, treats, apparel and accessories priced below $15. Items include pumpkin-inspired dog cookies, plush pumpkin, werewolf and bat toys, cat toys and festive dog bandanas.

The retailer’s grooming salons are also offering a Halloween-themed package that includes a take-home plush toy, pumpkin spice latte spritz and candy corn bandana.

PetSmart said the collection is available through its stores and website.

The retailer operates more than 160 stores across Canada and also offers online and app-based shopping, including autoship, same-day delivery and in-store pickup.

PetSmart’s services include professional grooming, pet training, Doggie Day Camp and PetsHotel overnight boarding at many locations. Its PetSmart Treats Rewards program offers personalized offers and points that can be used toward future savings.

The company said PetSmart Charities of Canada has helped more than 400,000 pets find homes through in-store adoption programs.

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Daily Synopsis: September 9, 2026

By
Retail Insider
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Welcome to the Daily Synopsis by Retail Insider. We hope you enjoy the 12 articles we published covering key developments in Canadian retail.

Canadian consumer spending remains resilient despite economic pressures, with major retailers showing growth that often exceeds U.S. counterparts consumer spending resilience. Toronto Pearson Airport is enhancing its retail and dining offerings with over 30 new openings to boost the traveller experience and regional appeal Toronto Pearson’s retail expansion. Luxury retail gets a boost as Brunello Cucinelli prepares to open at Fairmont Château Whistler, reflecting Oxford Properties’ investment in combining retail and hospitality Brunello Cucinelli’s new location.

Miniso is broadening its footprint with a second MINISO LAND in Canada focusing on quality and experiential retail formats Miniso’s expansion plans. H&M reinforced leadership with new appointments for North America and Canada, emphasizing strategic growth H&,M leadership changes. Additionally, IKEA Canada is set to open its first compact store in London, Ontario, showcasing a shift to smaller, convenient retail formats IKEA Canada compact store launch.

🗞️ The Day’s Retail Insider Article List

🌐 Canadian Retail News From Around the Web

H&M names Aneta Pokucinska North America managing director, Claudia Fetta Canada GM

By
Mario Toneguzzi
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H&M at CF Toronto Eaton Centre. Photo: PETROFF PARTNERSHIP ARCHITECTS

Fashion retailer H&M is reshuffling its North American leadership, appointing Aneta Pokucinska as managing director of North America and general manager of the U.S., while naming Claudia Fetta as general manager of Canada.

The appointments are effective immediately and put two long-time H&M executives in senior roles overseeing the retailer’s operations across the region.

Pokucinska has been with H&M for more than 20 years and has experience in retail operations, commercial strategy and business transformation. She has led teams across multiple markets and has served as managing director for North America since July 2026.

Aneta Pokucinska
Aneta Pokucinska
Claudia Fetta
Claudia Fetta

Before that, Pokucinska was regional manager for H&M’s business across the Americas, North East Asia and East Asia. She has also held global leadership positions, including global head of merchandising and head of business transformation.

In her expanded role, Pokucinska will focus on market performance, customer experience and the continued development of H&M’s business in the U.S. and Canada.

She will also join H&M’s Executive Management Team and report directly to H&M Group CEO Daniel Ervér.

“I’m honored to take on these expanded responsibilities and help shape the future of H&M across North America. Our success is driven by our customers and our teams, and our ability to continuously evolve. Together, we will strengthen our market position, elevate the customer experience, and deliver growth across both the U.S. and Canada,” Pokucinska said.

Fetta’s appointment as general manager of Canada is also effective Sept. 8.

H&M at CF Toronto Eaton Centre (Image: Dustin Fuhs)

She brings more than 20 years of retail leadership experience across North America and has held positions in commercial management, operations, visual merchandising and market leadership.

Fetta joined H&M in 2005 and has led teams in Canada and the United States. Most recently, she served as sales market manager for North USA & Canada.

H&M said her experience in commercial strategy, market development and customer experience has supported the company’s growth and operations across the region.

As general manager, Fetta will be responsible for advancing H&M Canada’s growth, strengthening market performance and supporting its teams as the company’s business model evolves in response to changing customer expectations.

She will report directly to Pokucinska in her role as managing director of North America.

“I am honored to take on the role of General Manager for Canada at such an exciting time for the business. Having spent nearly two decades serving customers and leading teams across Canada and North America, I have seen firsthand the incredible passion, talent, and entrepreneurial spirit that define our organization. I look forward to building on that strong foundation with our teams as we continue to strengthen our position in the market and create lasting value for our customers, partners, and colleagues across Canada,” Fetta said.

