Two South African soccer players have become the first athletes inside the Olympic Village to test positive for COVID-19, with the Tokyo Games opening on Friday.
Organizers confirmed the positive tests on Sunday but didn’t identify the athletes other than to say they were non-Japanese. The South African Football Association later confirmed there were three COVID-19 cases in its delegation – two players and a video analyst.
The players were defender Thabiso Monyane and midfielder Kamohelo Mahlatsi, SAFA said.
The South African soccer squad had been quarantined and was waiting for the results of further tests conducted on players and backroom staff on Sunday, team manager Mxolisi Sibam said in a statement.
South Africa is due to play Japan in its first game of the men’s soccer competition on Thursday at Tokyo Stadium.
Six athletes and two staff members from the Great Britain athletics team are self-isolating after being identified as close contacts of an individual who subsequently tested positive for COVID-19, the British Olympic Association announced Sunday.
Organizers also said Sunday that another athlete had tested positive but this person was not residing in the Olympic Village. This athlete was also identified as “non-Japanese.”
Also on Sunday, the first International Olympic Committee member was reported as positive. He recorded a positive test on Saturday upon entering a Tokyo airport.
The International Olympic Committee confirmed the test and identified him as Ryu Seung-min of South Korea. He won an Olympic gold medal in table tennis in the 2004 Olympics.
He was reportedly being held in isolation. Reports said he was asymptomatic.
IOC President Thomas Bach said last week there was “zero” risk of athletes in the village passing on the virus to Japanese or other residents of the village.
Former distance runner Tegla Loroupe, the chief of mission of the IOC’s Refugee Olympic Team, has tested positive for COVID-19, two people with knowledge of her condition have told The Associated Press.
Loroupe tested positive before the team was to depart its Doha, Qatar, training base for Tokyo. The team has delayed its arrival in Tokyo and many are expected to start arriving in the next few days.
Loroupe is expected to stay behind, according to the sources, who requested anonymity because they weren’t authorized to reveal medical information.
Organizers say since July 1, 55 people linked to the Olympics have reported positive tests. This figure does not include athletes or others who may have arrived for training camps but are not yet under the “jurisdiction” of the organizing committee.
The Olympic Village on Tokyo Bay will house 11,000 Olympic athletes and thousands of support staff.
Tokyo reported 1,008 new COVID-19 cases on Sunday, the 29th straight day that cases were higher than seven days previously. It was also the fifth straight day with more than 1,000 cases reported.
The Olympics will open on Friday under a state of emergency in Tokyo and three neighbouring prefectures. The emergency order lasts until Aug. 22. The Olympics close on Aug. 8.
Fans – local and those from abroad – have been banned for all Olympic events in Tokyo and the three neighbouring prefectures. A few outlying venues may allow a smattering of local fans.
About 200 protesters gathered on Sunday outside Shinjuku station in central Tokyo, waving signs that read “No Olympics.” It was the latest in a series of small protests over the last few months targeting the Games.
“We are not only protesting the Olympics,” protester Karoi Todo told The Associated Press. “We are opposing the government overall _ this is ignoring human rights and our right to life. Infections are increasing. To do the Olympics is unforgivable.”
Keigo Oyamada, a Japanese composer whose music is part of Friday’s opening ceremony, has apologized for bullying a classmate when he was a child.
The reports of the abuse of a child with disabilities surfaced in Japanese media and sparked a backlash on social media. There has been a call for his resignation from the opening ceremony production.
In partnership with Scotiabank, Breakfast Television launches ‘Celebrate Local’!
With the lockdowns ending, we have to remember to support our local businesses. Each day, Breakfast Television will place a spotlight on a Canadian business deserving of recognition!
Check back Friday mornings for a freshly updated list!
Stay safe, and support local!
CELEBRATE Local: Week 1
SOLE BURNERS
@soleburners
Creator and Owner Camille de Leon took her passion for sneakers and started designing candles that look like your favourite pair of sneaks. From Yeezys to Jordans, she’s got you covered.
OLA BAMBOO
100 rue Quesnel, Victoriaville QC G6S 1K9
@olabamboo
Inspired to help end plastic waste, OLA Bamboo is a company from Quebec that specializes in all types of Eco-friendly products made from bamboo. From Toothbrushes to straws, to kitchen utensils, they have you covered.
CABANO’S COMFORT FOOD
75 St Nicholas St #104, Toronto, ON M4Y 0A5
@cabanoscomfortfood
Cabano’s Comfort Food is known for exactly what it says – comfort food (which is very much needed these days!). From homemade burgers, to classic chicken sandwiches, to never-frozen chicken wings and iconic sauces, they offer classic items, made with quality ingredients. Everything is fresh, local, cooked to order, and very affordable.
REIMAGINE DESIGNS
326 Queen St, Fredericton, NB E3B 1B2
@reimagine_designs
Reimagine Designs is a boutique interior design company offering residential design services and online furniture that is available throughout Canada. They strive to provide personalized customer service online, and in the showroom, highlighting well-designed, unique, and quality products such as furniture, rugs, art, lighting, and decor.
REBELS REFINERY
49 McCormack St. Toronto, ON M6N 1X8
@rebelsrefinery
Rebels Refinery specializes in lip balms, essential oils, sanitizer, and much more. Having a knack for design, their produts come in all different shapes and colours. From Cactus to skulls, these lip balms are unlike any other.
