Richmond, B.C. (July 23, 2026) — With many employers hiring seasonal staff during the summer months, WorkSafeBC is reminding employers that young and new workers remain at higher risk of workplace injury during their first months on the job.

In 2025, WorkSafeBC accepted more than 7,000 claims from young workers who were injured on the job in B.C. Between 2021 and 2025, 18 young workers lost their lives due to workplace incidents.

WorkSafeBC's research has consistently shown that while young workers value safety and want to do a good job, many hesitate to speak up about unsafe work. New research from WorkSafeBC identifies why: the barrier is often less about recognizing hazards and more about feeling confident and able to raise concerns in the moment, particularly when workers are concerned about job security or how they will be perceived.

“Young workers often recognize when something isn’t right, but that doesn’t always mean they feel comfortable saying so,” says Todd McDonald, Head of Prevention Services at WorkSafeBC. “Young workers focus on making a good impression, which can make it harder to ask questions, raise concerns, or refuse unsafe work. Creating a workplace culture where questions are welcomed and concerns are taken seriously supports young workers and is critical to preventing injuries.”

Every worker has the right to know about workplace hazards, participate in health and safety, and refuse unsafe work, Effective risk management depends on workers being encouraged to identify hazards, assess risks, and help develop controls.

WorkSafeBC has launched a new campaign, Before You Ask a Bot, Ask Your Boss, to encourage young workers to speak with a supervisor before starting an unfamiliar or potentially unsafe task. Informed by research showing many young workers turn to AI tools and chatbots for answers, the campaign reinforces that workplace safety questions should be directed to a supervisor who understands the specific job and its risks. It also reminds employers that creating a workplace where questions are encouraged and concerns are welcomed is a shared responsibility that helps prevent injuries.

Employer responsibilities

Under the Workers Compensation Act and the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation, employers must ensure all workers, including young and new workers, receive job site orientation and role-specific training before they begin work. Employers must also provide ongoing supervision to ensure workers can perform their jobs safely and effectively. Training should reflect the tasks and hazards of the role and be reinforced over time.

“Young workers bring different levels of experience and familiarity with workplace hazards. Employers should tailor orientation, training, and supervision to the individual worker rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all approach, which can leave gaps that increase risk,” says McDonald.

Young workers who feel their concerns haven’t been addressed can contact WorkSafeBC’s Prevention Information Line at 1‑888‑621‑7233 to speak confidentially with a prevention officer.

Resources

Worksafebc.com offers a range of free resources to help young workers, parents, and employers build strong safety habits, including online tools, orientation checklists, and classroom-ready materials.

• Young & new workers
• Student WorkSafe
• Getting a Job? Ask Questions About Safety
• Support for employers: Training and orientation for young and new workers
• “Before you ask a bot, ask your boss” campaign

OTTAWA, ON, July 22, 2026 /CNW/ -- RIMAP Hospitality Services Inc., one of Canada's leading hotel management companies, is proud to announce that Moxy Ottawa Downtown is now officially open, welcoming guests to a bold new hospitality experience in the heart of the nation's capital.

Located at 126 York Street in the heart of Ottawa's iconic ByWard Market district, Moxy Ottawa Downtown introduces a bold new hospitality experience designed for the next generation of travellers - playful, social, energetic, and undeniably fun. Smack dab in the middle of the action, the hotel places guests steps from Rideau Street, Gatineau, and Ottawa's top business, entertainment, shopping, and cultural destinations. Guests can learn more and book their stay at www.marriott.com

Following the successful opening of AC Hotel by Marriott Ottawa Downtown in 2025, Moxy Ottawa Downtown marks the next chapter in RIMAP Hospitality's growing presence in the capital region, with the highly anticipated Renaissance Hotel Ottawa Downtown set to follow in 2027.

Designed with the spirited Moxy brand personality in mind, the hotel blends industrial-chic interiors with vibrant social spaces, immersive experiences, and tech-forward convenience. Featuring stylish guestrooms, communal lounges, flexible coworking areas, and playful design touches throughout, the property invites guests and locals alike to connect, celebrate, and experience Ottawa differently.

"At Moxy, hospitality is about energy, personality, and creating unforgettable moments," said Marc Varadi, President of RIMAP Hospitality Inc. "We are incredibly excited to introduce this dynamic lifestyle brand to Ottawa and bring a completely new hotel experience to the city. Moxy Ottawa Downtown is designed to be more than a place to stay—it's a social hub, a nightlife destination, and a gathering place for travellers and locals alike."

At the centre of the experience is Moxy Bar, the heartbeat of the hotel and a high-energy social destination expected to quickly become one of Ottawa's go-to gathering places. Open daily for breakfast and dinner, Moxy Bar offers handcrafted cocktails, elevated casual dining, and a lively atmosphere that transitions seamlessly from day to night. Guests and locals can also look forward to a rotating calendar of weekly entertainment and social programming, including games nights, live DJ performances, themed events, and interactive experiences designed to bring people together. With curated programming, live entertainment, and an energetic vibe, Moxy Bar delivers an atmosphere designed to keep the excitement going well into the evening.

Adding to the hotel's playful personality is Mox, the official Moxy Ottawa Downtown brand ambassador. The now-famous moose has already appeared throughout a series of social media teasers leading up to the opening and will continue to play a central role in the hotel's identity moving forward.

Guests will find Mox permanently residing in the hotel lobby atop a custom motorcycle, creating an unforgettable first impression and a must-see photo moment for visitors.

