The decision to introduce flatbread pizzas came after years of experimentation and meticulous planning by Tim Hortons executives and chefs. They conducted extensive taste tests to ensure that the pizzas would appeal to a wide range of customers, from the youngest to the oldest.

According to Tim Hortons’ chief marketing officer, Hope Bagozzi, the company identified an opportunity to increase foot traffic during the afternoon and evening hours, where it currently has single-digit market share. With pizza being a popular choice for meals outside of breakfast, Tim Hortons saw an opportunity to tap into this market.

The launch of flatbread pizzas follows a two-year pilot program in select markets, during which Tim Hortons tested various recipes and gathered valuable feedback from customers. The menu will feature cheese, pepperoni, “bacon everything,” and chicken Parmesan varieties.

Axel Schwan, Tim Hortons’ president, sees the introduction of flatbread pizzas as part of the company’s broader strategy to expand its menu offerings and attract new customers. Previous enhancements to its breakfast menu, such as fresh eggs and redesigned coffee cup lids, laid the groundwork for this expansion.

To overcome logistical challenges, such as limited space in its kitchens, Tim Hortons will ship flatbread bases to its stores and equip sandwich stations with toppings and sauces for made-to-order pizzas.

While the Canadian market for pizza is competitive, Tim Hortons believes it has an advantage due to its widespread presence and established routines among customers. Whether it’s lunch, dinner, or weekend meals, Tim Hortons aims to position itself as a convenient and reliable option for customers seeking flatbread pizzas.

With this strategic move, Tim Hortons hopes to capture a larger share of the fast-food market and establish itself as a go-to destination for meals throughout the day.

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) for March showed a 2.9 percent increase compared to the same period last year, up from a 2.8 percent year-over-year rise in February.

Excluding the impact of gasoline, the overall annual inflation rate for March was 2.8 percent, a slight decrease from the 2.9 percent recorded in February.

Despite the overall increase in inflation, Statistics Canada noted that the Bank of Canada’s three core measures for inflation in March all moved lower compared to February.

The Bank of Canada, which maintained its key interest rate target at five percent in its recent announcement, hinted at the possibility of a rate cut at its next scheduled announcement in June, stating that it was “within the realm of possibilities.”

The central bank is closely monitoring signs of sustained easing in underlying inflation, as indicated by Statistics Canada’s report highlighting a 6.5 percent increase in shelter prices compared to a year ago.

Mortgage interest costs saw a significant rise of 25.4 percent year-over-year in March, while rent prices increased by 8.5 percent.

Food prices experienced a 3.0 percent increase compared to a year ago, while prices for clothing and footwear decreased by 2.7 percent. Additionally, prices for household operations, furnishings, and equipment dropped by 2.3 percent.

This attack adds to the grim tally of over 600 mosques obliterated by Israeli forces since the onset of the conflict in Gaza. At the scene, amidst ongoing shelling in the east of Jabalia refugee camp, the sense of fear and uncertainty is palpable.

Israeli troops maintain a siege around Beit Hanoon’s al-Shawa school, where hundreds of Palestinians have sought refuge. Reports indicate that Israeli forces are using loudspeakers to instruct people to evacuate, raising concerns among the trapped civilians of facing a fate similar to those who sought refuge at al-Shifa Hospital.

As communication with the school has been severed, the fate of those sheltering there remains unknown. The community anxiously awaits news of their safety, fearing further Israeli actions.

During the hearing, Gutierrez-Reed’s tearful family and friends provided testimonials, urging for accountability and justice in ensuring safety on film sets. Prosecutors held Gutierrez-Reed responsible for bringing live ammunition onto the set, where it was prohibited, and for failing to adhere to basic gun safety protocols.

Despite Gutierrez-Reed’s plea for leniency, stating she had done her best under challenging circumstances, Judge Mary Marlowe Summer emphasized the severity of her actions, stating that Gutierrez-Reed alone turned a safe weapon into a lethal one, resulting in Hutchins’ death.

Emotions ran high as testimonials painted a picture of Hutchins as a talented rising star in Hollywood, with friends and family recalling her courage and compassion. The Ukrainian relatives of Hutchins are pursuing damages from Alec Baldwin, who was handling the gun when it discharged, in connection with the shooting.