BY ANNALAY
@byannalay
Created in 2013, By Annalay is a family Jewellery company that centres around personal self-empowerment Produced in Toronto, Canada, By Annalay focuses their products on the women who want it all and accepts that the journey is just as important as the destination – also, she is set on looking and feeling her best on that journey!
ROOKS TO COOKS
40 Kodiak Crescent Unit 3, North York, ON M3J 3G5
@rooks2cooks
Rooks to Cooks is an innovative culinary school based out of Toronto, Ontario. It was founded by Chef Shai Mandel in 2015. Rooks to Cooks was developed to be first and foremost student-centered and flexible. We know that each student is unique with their own learning goals. For this reason, we make sure that any course, class or program offered through Rooks to Cooks accommodates all students and their individual needs. Our mission is simple: we will empower our students to become more independent by building self-confidence and supporting self-expression through culinary education.
KINDRED CULTURES
@kinderedcultures
Kindred Cultures take their probiotic-rich kefir water and infuse it with a rainbow of organic fruits + botanicals for a delicious beverage that makes your body feel great. Low in sugar and calories, packed with probiotics, infused with the natural goodness of real foods.
CELEBRATE Local: Week 2
CARLA’S COOKIE BOX
Online Business – GTA Based
@carlacookiebox
Carla’s Cookie Box is known for their cookies, smash cakes and most importantly their visually stunning and delicious butter tarts. Available online, ship throughout Canada and The U.S.
ai TORONTO SEOUL
Online Business
@aitorontoseoul
ai (Eye-E) Toronto Seoul which is a proudly Canadian, family-run, sustainable fashion brand that carefully curates PETA-approved vegan leather handbags and accessories made in small batches. Founded by a mother and her trio of fashion-obsessed Korean-Canadian daughters, the brand works with local artisans in Seoul to create sustainable-luxury pieces shipped directly to consumers, worldwide, from their Toronto-based HQ.
BELLE’S BAKERY
262 Dupont Street, Toronto
@bellesbakery.to
Belle’s Bakery specializes in Sourdough breads, Montreal Style Bagels, savory pastries like croissant’s, empanadas, quiches, and sausage rolls. Also, from their homemade soups and Broths, they have you covered there. And obviously, no bakery is complete without the sweet stuff. With a variety of cakes, lemon bars, tiramisu, Portuguese custard tarts and so much more, you’re not going to leave Belle’s hungry.
MUMGRY
Online Business
@mumgry
MUMGRY takes the guesswork out of snacking. We make plant based snacks using only the good stuff. Made with love and integrity, our snack foods are flavourful, dairy free, gluten-free, low in sugar, high in protein, iron and calcium. Good for everyone, especially Mums. Keeping you nourished and energized is our greatest goal.
KANDL
88 Avenue Road, Toronto
@kandlartistique
KANDL is a family-owned business and has been one of the world’s top candle makers for almost 50 years. KANDL Artistique is home to a line of small-batch, hand-poured, soy-based wax candles. At KANDL we bring you the first fully customizable candle Lab experience in North America. Guests can choose, combine and create custom fragrances to create their own personalized scented candle, from start to finish. We are the first lab experience where you can take your fully cured candle home in just 90 minutes.
THIS IS J SLEEPWEAR
Online Business
@this_Is_j
This Is J Sleepwear is a Canadian made, ethically made, comfort-driven brand that makes ultra-soft sleepwear & loungewear. Best known for their soft, breathable bamboo fabrics and fun hand-printed patterns, This is J knits, dyes, prints, cuts, and sews their products right here in Canada and have since their inception, 20 years ago.
ERNIE’S ICEBOX
Online Business – Toronto Based
@erniesicebox
Ernie’s Icebox makes handmade ice cream sandwiches in the heart of downtown Toronto. Founded by Julia Haist, Ernie’s is proudly local and made completely from scratch. New flavours are introduced regularly, and announced on instagram @erniesicebox along with weekly pre-order drops!
EVERYDAY HEROES KIDS
Online Business
@everydayheroeskids
EHK is an online source connecting families to pediatric professionals & organizations in health, mental health & education.
DOM
Online Business
@athomewithdom
DOM develops design-forward products for a post-pandemic world. Launched in April of this year, the brand’s first products are a duo of organic hand sanitizing sprays. The inspiration for Dom was born out of frustration with the lack of safe, effective and aesthetically pleasing products on the market, especially during a time when hand sanitizer has become such an integral part of our daily lives. Dom’s hand sanitizer sprays are vegan; completely free of silicon, phthalate, paraben and sulfate, and are never tested on animals. The bottles are created using post-consumer recycled material and, they smell and feel really good!
REWORKS UPCYCLE
West Kootenays, British Columbia Based
@reworks_in_nelsonBC
Reworks Upcycle features a one-of-a-kind selection of recycled, zero waste locally made products. Reworks stocks a wide variety of products made from recycled or upcycled materials diverting thousands of pounds of waste from the landfill each year. Most of the products are made by individuals from Calgary and across Canada. ReWorks strives to make lives more sustainable by encouraging waste reduction and maintaining a large selection of eco friendly products. They’re also launching Bear Springs Eco Retreat nestled in the West Kootenays, the retreat offers novel canvas tents and A-frame glamping accommodations in a beautiful mountain setting with stunning views.