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RONA invests $40,000 in skilled trades training, launches contractor job initiative

By
Mario Toneguzzi
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Skilled Trades College photo
Skilled Trades College photo

RONA Inc. is renewing its partnership with Skilled Trades College of Canada for a second year, investing $40,000 in bursaries while launching a new initiative aimed at connecting graduates with contractors seeking qualified workers.

The home improvement retailer said Wednesday the RONA Future Trades Bursary program is intended to help reduce financial barriers to specialized training. The new workforce initiative will extend the partnership beyond financial assistance by creating connections between graduates and contractors looking to hire.

RONA said the program is intended to help students move from training into employment while addressing labour needs in the construction and skilled trades sectors.

“At RONA, we believe that supporting the next generation goes beyond simply funding training. Indeed, we must also create opportunities for emerging talent to put their skills into practice and build their professional future. By investing in access to training and connecting graduates with contractors, we are helping to build a stronger ecosystem for the skilled trades industry as a whole,” said Jamal Hamad, senior vice-president, professional services at RONA Inc.

Jamal Hamad
Jamal Hamad
Mike Di Donato
Mike Di Donato

Mike Di Donato, chief operating officer at Skilled Trades College, said the partnership is designed to support students through both training and their transition into the workforce.

“According to the government of Ontario’s projections, by the year 2034, one in six job openings in the province will be in skilled trades. For young people thinking about their future, this is a field full of opportunities. By providing financial assistance and connecting students to professionals, our partnership with RONA supports the entire journey from training to employment,” added Di Donato.

The bursaries are being awarded to 11 students across six Skilled Trades College campuses in Ontario.

Recipients at the Vaughan campus are Robert Walilko and Matthew Rodrigues, while Michael Stephenson and Noel O’Sullivan are recipients at the Cambridge campus.

The Ajax campus recipients are Evan Tibbles and Andreas Evans-Adamecz, while Samantha Beamish received a bursary at the Oakville campus.

Franklyn Browne is the recipient at the Toronto East campus, while Leonardo Lima and Corie Gayle received bursaries at the Toronto West campus.

Skilled Trades College photo
Skilled Trades College photo
RONA store. Photo: RONA Inc.

Contractors interested in participating in the new workforce initiative can obtain information through RONA’s skilled trades workforce program.

RONA Inc., headquartered in Boucherville, Que., operates and services more than 425 corporate and affiliated dealer stores under the RONA+ and RONA banners. The company says it employs 21,000 people and has supported home improvement and construction projects in Canada since 1939.

Skilled Trades College of Canada, founded in 2008, is a registered career college offering year-round, hands-on pre-apprenticeship programs in electrical, plumbing, home renovation and HVAC. Its training is offered across six campuses in the Greater Toronto Area, with expansion into the U.S. market underway.

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Apple Launches AirPods 5 with Advanced Active Noise Cancellation in Toronto

By
Lee Rivett
-

Apple is launching its latest earbuds, the AirPods 5, featuring best-in-class open-ear Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and improved sound quality. Available for pre-order starting today at a price of $179 CAD, these new audio devices will see in-store availability begin on September 18, 2026.

With a significant upgrade in ANC technology, AirPods 5 offer a noise reduction of up to 50% compared to their predecessor, AirPods 4. The new model includes a multiport acoustic architecture that enhances sound quality and provides a more natural Transparency mode, allowing users to remain aware of their surroundings.

Enhanced Sound Features

The AirPods 5 are designed to deliver richer sound across various ear shapes. An updated Adaptive EQ allows for a more personalized audio experience, making the listening experience more immersive. Users can now enjoy features like Adaptive Audio, which dynamically blends ANC and Transparency modes, depending on the environment.

Improved Durability and Design

Constructed with increased water, dust, and sweat resistance, AirPods 5 are also noted for their durability. For users looking for more features, a model with a Wireless Charging Case is available for $209 CAD, which offers enhanced battery life and volume controls integrated into the stems.

Hands-Free Intelligent Features

AirPods 5 integrate with Siri AI, providing hands-free access to various features. The AI assistant comes with enhanced capabilities, allowing users to interact seamlessly while on the move, responding to commands through head gestures or voice activation. Live Translation capabilities are also included, enabling smoother communication across different languages.

Environmental Considerations

As part of Apple’s commitment to sustainability, AirPods 5 are made from 40% recycled materials and incorporate renewable energy sources in their production. This aligns with Apple’s goal to achieve carbon neutrality across its entire business by 2030.

Pre-orders for AirPods 5 are now open, with the expected in-store offering shortly following. The integration of advanced technology at an accessible price signifies Apple’s continued effort to lead in the personal audio market.

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