Baby formula shortage affects Nova Scotia families as stores limit purchases
Baby formula shortage affects Nova Scotia families as stores limit purchases
A baby formula shortage in the United States is starting to affect Nova Scotia families as well.
Many stores are limiting the number of containers that can be purchased by a customer to counter the shortage, which means more frequent and costly trips to the store for parents.
“I’ve noticed that you’re only allowed two cases of milk per household because of the shortage that we’re dealing with here right now,” says parent Miranda Bundy.
That limit means Bundy has to load her baby and stroller into her car more often.
“I normally buy at least three to four cases just so I could have it on hand,” says Bundy.
Sarah Kelly is in the same situation -- sort of. She has very hungry six-month-old triplets.
“Basically I just send out people I know to go to Costco and get as many as they are allowed. Two cans of formula doesn’t really make it very far when you have triplets. It only lasts about two days at the most,” Kelly says.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau addressed the formula shortage Tuesday, saying the supply of regular formula should be fine, but there could be challenges around specialized formulas for vulnerable children.
“We are confident that the work that we’re doing to secure supply from elsewhere and to ensure that Canadians have those options is going to be fine,” Trudeau said.
In February, food safety issues forced the closure of the Michigan plant that supplies much of the special formula, which has caused a ripple effect across the board.
According to industry experts, there is a baby formula manufacturing plant in Kingston, Ont., but it’s foreign-owned and all of what it produces is shipped overseas.
“All of that production is actually intended for China in particular. That has been a bit of a head-scratcher to be honest because all of a sudden we are short,” says food industry expert Sylvain Charlebois.
He says the Abbott formula plant in Michigan could reopen in just a couple weeks. Then it would take four to six weeks to once again stabilize the supply.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NACI recommends fall COVID-19 booster in advance of possible future wave
The National Advisory Committee on Immunization is recommending booster shots this fall in advance of a possible future wave of COVID-19 in Canada.
Woman, 20, fatally shot while pushing 3-month-old baby in stroller in New York
A 20-year-old woman was fatally shot Wednesday night while she pushed her 3-month-old infant daughter in a stroller on New York's Upper East Side, police say.
Air Canada to reduce flights this summer amid 'customer service shortfalls'
Air Canada is planning to reduce its flights in July and August, according to a statement from the company's president, as the airline continues to deal with 'customer service shortfalls.'
'What were they waiting for?' Woman inside Saanich bank amid shootout describes 'calm' gunmen
A woman who was trapped inside a bank during a robbery and fatal shootout with police near Victoria on Tuesday says there is one question still plaguing her a day later: Why didn't the gunmen just leave with the money?
Border restrictions to enter Canada extended until at least Sept. 30
The federal government announced Wednesday all existing border restrictions to enter Canada will remain in place until at least Sept. 30.
'We cannot pause our lives': Ukrainians begin rebuilding amid war with Russia
Ukrainians are gradually returning to life a few months after Russian troops retreated from the northern Chernihiv region. Now, people are repairing homes, and the sound of construction tools fills the air. Volunteers from all over Ukraine, and from other countries, are coming to help because there is so much to do before another winter approaches.
R. Kelly sentenced to 30 years in sex trafficking case
Fallen R&B superstar R. Kelly was sentenced to 30 years in prison Wednesday for using his fame to subject young fans - some just children - to systematic sexual abuse.
Police investigating possibility of 3rd suspect in Saanich, B.C., shooting
Police in Saanich, B.C., say they continue to investigate the possibility that a "third suspect" was involved in a fatal shooting at a bank that left two suspects dead and six officers injured Tuesday.
Where do the inquiries into the 'Freedom Convoy' protests and use of Emergencies Act stand?
Five months ago, the first 'Freedom Convoy' trucks rolled into Ottawa. After the federal government took the unprecedented step of invoking the Emergencies Act to end the protests, a series of inquiries and probes have been initiated. With the nation's capital bracing for more protests over the Canada Day weekend, CTVNews.ca takes a look at where the main commissions and studies stand.
Toronto
-
Ontario man loses almost 500,000 travel points worth $5,000
An Ontario man says he's frustrated with his bank after almost 500,000 of his travel points disappeared.
-
Air Canada to reduce flights this summer amid 'customer service shortfalls'
Air Canada is planning to reduce its flights in July and August, according to a statement from the company's president, as the airline continues to deal with 'customer service shortfalls.'
