Canadian Restaurant Industry News from the Canadian Restaurant and Foodservices Association http://www.crfa.ca The further modernization of Saskatchewan's liquor regulations implemented this week is welcome news to the province's $2-billion restaurant sector. http://www.crfa.ca/aboutcrfa/newsroom/2013/restaurateurs_welcome_modernization_of_saskatchewans_liquor_regulations.asp http://www.crfa.ca/aboutcrfa/newsroom/2013/restaurateurs_welcome_modernization_of_saskatchewans_liquor_regulations.asp The provincial government's move to modernize liquor laws is welcome news to Manitoba's $2-billion restaurant sector. http://www.crfa.ca/aboutcrfa/newsroom/2013/modernization_of_manitobas_liquor_laws_good_news_for_restaurateurs_all_manitobans.asp http://www.crfa.ca/aboutcrfa/newsroom/2013/modernization_of_manitobas_liquor_laws_good_news_for_restaurateurs_all_manitobans.asp Ontario's bars and restaurants are operating under a cloud of uncertainty heading into a busy long weekend due to the threat of a strike by Liquor Control Board of Ontario employees. http://www.crfa.ca/aboutcrfa/newsroom/2013/looming_lcbo_strike_just_the_tip_of_the_iceberg_for_ontario_bars_and_restaurants.asp http://www.crfa.ca/aboutcrfa/newsroom/2013/looming_lcbo_strike_just_the_tip_of_the_iceberg_for_ontario_bars_and_restaurants.asp The Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO) is recommending that licensees evaluate their needs and prepare for a potential strike starting May 17. http://www.crfa.ca/news/2013/preparing_for_a_possible_lcbo_strike.asp http://www.crfa.ca/news/2013/preparing_for_a_possible_lcbo_strike.asp As a follow up to a meeting with Alberta Deputy Premier Thomas Lukaszuk, CRFA is providing feedback on the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP) semi-skilled foodservice pilot evaluation, as well as liquor regulations. http://www.crfa.ca/news/2013/crfa_weighs_in_on_liquor_and_labour_in_alberta.asp http://www.crfa.ca/news/2013/crfa_weighs_in_on_liquor_and_labour_in_alberta.asp With patio season upon us, more than one-third of restaurateurs expect sales growth to pick up steam over the next six months. http://www.crfa.ca/aboutcrfa/newsroom/2013/survey_shows_restaurateurs_optimistic_for_sizzling_summer_sales.asp http://www.crfa.ca/aboutcrfa/newsroom/2013/survey_shows_restaurateurs_optimistic_for_sizzling_summer_sales.asp Ontario's $25 billion restaurant industry is prepared to play a significant role to grow youth employment – a priority in the 2013 Ontario Budget. http://www.crfa.ca/aboutcrfa/newsroom/2013/ontario_restaurants_will_play_a_major_role_in_youth_employment.asp http://www.crfa.ca/aboutcrfa/newsroom/2013/ontario_restaurants_will_play_a_major_role_in_youth_employment.asp As one of the province’s largest employers, Ontario’s restaurant industry will be watching tomorrow’s budget for actions that help operators grow their businesses, stimulate job creation, and display the province’s culinary talent. http://www.crfa.ca/aboutcrfa/newsroom/2013/media_advisory_restaurant_spokespeople_available_at_tomorrows_ontario_budget.asp http://www.crfa.ca/aboutcrfa/newsroom/2013/media_advisory_restaurant_spokespeople_available_at_tomorrows_ontario_budget.asp The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF), Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) and Canadian Restaurant and Foodservices Association (CRFA) reminded Manitobans today about the rally against the PST hike at the Legislative Building tomorrow evening. http://www.crfa.ca/aboutcrfa/newsroom/2013/no_pst_hike_rally_tomorrow.asp http://www.crfa.ca/aboutcrfa/newsroom/2013/no_pst_hike_rally_tomorrow.asp The federal government has announced reforms to the Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) program that aim to ensure Canadians get the first chance to apply for available jobs. http://www.crfa.ca/news/2013/reforms_to_the_tfw_program_and_what_they_mean.asp http://www.crfa.ca/news/2013/reforms_to_the_tfw_program_and_what_they_mean.asp A coalition of Manitoba organizations have joined forces to host a rally at the Legislature to stop the planned PST hike. http://www.crfa.ca/aboutcrfa/newsroom/2013/media_advisory_coalition_to_host_rally_at_legislature_to_stop_pst_hike.asp http://www.crfa.ca/aboutcrfa/newsroom/2013/media_advisory_coalition_to_host_rally_at_legislature_to_stop_pst_hike.asp For the third time, NDP MPP Michael Prue has reintroduced his private members bill (Bill 107) that seeks to prohibit employers from sharing in tips. http://www.crfa.ca/news/2013/tipping_bill_back_on_the_table_in_ontario.asp http://www.crfa.ca/news/2013/tipping_bill_back_on_the_table_in_ontario.asp CRFA met with Alberta Deputy Premier Thomas Lukaszuk to discuss the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP) semi-skilled foodservice pilot evaluation. http://www.crfa.ca/news/2013/crfa_discusses_ainp_semi-skilled_foodservice_pilot_evaluation.asp http://www.crfa.ca/news/2013/crfa_discusses_ainp_semi-skilled_foodservice_pilot_evaluation.asp Following consultations with CRFA, the City of Montreal has released its recommendations on food trucks. http://www.crfa.ca/news/2013/montreal_puts_forth_recommendations_on_food_trucks.asp http://www.crfa.ca/news/2013/montreal_puts_forth_recommendations_on_food_trucks.asp