CELEBRATE LOCAL WEEK 3:
REBEL AND BEAUTY
1300 Bay Street, Toronto
@rebelandbeauty
Rebel+ Beauty is a Toronto-based beauty company that specializes in eyebrows, lashes makeup and education. Located in Yorkville, the Rebel + Beauty name is synonymous with professionalism, expertise, and high quality services. The Rebel + Beauty beauty brand was founded 7 years ago by Olga Onulov. The brand and its owner are extremely passionate about women’s empowerment and giving back to the community.
GELADONA
Online Business
@geladona.toronto
Geladona brings one of Brazil’s Pop Culture’s best kept secrets to Toronto. Handmade with love daily, these frozen delights will have you experience a true tradition & flavours of Brazil. With delicous flavours like passionfruit, acai, sweet corn, avocado, acai and many more, Geladona uses only fresh, whole fruit or frozen pulp blended with water, sugarcane and milk for their products. Available for delivery in the GTA or check their website for locations on where to purchase.
SACRED FOODS
Online Business
@eatsacredfoods
Sacred Foods is a Vancouver-based company that makes healthy snacks out of popped lotus seeds. The founder, Mika, first discovered this snack when she was a little girl growing up in India. Her mother used to make it for her at home, and it was her favourite snack. When she moved to Canada when she was 13, she noticed that she couldn’t find her beloved snacks anywhere. Over the years, she struggled to find good snacks that were both healthy and still tasted good. Her quest to find the perfect snack kept bringing her back to the one of her childhood and she felt compelled to create Sacred Foods. After spending almost two years developing the product and brand, she launched the brand in the middle of the pandemic lockdown. Since then, Sacred Foods has sold over 30,000 units in its first year and the brand is quickly growing across Canada.
MARY RATCLIFFE DESIGNS
Online Business
@maryratcliffestudio
Mary Ratcliffe Studio is a longevity-minded lifestyle design studio that crafts furniture and homeware. Based in Toronto, the brand meticulously handpicks all materials and expertly handcrafts each and every piece (think coffee tables, dining tables, benches, console tables and much more!). Mary Ratcliffe Studio focuses on the reincarnation and repurposing of raw materials to bring their work to life, valuing the world around them and seeking out sustainable materials and practices.
SPYCE GIRLZ
Online Business / At Markets in Ottawa
@spycegirlzseasonings
Spyce Girlz was founded on a vision and passion for healthy food by Ottawa teen girl Lillian Bond in 2017. Starting off in a couple local farmer’s markets, Lillian continues to grow her “spyce” empire as she expands into local grocery stores. Spyce Girlz all natual, gluten free seasonings are tasty, healthy and incredibly versatile.
AWAI SWIMWEAR
Online Business
@awaiswim
Awai Swim is a eco-friendly swimwear line specializing in made-to-order pieces. By combining conscious efforts of using biodegradable shipping bags, recycled fabric and minimizing overall waste, Awai Swim is proud to call themselves a sustainable brand. Awai Swim uses eco-friendly fabrics made from regenerated nylon. Awai Swim’s bikinis are minimal, sleek and are offered in a wide assortment of colours and styles. Awai Swim also prides themselves on being size inclusive. If you don’t fall between their XS-XL sizing range, simply send them your measurements and they’ll be happy to create a handmade bikini just for you!
THE YUKON SOAPS COMPANY
Online Business
@yukonsoapscompany
So much more than soap. Indigenous-owned and operated, The Yukon Soaps Company creates beautiful, hand-crafted soaps, shampoo bars, essential oil blends, and so much more. Featuring wild rose petals, juniper berries, a Yukon-shaped press, and the beadwork of Indigenous artisans, these soaps are literally infused and imprinted with the spirit of the Yukon.
RELEVE CLOTHING
1727 Bayview Avenue, Toronto
@releveclothing_
Relevé is Toronto’s ultimate destination for luxury activewear and loungewear. Relevé opened briefly in March 2021 before the second wave of COVID hit, then pivoted quickly to operate as an online shopping destination. Now, the store is officially open and offers fashionable options that are easy, comfortable, and flattering for every day. Brands are carefully sourced to create a cohesive, one-stop-shop for women who are looking for the best quality and style when it comes to athleisure and loungewear. Brands carried include alo, lack of color, TKEES, The Upside, Solid & Striped, DAYDREAMER, L’urv, Aviator Nation, P.E. Nation, On and many more!
CREME CREAM PUFFS
Online Business / Based in Calgary
@cremecreampuffs
Crème specializes in making beautiful, unique, and most importantly DELICIOUS desserts. All of our Signature Cream Puffs are made with a choux pastry base topped with a delicious crunchy cracquelin crust. Our cream puffs are made fresh daily and filled with perfectly smooth pastry cream! Finished with a variety of toppings and decorations these cream puffs are the perfect addition to any party or celebration. Our menu changes seasonally so be sure to check back on the regular as we are constantly adding new delicious flavours!