Gutierrez-Reed’s defense argued for leniency, citing her youth and the intense public scrutiny she faced, but prosecutors pushed for the maximum sentence, labeling her behavior as exceptionally reckless. The judge, influenced by Gutierrez-Reed’s lack of remorse, opted for the maximum sentence and designated her as a serious violent offender.

The case underscores the importance of safety protocols on film sets and raises questions about accountability in the entertainment industry. As the legal proceedings continue, the tragic incident serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of negligence in the workplace.

Aurel Braun, a professor of international relations and political science at the University of Toronto and an associate at the Davis Center for Russian and Eurasian Studies at Harvard University, emphasized the broader global implications of the situation. He pointed out that Iran’s actions not only endanger Israel but also threaten the stability of Arab states and the wider international system.

Braun highlighted Iran’s extensive reach, noting its alliance with Russian President Vladimir Putin and its supply of “killer drones” to Russia, which have resulted in civilian and military casualties. He emphasized Canada’s stake in the matter as a G7 and NATO member, as well as a supporter of Ukraine and fellow democracy.

The recent direct military attack by Iran on Israel, following decades of strained relations since Iran’s Islamic Revolution in 1979, underscores the volatile nature of the situation. Despite Israel’s interception of the majority of the drones and missiles launched, tensions remain high.

Israel’s ambassador to Canada, Iddo Moed, stressed the need for support from allies like Canada to prevent further harm from Iran. However, James Horncastle, a professor in international relations at Simon Fraser University, cautioned against speculating on Canada’s role, citing the evolving nature of the conflict.

One possible action Canada might consider is designating Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organization, though Horncastle suggested this might be more symbolic than substantive. He speculated that Iran’s attack was intended to maintain support among its anti-Israel and anti-American allies in the region.

Braun advocated for non-military measures in dealing with Iran, such as sanctions and support for dissidents, while also suggesting a resumption of arms sales to Israel. He criticized Canada’s recent freeze on arms exports to Israel, arguing that it sends the wrong message and emboldens aggression.

Amid calls from global leaders to avoid retaliation, Canada expressed solidarity with Israel and condemned Iran’s actions in a joint statement with other G7 nations. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau affirmed Canada’s commitment to monitor the situation closely and work towards stabilizing it to prevent further escalation.

Drawing parallels to the contentious 1982 budget crafted by then-finance minister Allan MacEachen under Prime Minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau, Dodge highlighted concerns about the direction the budget might take in terms of stimulating Canadian incomes and fostering long-term prosperity. The 1982 budget, delivered during a period of high interest rates and inflation, elicited widespread criticism for its spending measures, tax policies, and wage restraint initiatives.

Dodge’s apprehensions stem from indications suggesting that the federal government, in its bid to finance nearly $40 billion in newly announced expenditures without exacerbating the deficit, may resort to implementing individual wealth taxes or levying excess profit taxes on affluent corporations.

Expressing skepticism about the efficacy of such measures, Dodge warned against taxing wealth generators, positing that such actions could stifle economic growth. Instead, he advocated for policies aimed at boosting savings.

Moreover, Dodge voiced doubts regarding the efficacy of the Liberal government’s proposed strategies to tackle the supply side of Canada’s housing crisis, suggesting that these measures might fall short of expectations.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, meanwhile, addressed concerns about economic growth and taxation in a speech to a predominantly business-oriented audience. Notably absent from his remarks were any explicit references to potential wealth-targeting initiatives.

The government’s stance revolves around the belief that Canada is at a critical juncture necessitating substantial investment in areas crucial to the affordability and prosperity of millennials and Generation Z, particularly housing and employment opportunities.

Trudeau emphasized the significance of addressing the economic challenges faced by younger demographics, underscoring their pivotal role in shaping the nation’s economic landscape. He stressed the importance of instilling optimism in the economy, asserting that the strength of the economy is contingent upon fostering a sense of confidence and stability among its citizens.

The couple was photographed among the crowd, immersing themselves in the music scene as Ice Spice performed, even dedicating a moment to Swift by making a heart-shape with her hands and expressing her admiration for the singer.

Known for its celebrity attendees, Coachella witnessed Swift and Kelce’s presence during the performance of Jack Antonoff, a longtime collaborator of Swift, with his band Bleachers. Later, they were seen at the Neon Carnival after-party, with Swift donning a “New Heights” hat, a nod to Kelce’s podcast with his brother, Jason Kelce.

