CBC’s Marketplace rounds up the consumer and health news you need from the week, including coroners sounding the alarm on nursing home staffing, the Red Bull settlement payout and a Better Business Bureau consumer alert for FlightHub and JustFly.
Miss something this week? Don’t panic. CBC’s Marketplace rounds up the consumer and health news you need.
Want this in your inbox? Get the Marketplace newsletter every Friday.
Coroners sound alarm on nursing home staffing
Coroners who investigated three deaths at a Gatineau, Que., nursing home say the lack of personnel and qualified employees is having an impact on the health system. The deficiencies have prompted the coroners to call for an investigation by Quebec’s nursing oversight body. In a previous investigation, we took hidden cameras into an Ontario nursing home to see how staffing shortages could affect patient care.
Toyota customers fuming over missing parts
Toyota owners coast to coast have been left in the dark about when parts needed to repair their vehicles will arrive. The company says the issue has been caused by a “planned systems transformation to provide an improved overall customer experience.”
Red Bull settlement payout
You could be entitled to up to $10 in compensation thanks to a class-action lawsuit against Red Bull. The company allegedly “failed to inform consumers of the inherent dangers concerning the ingestion of its caffeinated energy drinks,” according to a consumer rights law firm. Canadians have until mid October to make a claim.
Warning about FlightHub, JustFly
Following a CBC News story about complaints against online travel agency FlightHub, the Better Business Bureau now says FlightHub and sister company JustFly generated nearly 800 customer complaints over the past 12 months. The business watchdog says many of the complaints are similar.
Canada’s noisiest restaurants: Take our survey
We want to hear about Canada’s noisiest restaurants, and we need your help. Take our brief survey here.
What else is going on?
- Transat shareholders have approved a takeover by Air Canada. The ultimate fate of the deal now rests in regulators’ hands.
- Canadians — and especially Albertans — are buying fewer but larger vehicles. An expert says the slowdown in sales has led to some good buying opportunities.
- Johnson & Johnson has been ordered to pay $572 million for fuelling Oklahoma’s opioid crisis. A lawyer says the ruling gives a road map for similar Canadian lawsuits.
- Researchers say advertising restrictions are needed to slow the surge in popularity of vaping amoung teens. Vaping among teens increased 74 per cent from 2017 to 2018, according to a University of Waterloo researcher.
The latest in recalls
- These Western Family Grab N’ Go — Veggie Crisps have been recalled due to undeclared sulphites, almond, peanut, soy, and wheat.
- Certain Micro-USB Charging Cables Packaged with Happy Plugs Bluetooth Wireless II Headphones may cause the headphones to overheat, posing a burn hazard.
- The clear silicone spout on this Contigo Kids Cleanable Water Bottle can detach, posing a choking hazard to children.
- The cooktop surface elements on certain Whirlpool, KitchenAid and JennAir models may turn on by themselves, posing a fire risk.
Are you the ultimate bargain hunter?
Marketplace is looking for families or friends who are about to plan a vacation together. Do you know how to spot extra charges or hidden fees? Do you think you are a good negotiator? Perhaps you have what it takes to compete against other Canadians on Marketplace‘s vacation challenge. If you want to show our producers how you can beat the fees and get the best vacation deal, please email jenny.cowley@cbc.ca.
Heading to the U.S. soon?
Want to be prepared for any hidden or unexpected fees that may pop up along the way? We’re looking for outgoing group to be featured in an upcoming episode. Email jenny.cowley@cbc.ca.
What should we investigate next?
Our television season has wrapped, but you can catch up on previous Marketplace investigations on CBC Gem. From scams and misleading marketing claims to products and services that could put your health at risk, we are working on bringing you brand-new investigations this fall. If you have a story you think we should be covering, email us: marketplace@cbc.ca.