"Moxy Ottawa Downtown captures the spirit of the city's evolving social and cultural scene," said Stéphane Pelletier, Regional General Manager, RIMAP Hospitality Inc. "Every detail has been thoughtfully designed to encourage interaction, excitement, and discovery. From the guest experience to the entertainment programming, this hotel is built to surprise people in the best possible way."

The hotel also offers a variety of amenities designed to balance social energy with relaxation, including a fitness centre, and flexible gathering spaces for both work and play.

Guestrooms at Moxy Ottawa Downtown have been intentionally designed to maximize every inch of space, blending smart functionality with playful details and modern comfort. Rooms feature walk-in showers, motion-activated LED guide lights, clever wall-mounted storage solutions, and flexible layouts that encourage guests to use the space however they like. Stylish, efficient, and full of personality, the guestrooms embody the Moxy brand's fresh take on modern travel.

"Marriott International is thrilled to continue its partnership with RIMAP Hospitality Services Inc. with the opening of Moxy Ottawa Downtown," said Aaron Laurie, AVP of Development, Eastern Canada, at Marriott International. "Moxy Hotels has redefined the lifestyle hospitality category around the world through bold design, vibrant social experiences, and an energetic spirit that resonates strongly with today's travellers. We are excited to see the brand make its Ottawa debut in the heart of the ByWard Market."

With its distinctive design, social-first atmosphere, and immersive entertainment experiences, Moxy Ottawa Downtown is poised to become one of Ottawa's most talked-about new destinations - bringing a fresh, youthful energy to the city's hospitality and nightlife landscape.

CHARLOTTETOWN, PE, July 21, 2026 /CNW/ -- Premiers are fostering a more open and integrated economy by removing a major trade barrier within Canada. Today premiers of nine provinces – Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador – signed a landmark agreement to implement Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) sales of alcoholic beverages between their jurisdictions. This agreement builds on the commitment in the June 2025 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on DTC Sales of Alcoholic Beverages.

As of today, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador are implementing their approaches to DTC sales, allowing individual Canadians to order their favourite wine, spirit, beer, or other alcoholic beverages directly from licensed producers across the country¹.  British Columbia is committing to have their system in place to implement DTC for all types of alcohol in February 2027. This is a major expansion of consumer choice and increases producer access into new Canadian markets.  

Other signatories to the 2025 MOU on DTC Sales of Alcoholic Beverages – Quebec and Yukon – have worked hand-in-hand with today's signatories to develop the terms of the agreement and are in the process of establishing the necessary infrastructure to implement DTC in their jurisdictions, with the aim of signing on to the Agreement in the near future.  The Yukon will be taking steps to implement DTC and is working closely with Yukon's dry communities to ensure their preferences are reflected.

With today's announcement, participating jurisdictions are following through on a key commitment made by First Ministers at their meeting on January 29, 2026, to support the reduction of barriers to internal trade for alcoholic beverages.

Provinces and territories remain committed to working with each other and the federal government to maintain momentum in removing barriers to build a more resilient and streamlined economy and to unlock Canada's full economic potential.

LINK TO OPERATING AGREEMENT

Vancouver, B.C., July 21, 2026 – The team behind beloved Mount Pleasant tapas bar ¿CóMO? Taperia is taking guests on another trip to Spain, this time, to its rugged northern coast. This coming winter, founders Shaun Layton and Frankie Harrington are set to open ¿CóMO? Ultramar – a seafood-focused restaurant inspired by their travels throughout Northern Spain – at 592 East Broadway.

“Ultramar is inspired by the places Frankie and I travel to often during our annual trips to Spain,” says Layton. “There will be a definite focus on the cuisine of Northern Spain, such as the seaside towns of the Basque Country, Cantabria, and Galicia, but also the old-school seafood bars of Madrid, the modern, playful seafood restaurants of Barcelona, and the tabernas of Cádiz. In all these places, there is just big love for seafood in its simplest forms, but yet, full of flavour.”

The 2,500 square-foot space features a dining room and a mezzanine on the second level.

Located on Faber Block, the building was originally constructed in 1926 and formerly known as The Carolina, which is currently managed by Kiri Properties. Over its century-old history, the building’s previous tenants included popular neighbourhood spots such as a confectionery shop, Black & White Grocery, and Seb’s Cafe.

Joining Layton and Harrington is chef-partner Daniel Kim, a 15-year veteran of Vancouver's fine dining scene who spent nearly a decade at award-winning Boulevard, rising to chef de cuisine. His accolades include the 2018 Hawksworth Young Chef Scholarship and the 2021 RC Show Garland Competition.

Leading front-of-house is general manager Sean Grady, who moves over after several years at ¿CóMO? Taperia, where he currently serves as GM.

“The cooking will be centred around live charcoal. Think whole fish over fire, Basque-style, with the best seafood we can source locally and from afar,” explains Layton. “Our philosophy at Como Ultramar is to keep things simple with classic dishes and exceptional ingredients, all executed with great technique. We’ll also have a few fun surprises inspired by our favourite rooms in Spain.”

¿CóMO? Ultramar has tapped award-winning firm Ste. Marie with the design, Glasfurd & Walker with the branding, and Harmony Pacific with the construction.

In preparation for its launch, Layton, Harrington, Kim, and Grady are heading back to Spain in September for R&D. Keep an eye on their Instagram at @comoultramar for updates!

For more information about ¿CóMO? Ultramar and to follow along on its journey, please visit comoultramar.com.