CELEBRATE LOCAL WEEK 4:
TRESOLZ
Online Business (Toronto)
@tresolz
Judy Stewart, Treslolz’ founder, always struggled to find shoes to fit her beautifully wide size 11 feet. As a 5’10” woman, professional, mother, wife and athlete, she had a passionate desire for shoes that ‘fit’ the diverse aspects of her life. Shoes that were stylish. Shoes that were affordable. She decided to be part of the solution so she started Tresolz. A company that specializes in stylish affordable shoes for women with large feet sizes 9.5-15.
SMITH FARM SKINCARE
Online Business (Quebec)
@smithfarmsproducts
Sisters, Julia and Rebecca started Smith Farms Skincare in 2009 at their family farm and have been lovingly making their products there ever since. Amazingly effective natural skincare products proudly made in Saint-Polycarpe, Quebec, using natural, plant-based ingredients.This all natural skincare line creates chemical, paraben, detergent, artificial fragrance, synthetic preservative-free products that are gentle on your skin as well as being gluten and cruelty free.
LAZY DAISY’S CAFE
1515 Gerrard St E, Toronto, ON M4L 2A4
@lazydaisysto
Lazy Daisy’s cafe serves up locally sourced, naturally raised, hand-made and farm fresh food. Friendly staff serve up a fantastic array of sandwiches, bagels, homemade soups, chili, quiche, salads & signature jams. Our coffee is micro roasted locally in small batches and is sourced via DIRECT or FAIR TRADE. A great place to meet up with friends and family!
AMANDA HAMILTON INTERIOR DESIGN
227 11 Ave SW Unit 110, Calgary, AB T2R 1R9
@ahidstudio
Amanda Hamilton Interior Design is a team of female-led credentialed designers that produce smart, soulful design that’s never recycled. Standing behind a meticulous process that enables the team to get widely creative, every space is rooted in exploration that embodies the values and character of every client. With over a decade of experience, she has earned a diverse and extensive portfolio including custom residential homes, multi-family developments, restaurant, office and retail design.
KACAO REPUBLIC
Online Business (Toronto)
@kacaorepublic_alfajores
Kacao Republics gourmet dark chocolate alfajores are handcrafted from scratch with the finest ingredients. Two cookies filled with Argentinian dulce de leche, coated with real belgian dark chocolate. Always fresh, always decadent! Available online or at Kiss my Pans on College Street.
CAFE FIFTY FOUR
3643 Portage Rd #16, Niagara Falls, ON L2J 2K8
@cafefiftyfour
Owner Olivia Mollica has had a passion for baking for years and is a French-trained alumni of Ducasse education. With a goal of combining classical French pastry techniques with a comforting variety of North American treats from our childhood, Olivia opened Café Fifty Four in August 2019. Café Fifty Four wants everyone who walks through the door to feel like they are at home, a place where friends and family can enjoy fresh daily made desserts and savoury treats. Signature favourites include their cinnamon buns, butter tarts, cakes and smoked turkey croissant sandwiches.
MAISON T BISTRO
1071 Shaw St, Toronto, ON M6G 3N4
@maisontbistro
Owned and Operated by Chef Masayuki Tamaru and his wife Carolina Avaria, Maison T is a cozy French bistro delivering classic French dishes that showcase Chef Masayuki Tamaru’s decades of professional experience and culinary finesse. Their aim is that you taste delicious food, paired with wonderful wines, feel comfort in a relaxed atmosphere and enjoy the friendly and knowledgeable service of their fantastic team. Throughout Chef Masayuki’s classic French dishes, you will find touches of his Japanese heritage.
Some of the staple highlights are Chef’s Duck Confit, the Red Wine Braised Short Ribs and the unbelievably delicious Icelandic Arctic Char with a to-die-for crispy skin and amandine sauce.
GRAYDON SKINCARE
Online Business (Toronto)
@graydonskincare
Graydon Skincare offers you results-driven skincare formulated with clinically-proven superfood ingredients. Owner Graydon Moffat’s personal involvement in the wellness world as a vegan chef and yoga practitioner led her to discover that the topical application and bioavailability of superfoods on her client’s skin had noticeable results. This sparked the evolution of her minimalist, luxurious brand of high-performing skincare where you’ll find all your favourite actives like botanical retinol, collagen, peptides, hyaluronic acid, probiotics, niacinamide, vitamin C and even gemstone crystals.
CELEBRATE LOCAL WEEK 5:
ONE ARROW
Online Business (Vancouver)
@onearrowyvr
https://www.facebook.com/onearrowyvr
One Arrow is 100% Indigenous Owned & Operated by Chef Heat Laliberte of Cree & Metis heritage.
Specializing in handmade, locally sourced, naturally smoked bacon, flavoured with unique dry rubs in 4 iconic flavours: Black Pepper & Honey, Hickory Smoked Maple, Chinese Five Spice, and Salt & Smoke (100% Sugar Free) Every batch is hand cured and smoked fresh to order.
ROOTS + RAVEN
Online Business (Ontario)
@rootsandraven
https://www.facebook.com/Roots-Raven-105189115052889
Hot baths and nature have always served as helpful tools during difficult times. Owner Tanya Gluvakov wanted to combine creativity with her inherent love of nature and all things that make one feel hopeful and joyful, and so, Roots and Raven was born. With products like Botanical Bath Bombs, Bath Salts, Smudge Kits, Vegan Bath Milk, Roots and Raven has everything you need for the ultimate bath experience. Their hope for all of our customers is to remember that you are never alone. We are all connected to each other and to the natural world. May these products remind you to take a moment to relax and take some time to enjoy the moment.