NO U GUYS ITS TAYLOR AND TRAVIS AND SABRINA AND BARRY AT COACHELLA NO ITS SO SERIOUS TO ME pic.twitter.com/JOKsmB4ykQ

— tay ☆ (@skinnnydipping) April 14, 2024

In an interview with Sky News, Dr. Vakil emphasized that the decision to retaliate now rests with Israel. She suggests that Israeli officials must carefully consider whether to proceed with a counterstrike immediately or opt for a more strategic and gradual approach while also considering the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

Dr. Vakil acknowledges that Israel currently enjoys significant international support but urges caution in the face of potential retaliation. She believes it unlikely that Israel would target Tehran’s nuclear capabilities directly, instead opting for military targets to minimize civilian and infrastructural damage.

However, she underscores the inherent risks in any Israeli counterattack, as it could inadvertently escalate tensions and trigger a broader conflict in the region, a scenario long feared by observers.

This surge in demand for newcomer services in Calgary is a direct result of Alberta’s record-breaking population growth, which has brought both benefits and challenges. In 2023, the western province witnessed a staggering surge in its population, with 202,324 new residents bringing the total to 4.8 million, as reported by Statistics Canada. This represents the largest annual increase in Alberta’s history, equivalent to 550 people moving to the province every day. While much of this growth stemmed from international migration, Alberta also set a national record for interprovincial migration, welcoming a net gain of 55,107 people, the highest ever recorded by any province.

The majority of these interprovincial migrants originated from Ontario and British Columbia. For instance, Statistics Canada estimates that 38,236 Ontarians migrated to Alberta last year, compared to only 14,860 Albertans who moved to Ontario.

Alberta has historically experienced periods of rapid population growth, primarily driven by its oil and gas-based economy during times of high commodity prices and bustling oil patch activity. However, the current situation in Alberta differs from the past, according to Mark Parsons, chief economist for ATB Financial. Parsons noted that Alberta’s relatively robust economy and rapid job growth are major factors contributing to the influx of people into the province. However, what sets this period apart is the role that affordability, particularly housing affordability, plays in attracting new residents.

Experts attribute Alberta’s appeal to its real estate market’s affordability compared to major urban centers like Toronto and Vancouver. The Alberta government even capitalized on this advantage with its “Alberta is Calling” ad campaign in the spring of 2023, targeting residents of southern Ontario and Atlantic Canada. The campaign encouraged Canadians unable to afford homes in their current locations to consider relocating to Alberta, boasting higher salaries and lower real estate prices.

The surge in newcomer services demand is straining resources at the Centre for Newcomers and other similar organizations across Calgary. Ernst emphasized the need for additional funding and support from both government and private sectors to meet the growing needs of immigrants and refugees settling in Alberta. As the province continues to attract newcomers at unprecedented rates, ensuring their successful integration and access to essential services remains a pressing challenge for communities and policymakers alike.

Biden and Trump emerged victorious in the primaries, bolstering their delegate counts for the upcoming party conventions this summer. The contests also shed light on ongoing sentiments within both parties, with some Democrats expressing dissatisfaction with Biden’s handling of certain issues and some Republican voters still showing reluctance to fully support Trump.

In particular, the primaries in Wisconsin, a critical battleground state, offered clues about the level of support for Trump among Republicans and the sentiments of Democrats towards Biden. Trump actively campaigned in Wisconsin and Michigan, two key Midwest states.

In interviews, voters shared their perspectives on the candidates and the electoral process. Scott Lindemann, a contractor from Kenosha, Wisconsin, praised Trump for his commitment to fulfilling campaign promises. Meanwhile, Steve Wheatley, a registered Republican from New York, expressed a desire for more diverse candidates but ultimately supported Nikki Haley despite her slim chances.

Theresa Laabs, a cashier from Kenosha, emphasized the importance of economic issues in her decision to vote for Biden in the Democratic primary, hoping for continued efforts to address inflation.

With both presidential candidates turning their focus to the general election, fundraising efforts have intensified. Biden and the Democratic National Committee have surpassed Trump and the Republicans in fundraising, with Biden recently setting a single-event fundraising record.

Despite the significance of the primaries, turnout was relatively low in some states. In Rhode Island and Connecticut, early voting turnout was subdued, reflecting a perceived lack of competitiveness in the primary races.

Overall, while the primaries reaffirmed Biden and Trump as their respective party nominees, they also highlighted ongoing dynamics and concerns within both political camps.