Jul 3 2020 — David Friend, The Canadian Press — TORONTO — Cineplex Inc. has filed a lawsuit against its former suitor Cineworld Group PLC, seeking damages over the U.K. company's failed acquisition that could exceed the $2.18 billion outstanding on the deal. The Canadian movie theatre operator filed the suit in Ontario Superior Court on Friday, detailing what it claims was "a case of buyer's remorse" on the part […]
Jul 1 2020 — David Friend, The Canadian Press — TORONTO — Haviah Mighty says she hopes this Canada Day marks one of greater reflection on racism within our own country. The Brampton, Ont.-raised hip hop performer, whose album "13th Floor" picked up last year's Polaris Music Prize, will take the stage as part of CBC's "Canada Day Together" broadcast. She'll perform her track "Thirteen" against the backdrop of her new animated […]
Jun 29 2020 — David Friend, The Canadian Press — TORONTO — Alessia Cara emerged the top winner at this year's Juno Awards, scooping up three trophies in a pre-recorded ceremony that paired celebration with an acknowledgment that more needs to be done to represent the diverse voices of Canadian artists. While the Junos usually mark the biggest night for the country's music industry, the Monday event, which streamed […]
Jun 26 2020 — David Friend, The Canadian Press — TORONTO — A stripped-back presentation of the 2020 Juno Awards on Monday will toast the Canadian music scene, and the show's head organizer hopes it'll mark a bright moment for an industry hit hard by COVID-19. With concert venues closed and most performers staying at home without gigs, Allan Reid said he's focused on giving this year's Juno nominees […]
Jun 19 2020 — David Friend, The Canadian Press — TORONTO — When the lights dim at Canadian movie theatres in the coming weeks, one of the most hotly debated topics won't be showing on the big screen, it'll be playing out in the audience. The rules around whether moviegoers should be required to wear face masks during the COVID-19 pandmemic has shaken the exhibition industry over […]
Jun 18 2020 — David Friend, The Canadian Press — OTTAWA — An array of Canadian musicians spanning various genres are taking the stage at a weekend drive-in concert series on the Ottawa River. RBC Bluesfest has partnered with the National Arts Centre for two weekends of live shows that include rock act Sam Roberts Band, rapper Shad and Polaris Music Prize winner Haviah Mighty among the many […]
Jun 17 2020 — David Friend, The Canadian Press — TORONTO — The Juno Awards are headed online this year as COVID-19 forces the celebration of Canadian music to take a more subdued approach. Several months after Juno organizers pulled the plug on festivities that were set for Saskatoon, they've announced June 29 as the night trophies will be handed out in all 42 categories. It's a significant […]
Jun 16 2020 — David Friend, The Canadian Press — TORONTO — Production gets underway next month on a new season of canine-cop TV series "Hudson & Rex," and while numerous COVID-19 precautions will be in place, the producers are making a few exceptions for their celebrity pooch and his human co-star. Lead actor John Reardon, who plays Charlie Hudson, and his German shepherd co-star Diesel vom Burgimwald, will […]
Jun 15 2020 — David Friend, The Canadian Press — TORONTO — New albums from the Weeknd, Daniel Caesar and Jessie Reyez have been longlisted for the 2020 Polaris Music Prize. The projects are among 40 records that will progress to the next stage of consideration, a short list of 10 contenders to be revealed on July 16. The Weeknd made the cut with his retro-pop megahit "After Hours," […]
Jun 15 2020 — David Friend, The Canadian Press — TORONTO — Cineplex Inc. is inching towards a gradual reopening of its Canadian theatres, starting in Alberta later this month before going wider across the country in early July. Canada's largest movie exhibitor says it plans to begin showing "previously released titles" at a reduced capacity in six Alberta theatres on June 26. The company then hopes […]
Jun 12 2020 — David Friend, The Canadian Press — TORONTO — International movie theatre chain Cineworld PLC says its deal to buy Cineplex Inc. for $2.8 billion is off, claiming that "certain breaches" of the contract were made by the Canadian company. But Cineplex fired back late Friday, insisting the allegations of wrongdoing are false, and vowing to see Cineworld in court in a battle over damages. The sudden disagreement […]
Jun 11 2020 — David Friend, The Canadian Press — TORONTO — The co-owners of Coco Beauty Bar were ready to return to business once the Ontario government gave beauty salons a green light, but after seeing the strict COVID-19 restrictions required, they wonder if it's even worth the effort. No facials, no microblading, face waxing or threading. And the biggest financial hit — no lash extensions. "Lash extensions are our […]
Jun 10 2020 — David Friend, The Canadian Press — TORONTO — Starbucks is planning to close up to 200 coffee shops across Canada as it responds to changes in consumer habits during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Seattle-based chain is restructuring its company-operated business in Canada under a two-year plan. The details were included in a letter to shareholders filed on Wednesday with the U.S. Securities and […]
Jun 9 2020 — David Friend, The Canadian Press — TORONTO — Small business owners have spent months urging the Ontario government to hear their pleas for a temporary ban on commercial evictions, but some say the answer they've received doesn't go nearly far enough. A provincial order to protect entrepreneurs from eviction for the next three months is a welcome move, said bar owner Christopher Hudspeth, […]
Jun 4 2020 — David Friend, The Canadian Press — TORONTO — Casey Palmer's hands were already full keeping his family safe from the COVID-19 pandemic when the killing of George Floyd provoked a flurry of emotions he's still trying to unpack. Like many Canadians, he was sheltering in place when TV and social media feeds were flooded with a video of Floyd, handcuffed and suffocating under the knee […]