CELEBRATE LOCAL WEEK 6:
DORSET FINE ARTS
Online Business (Ontario)
@dorsetfinearts
https://www.facebook.com/Dorset-Fine-Arts-192563710888113/
Dorset Fine Arts is the marketing division for The West Baffin Eskimo Cooperative, which has enjoyed an international reputation for the exquisite prints, drawings and carvings created by its Inuit artist members while promoting Kinngait culture. Dorset Fine Arts is responsible for interfacing with galleries, museums, cultural professionals, Inuit art enthusiasts and the art market globally. Basically, they’re responsible for spreading the word about this amazing art. From Sculpture, Prints, and Drawings, they have you covered. DORSET FINE ARTS does not sell directly to the public, but if you are interested in purchasing any of their artwork, you can go through one of their listed galleries on their website.
TOMAHAWK CHIPS
Wholesale Business (Manitoba)
@tomahawk.chips
https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=tomahawk%20chips
The Founder of Native Canadian Chip Corporation, Alfred Lea, is First Nations from Pine Dock Manitoba. Alfred’s business acumen and entrepreneurial spirit lead him to launch his TomahawkChips company in 2015 with distribution in Canada and the U.S.A. With art designed by Indigenous artists, the chips come in flavours Plain, Salt and Vinegar, Ketchup, BBQ and Fire. Recently signing a country-wide deal, Tomahawk Chips will soon be available in stores nationwide.
SPIRIT BEAR COFFEE COMPANY
Wholesale Business (BC)
@spiritbearcoffeecompany
https://www.facebook.com/spiritbearcoffeecompany
Specializing in Fair Trade Certified and Certified Organic quality coffee, Spirit Bear Coffee Company is known for its quality cup. Available in 600 locations across Canada, This indigenous-owned business has been growing since it began in 2006. Environmentally forward-thinking, Spirit Bear Coffee Company was one of the first companies in Canada to invest in compostable coffee pods.
ANISH BRANDING
Online Business (Ontario)
@anishbranding
What do you get when you cross two former NHL players, one who has a passion for helping Indigenous youth and another who has a keen interest in business and the promotional products industry? The answer – Anish Branding! Anish Branding is a communications company that specializes in providing promotional items, printing, graphic design, and branding. The duo also is heavily involved with the charity, firstassist.ca which delivers education and sports integration programming for youth in northern Indigenous communities across the country.
SISTERS SAGE
Online Business (BC)
@sisters_sage
Owned and operated by sisters, Lynn-Marie & Melissa-Rae Angus, Sisters Sage is an Indigenous brand that hand-crafts wellness and self-care products inspired by their culture and traditions. Sisters Sage is committed to producing beautiful, Indigenous-inspired products that not only highlight their rich culture, but also promote environmental sustainability, and inspire future female and youth entrepreneurs. Their handmade soaps, bath bombs, salves, and Smokeless Smudge Sprays pay homage to our ancestral teachings of Sage, Cedar, Sweetgrass, Tobacco, Lavender, and much more.
CREATIVE FIRE
Online Business (Saskatoon/Ontario)
@creativefire_canada
A 100% Indigenous communications, strategy, research and design agency with offices in Saskatoon and Burlington, Ontario, Creative Fire helps provide value to their clients by creating prosperity, employment and opportunity for the community of English River while opening doors for more Indigenous people and companies. They believe in building a more diverse, inclusive Canada, and are particularly focused on creating meaningful local impact and fostering authentic engagement between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples and organizations.
CELEBRATE LOCAL INDIGENOUS: Week 7
SRIRACHA REVOLVER HOT SAUCE INC.
Online Business (Vancouver)
@sriracharevolver
https://www.facebook.com/sriracharevolver
Sriracha Revolver Hot Sauce Inc. makes Premium, small-batch hot sauce from natural ingredients.
Owner Jordan Hocking is a mom, wife, and Indigenous entrepreneur who founded the business in 2017. All of her hot sauce recipes have been inspired by flavours or ingredients she has enjoyed while traveling or by wanting to eat something that didn’t exist anywhere else. Available in 6 different flavours,
Avocado Ginger, Chili Garlic, Clean Mango, Cilantro + Lime, and Beets + Tequila and now Habanero. Shipping is available across Canada.
RAVEN READS
Online Business (Vancouver)
@raven_reads
https://www.facebook.com/ravenreads/
Raven Reads is a subscription box featuring literature and goods from Indigenous authors and entrepreneurs across North America. Several times a year, curated boxes containing a new book by an Indigenous author, as well as jewelry, art, and beauty products from Indigenous makers, are delivered to customers across Canada, the United States, and Europe. To many, reconciliation is about establishing and maintaining a mutually respectful relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in this country, For that to happen, there must be aware of our collective past, and action to change our behaviour,”. Raven Reads hopes to help that initiative.
MAHIKAN TRAILS
Tours / Excursions (Clearwater County, Alberta)
https://www.facebook.com/Mahikan-Trails-195419397198641
Located in Clearwater County Alberta, Mahikan Trails is a Metis organized tour company specializing in promoting a greater understanding of the rich history of the traditional lands through group excursions. While exploring the breathtaking landscape, visitors are offered real-world lessons in medicine walks, designed to educate people about how their ancestors survived off the land for millennia. Workshops like Soap Making, Crafts, Making your own Medicine, and many more are offered year-round.
