Edmonton, Alberta, Feb. 12, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, Restaurants Canada, which represents more than 30,000 foodservice and hospitality businesses across Canada, unveiled a campaign to raise awareness about the troubling realities that restaurants in Alberta are facing and policy solutions for the next provincial government. “Since 2015, restaurants across Alberta have been battling a perfect storm of operational cost increases from a variety of policy changes, against the backdrop of a weakened economy,” said Mark von Schellwitz, Restaurants Canada Vice President, Western Canada. “Working together with Restaurants Canada, Alberta’s next government has an opportunity to improve conditions for foodservice businesses so that they can continue serving communities across this province.” For years, Alberta’s restaurant sector led the nation, contributing to jobs, tourism, investment and spaces for people to come together. Alberta’s foodservice sales growth now ranks second-to-last of all the provinces in Canada due to several setbacks caused by operational cost increases from legislative and regulatory changes. Policies that were intended to boost earnings and reduce the cost of living for Albertans have instead resulted in a foodservice crisis, including: • A loss of more than 10,000 foodservice and accommodation jobs. • A decline in the average number of workers per unit from 13 to 11.7. • A 9.1 per cent drop in average sales per unit (adjusted for menu inflation).
(SOURCE: Statistics Canada) Restaurants Canada is inviting everyone who cares about Alberta’s foodservice and hospitality community to visit restaurantrealities.ca to get informed about the key issues, share policy recommendations with local candidates and join in the conversation on social media with the hashtag #RestaurantRealities . -30- About Restaurants Canada Restaurants Canada (formerly CRFA) is a growing community of more than 30,000 foodservice businesses, including restaurants, bars, caterers, institutions and suppliers. Restaurants Canada connects its members from coast to coast, through services, research and advocacy for a strong and vibrant restaurant community. Canada’s restaurant industry is an $89 billion industry, directly employs 1.2 million Canadians, is the number one source of first jobs and serves 22 million customers every day. For more information, please contact: Leanna Kruk Brookline Public Relations O: 403-538-5641 ext. 121 C: 403-390-2170 E: lkruk@brookelinepr.com
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Marlee Wasser Restaurants Canada 416-649-4254 media@restaurantscanada.org
