Kenney says border restrictions creating 'crisis' of empty shelves in grocery stores
Premier Kenney says COVID-19 border restrictions are creating a crisis highlighted by empty shelves in Alberta grocery stores.
Kenney tweeted out images of sparsely-stocked shelves Monday morning, saying "I’m getting pictures like this from grocery stores across Alberta this morning. This is turning into a crisis. It requires immediate action by the Canadian & US governments."
Kenney said he discussed the issue with several U.S. governors Monday, but wouldn't reveal which stores or communities the photos of empty shelves were from.
A number of CTV viewers shared photos of a mixture of full and empty shelves in their communities while a check of local groceries revealed mostly full shelves.
"I don't want to downplay or diminish some of the challenges we're facing right now. But people should not be concerned that there's not going to be enough food to eat that they don't have to go back to the panic buying that doesn't help anyone and hurts everyone actually," Sands said.
Gary Sands, senior vice-president for The Canadian Federation of Independent Shoppers, said there was no reason to panic.
"I don't want to downplay or diminish some of the challenges we're facing right now. But people should not be concerned that there's not going to be enough food to eat that they don't have to go back to the panic buying that doesn't help anyone and hurts everyone actually," Sands said.
"Omicron has ripped through the entire food supply chain," he added. "And that has resulted in labour shortages, whether it's a producer, distributor, wholesaler, packager, right through to the retail grocery store, where I'm hearing averages of 15 to 25 per cent for some of my members stores, so that that's a significant hit."
Sands said there was no doubt that vaccination requirements for truckers at the border have complicated things…in addition to road infrastructure damage in B.C. and the reality that there are always supply challenges in Canada in January because of winter weather.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Iran fires air defence batteries in provinces as sound of explosions heard near Isfahan
Iran fired air defence batteries early Friday morning after reports of explosions near the city of Isfahan, the state-run IRNA news agency reported.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.