RAVIN RISING CHOCOLATES
Online Business (Sudbury Ontario)
@ravenrising.ca
https://www.facebook.com/RavenRising.ca/
Chef Tammy Maki is an Indigenous baker making her mark on the culinary arts scene with her decadent hand-crafted chocolates. A Saulteaux Ojibwe from White Bear First Nation, Tammy received formal training as a Red Seal Journeyman pastry chef and baker and has worked all across Canada at some of the best resorts and hotels in the country. Her chocolates are not only delicious but also beautiful and available for shipping across Canada.
CELEBRATE LOCAL: Week 8
CANNOLI CRUNCH
850 King Street West, Toronto
@cannolicrunch
https://www.facebook.com/cannolicrunch
Cannoli Crunch creates Cannoli like you’ve never seen before with flavours like Pistachio, Pumpkin Spice, Matcha Tea, Carnival Nuts, and Smartypants. That’s not all, they also make savoury cannoli like the Mama Italia that has a tiny meatball on top. Chef Maria and her business partner, Mignonne launched Cannoli Crunch online with over 250 flavours ready to be revealed. Each month, 12 new flavours are introduced. Always Innovating, they have also created the Signature Jelly Filled Cannoli Collection which is trademarked and has a patent-pending.
TURNSTYLE GLASS
43 Towns Road (Unit B), Etobicoke
@turnstyleglass
https://www.facebook.com/TurnstyleGlassStudio/
Turnstyle Glass is a glassblowing educational studio and rental space. Right now, they are offering beginner classes starting this month after an extended closure due to Covid restrictions. Now is the time to book, whether you’re an absolute beginner or a professional, Turnstyle wants to help you create! Owner, Clayton Haigh also has a variety of pieces he’s created that can be purchased on the website, from art to wine decanters, he’s got you covered.
FIELDTRIP CAFE
3 Westmoreland Ave, Toronto
@fieldtripcafe
https://www.facebook.com/fieldtripcafe/
Fieldtrip Café is a hidden gem, homey, neighbourhood cafe with a great private patio that is available to rent for your next special occasion. Serving amazing coffee of all kinds and fresh baked goods like cookies and scones, Fieldtrip prides itself in carrying local products from some of the city’s best bakeries and markets. Whether you’re coming in for a morning coffee, an empanada, salad or wrap for lunch or a mid-afternoon snack or alcoholic drink, Fieldtrip has you covered. Coffee till Beer is their model. Open from 730am till 5pm on weekdays and 8am-7pm Friday and Saturday, their friendly staff is ready to serve you some of the best coffee and treats in the city.
STUSH PATTY
Online Business
@stushpatty
https://www.facebook.com/stushpatty
Stush Patty is known for elevating the Jamaican patty. One night, two years ago, Owner Opal Rowe had a craving for a Jamaican patty but wanted something a bit healthier. Not being able to find anything, she decided to create her own which led her to start Stush Patty. Stush Patty is transforming the humble snack patty into a premium product. The patties are made with natural ingredients and have a flakey pastry filled with your choice of traditional beef, jerk chicken, spicy lentils or jerk soy chic. Stush is the 1st gourmet patties found in select grocery stores and cafes across the province of Ontario in over 30 locations and in 6 cities with various pop ups and bars and breweries.
CELEBRATE LOCAL: Week 9
ORIGINAL GENES
Online Business
@originalgenes_to
https://www.facebook.com/originalgenestoronto/
Original Genes is a hand-painted clothing and experience company. Stefanie Furgiuel founded the company as a solution to escape her mundane 9-5 job. Stefanie always had a passion for painting and all things creative, which inspired her to paint a denim jacket one day while at home. She sent a Snapchat of the jacket to her friends who loved it and had one friend ask if she could have one. Stefanie’s mom then encouraged her to continue painting on the jackets and selling them, and even went out and bought her 25+ jackets as a way to get her started. Almost every OG jacket is made to order and Stefanie works one on one with each customer to make their jacket 100% exclusive and irreplaceable. With the nature of each jacket being hand painted, each design is one of a kind and completely unique.
IMAGINABLE SOLUTIONS
Online Business
@imaginable.solutions
https://www.facebook.com/ImaginAbleSolutions
The origin of Imaginable Solutions began in 2018 when Founder Lianna Genovese met Elissa, a talented painter living with Dystonia, a rare type of Cerebral Palsy. As her condition progressed, she experienced uncontrollable curling of her fingers making holding and using a paintbrush impossible. Elissa had lost her confidence, passion, and creativity. Lianna invented the first prototype of Guided Hands™ as her school project at McMaster University where she heard Elissa’s story. Elissa’s passion was soon reignited, and she was able to paint again. Elissa is amongst millions of people with a medical condition or injury experiencing limited hand mobility. Lianna knew she had to seize the opportunity to innovate towards making an impact in the lives of others. Guided Hands™ has been tested with over 150 neurologists, occupational therapists and patients living with various neurological disorders at local healthcare facilities.
BATHORIUM
Online Business
@livebathorium
https://www.facebook.com/bathorium
Bathorium is working to #BringBackTheBath. Bathorium produces clean and decadent bath soaks, bath bombs and bubble oils with no harsh additives and zero synthetic fragrances. Bathorium is founded on the belief of indulgent beneficial bathing and reinventing bath time self-love rituals. While Bathorium is a global brand with high-end partners including world-renowned spas, retail, and hotels across the world, they proudly manufacture all their products in their facility in Ottawa. After all, it all began in 2014 as Founder Greg Macdonald handmade bath bombs in his condo kitchen.Bathorium wants everyone to leave the bath rejuvenated, relaxed and restored free of any harsh chemicals.
EMMA’S COUNTRY KITCHEN
810 St. Clair Ave W, Toronto / Order Online
@emmacountrykitc
https://www.facebook.com/EmmasCountryKitchen
Emma’s Country Kitchen is a little slice of breakfast heaven tucked into St. Clair Avenue West.
With classic menu items like their cinnamon bun pancakes served with whipped brown butter or their eggs Benny on a buttermilk biscuit with rich mousseline sauce, you are not going to leave unsatisfied. They make everything in house including their bacon, sausage, signature biscuits and donuts. Yes, they make donuts too, buttermilk donuts with sour cream glaze. Owners, Rachel Pallett and Heather Mee have had the same mission statement since they opened, to try to make a positive change in the restaurant industry. In doing so, they recently became a certified living wage employer. The first and only restaurant in Toronto to be certified and provide a better, more equitable and safe workplace for their employees. This is a business going the extra mile in every way.
TAURAH
Online Business
@shoptaurah
https://www.facebook.com/ShopTaurah
Taurah is a business that makes products to elevate your self-care routine. It all began in November 2020 when founders Jessica Sheppard & Rhaelyn Gillespie were doing a yoga workout at home and realized they didn’t have anything to wipe down their mats with. They tried a few DIY cleaners and produced the perfect organic recipe leading to an all-natural way to refresh your yoga mat and home workout equipment. This led to their best-selling Face Mask Mist, their Calming and Coolings mists, as well as their Zinc Sunscreen Stick with more new products on their way. Taurah is as eco-conscious as possible, using recyclable bottles, recyclable packaging, and the best all-natural ingredients that they can source. They are female-founded, Canadian-made, 100% vegan, cruelty-free, and alcohol-free.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says the federal government is aiming to allow fully vaccinated U.S. citizens and permanent residents into Canada by mid-August.
Trudeau also says he told the premiers by phone that if the current vaccination rate remains on its current trajectory, fully vaccinated travellers from around the world could be arriving by early September.
The Prime Minister’s Office broke the news in a readout from today’s COVID-19 call with the premiers and Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Dominic LeBlanc.
“The prime minister noted that, if our current positive path of vaccination rate and public health conditions continue, Canada would be in a position to welcome fully vaccinated travellers from all countries by early September,” it reads.
“He noted the ongoing discussions with the United States on reopening plans, and indicated that we could expect to start allowing fully vaccinated U.S. citizens and permanent residents into Canada as of mid-August for non-essential travel.”
Trudeau also boasted Canada is leading the G20 countries in vaccination rates, with 80 per cent of eligible Canadians having received at least one vaccine dose. More than half are fully vaccinated, Trudeau said.
Pressure has been mounting on the federal government to continue to ease the restrictions at the border, which have been in effect since March of last year.
But as Trudeau is widely believed to be on his way to triggering a federal election campaign, the timing of reopening the border could be a factor in his thinking.
The reopening process has already begun: last week, the Canada Border Services Agency began exempting fully vaccinated Canadian citizens and permanent residents from a 14-day quarantine requirement.
The restrictions, imposed by mutual agreement in March of last year as the pandemic began to hit hard, have been renewed on a monthly basis ever since. They are next set to expire on Wednesday.
“The prime minister indicated that ministers would share more details on these plans early next week,” the readout says.
It also says the first ministers expressed support for reopening, provided the process is accompanied by “clarity and predictability.”
They also discussed working “collaboratively” on some sort of vaccine credential and system to “enable Canadians to travel internationally with confidence.”
Peel Region health officials are trying to reach people who are unwilling to mix-and-match COVID-19 vaccine doses with a new initiative called ‘Pfizer Fridays.’
“As supply improves, we are going to start offering special dose days to ensure that those who are delaying protection on the basis of brand and not science can access protection,” said Dr. Lawrence Loh, Medical Officer of Health in Peel Region.
The event will see all mass vaccination clinics in Peel offering Pfizer vaccines on certain Fridays, beginning on July 16.
The push comes amid mass confusion over mixing doses. The increasing hesitancy has been fueled by comments from an official at the World Health Organization earlier this week, that were largely taken out of context.
Canadian officials continue to insist that it is safe to mix Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines, as the products use the same mRNA technology.
“I want to be very clear that this is supporting brand as opposed to science,” said Loh. “Otherwise I encourage everyone to remember that the products are equivalent, and I thank you for getting two doses of any product as quickly as possible.”
The ‘Pfizer Friday’ shots will be available by appointment only. Bookings can be made through the province’s online portal.
Nearly two million vaccine doses have been administered in Peel, with 79 per cent of eligible residents having received at least one dose, while 54 per cent are fully vaccinated.
The region will continue to host special dose days when supply permits.
Two people are dead including a 13-year-old girl from Toronto, and four others are injured after two boats carrying a total of six people collided on Lake Rosseau near Muskoka’s Windermere Marina.
Bracebridge Ontario Provincial Police received multiple 911 calls around 7:40 p.m. on Wednesday, with witnesses describing seeing several people in the water.
Muskoka EMS, Muskoka Lakes Fire Department, the OPP Marine Unit, the OPP Underwater Search and Recovery Unit and the OPP Aviation Unit also responded.
Four people were pulled from the water and rushed to hospital. A woman, who police said is from the Toronto area, was later airlifted to a hospital in that region with life-threatening injuries. The other three people have since been released from hospital.
The OPP said the 13-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene.
Provincial police said the body of a 51-year-old woman from Oakville was recovered around 4 p.m. Thursday. She has been identified as Donna Wiley.
Police said three people were on each of the two motorized boats.
As of midnight on July 16, Ontario has officially entered Step 3 of their COVID-19 economic reopening plan, meaning indoor dining and gyms will reopen and capacity limits increase for multiple sectors.
Indoor dining is reopened with no capacity limits, just distancing between tables while gyms, movie theatres, museums and zoos will be at 50 per cent capacity.
Outdoor non-seated events, like concerts, theaters and sports facilities, will be allowed to have up to 5,000 people while seated events will be allowed to have 15,000 attendees. There will be no restrictions on retail stores or personal care services.
The province will remain in Step 3 for at least 21 days and until 80 per cent of the eligible population has received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine and 75 per cent are fully vaccinated, with no public health unit having less than 70 per cent of their population fully vaccinated.
At that time if public health indicators remain stable, the vast majority of public health and workplace safety measures will be lifted including capacity limits and limits on social gatherings.
Under Step 3, Indoor event capacity will be at 50 per cent to a maximum of 1,000 people.
Gatherings and organized public events can now be up to 25 people indoors and 100 people outdoors. For religious services and ceremonies, there will be no limit, but social distancing and other measures will be in effect.
Cinemas, museums, aquariums, zoos, landmarks, botanical gardens, science centres, casinos, bingo halls, amusement parks, fairs, rural exhibitions, festivals will have a capacity of 50 per cent indoors and 75 per cent outdoors.
The province entered Step 3, five days earlier than originally planned. Ontario entered Step 2 early as well on June 30, two days earlier than scheduled, apart from the Waterloo region entered Step 2 on Monday.
Though Major League Soccer and its Canadian clubs announced that Toronto FC and CF Montreal had been given the green light to play home matches in Canada as early as this weekend, the Immigration Minister said no exemption from quarantine has been provided to the MLS at this time.
In a statement, Marco Mendicino said they are currently reviewing MLS COVID-19 protocols with provincial and municipal public health officials, but a National Interest Exemption has not been granted.
Mendicino noted that fully vaccinated travellers that have valid work permits, including foreign professional athletes, are not required to quarantine for 14 days.
Earlier on Wednesday, MLS announced that TFC and CF Montreal would be able to host matches in their home cities, although with a limited number of fans. The squads of Montreal and Toronto returned home last week after the federal government loosened pandemic-related border restrictions for fully vaccinated travellers.
The request from MLS and the Canadian clubs was to have Toronto host Orlando City on Saturday and the New York Red Bulls next Wednesday at BMO Field while Montreal would entertain FC Cincinnati on Saturday at Saputo Stadium.
TFC finished out last season in East Hartford, Conn., and started this year in Orlando. Montreal shifted its base of operation to Harrison, N.Y., last year and Fort Lauderdale, Fla., this year. The Vancouver Whitecaps set up shop in Portland and Utah, respectively.
“During this temporary window, Vancouver Whitecaps FC will host their home matches on July 17 and July 20 at Rio Tinto Stadium (in Sandy, Utah) as conversations continue with the Canadian government regarding the three Canadian teams hosting future home matches in Canada,” MLS said in a statement.
A TFC spokesman said the club aimed to have 7,000 at BMO Field Saturday and 15,000 next week, with Saturday’s crowd made up of front-line health-care workers, first responders and season seat members. Montreal looks to host 5,000 fans at Saputo Stadium should the league and teams get permission to return.
Dundas Street as well as other public amenities bearing the name will be renamed after Toronto city council voted 17-7 to move forward with public consultation on a new name.
The street is named after Scottish minister Henry Dundas, who never stepped foot in Toronto and is infamous for playing a key role in delaying the abolition of the British empire’s transatlantic slave trade.
The decision comes following a petition launched by a Toronto man in June of 2020, following global discussions of anti-Black racism in the wake of the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
Andrew Louchhead said at the time that Dundas’ legacy is “highly problematic” and hoped the petition would not only lead to changing the name of one of the city’s main arteries, but also start a conversation about who the city honours with street names and monuments. The petition has over 14,000 signatures to date.
In response, the city decided to review the issue in July, 2020. Last week, the mayor’s executive committee approved the renaming of the street based on a city staff report recommending a name change of the street and other civic assets.
The report estimates the cost of re-branding all civic assets bearing the “Dundas” name at close to $6 million dollars.
Following public input, a new name will be chosen in April 2022. The move includes city landmarks like Yonge-Dundas Square and Dundas subway station.