-
Canada's transportation minister slams 'unacceptable' baggage chaos at Toronto Pearson
Canada's transport minister is speaking out about the 'unacceptable issues' that continue to result in significant delays. He says the federal government has done everything in its control to fix the issue.
Calgary
-
Parade float attacked Sikh articles of faith, U of C expert says
An expert at the University of Calgary says a float in a small Alberta town's annual parade made a mockery of some of the symbols the Sikh religion hold sacred.
-
Calgary teen charged in alleged murder-for-hire attempt
The Calgary Police Service confirms a 16-year-old has been charged following an investigation into reports the teen had tried to hire someone to commit a murder for them.
-
Trucks hits house in southeast Calgary
Two trucks nearly plowed through the front exterior of a house in southeast Calgary Wednesday evening.
Montreal
-
Montreal airport to 'likely' cancel flights, destinations amid summertime staffing shortage
Canadians flying out of the Montreal airport might be in for a bit of a shock this summer as the head of the Trudeau airport says airlines will "likely" be asked to cancel some flights — or even destinations altogether.
-
Montreal girl, 4, desperately needs stem cell donation
A social media campaign to help find a compatible stem cell donor for a four-year-old girl in Montreal is putting a spotlight on the lack of diversity in donor lists.
-
Ahead of summer festivals, Quebec health officials warn of rising COVID-19 numbers
Ahead of the hustle and bustle of festival season in Montreal, Quebec health officials are asking people to stay vigilant amid rising COVID-19 numbers.
Edmonton
-
Paul Hinman fighting claim he's been removed as Wildrose Independence leader
A man who insists he's still the leader of an Alberta separatist party says an effort to push him out, amid allegations of theft, is being led by "agents" who have infiltrated the board.
-
Guilty verdict for man who killed 1-year-old son in Fort Saskatchewan
Damien Christopher Starrett was found guilty of killing his one-year-old son Ares Starrett and assaulting another child in a Fort Saskatchewan home on Nov. 23, 2019.
-
Funnel cloud spotted south of Edmonton
Thunderstorms over the Leduc region spawned a small funnel cloud Wednesday evening.
Northern Ontario
-
Espanola teen creates climate change awareness app
Punya Pandey of Espanola says an article on climate change inspired him to create an app to raise awareness about the issue.
-
Sudbury’s music scene offers something for everyone with three festivals set for this summer
The Northern Lights Festival Boreal, Sudbury’s Summer Concert Series and Up Here Festival are promising an action-packed summer in the city.
-
Trial begins in 2018 murder case in Elliot Lake
The trial of a man charged with first-degree murder in the death of an Elliot Lake man got underway this week in a Sault Ste. Marie courtroom.
London
-
Collision closes Crediton Road Wednesday night
Crediton Road, just south of Exeter is closed between Airport Line and Ausable line following a collision, Wednesday evening.
-
Four taken to hospital after two-vehicle crash in Elgin County
A panel van went up in flames following a two-vehicle crash in Elgin County on Wednesday, police say the occupants were able to safely escape.
-
School's out for summer! London, Ont. students celebrate last day of school
It was the last day of school for most elementary school students in the region and a time for students and teachers to look forward to summer.
Winnipeg
-
Four years after completion, new interchange already requires concrete repairs
A four-year-old road project that cost the province a quarter billion dollars is already in need of repairs.
-
Winnipeg airport feeling 'ripple effect' of delays across Canada
Canadian travellers are having to employ the 'hurry up and wait' practice at airports across the country lately according to new data. According to the Winnipeg Airport Authority (WAA), this impact isn't being felt to the same extent as other airports in the country.
-
Air Canada to reduce flights this summer amid 'customer service shortfalls'
Air Canada is planning to reduce its flights in July and August, according to a statement from the company's president, as the airline continues to deal with 'customer service shortfalls.'
Ottawa
-
Police identify woman, teen killed at Ottawa home
Anne-Marie Ready, 50, and Jasmine Ready, 15, died from stab wounds following an incident at a home on Anoka Street Monday night, police said Wednesday afternoon.
-
Ottawa broadcaster, entrepreneur Mark Sutcliffe running for mayor
Longtime Ottawa entrepreneur, broadcaster and author Mark Sutcliffe is running to become the next mayor of Ottawa.
-
Air Canada to reduce flights this summer amid 'customer service shortfalls'
Air Canada is planning to reduce its flights in July and August, according to a statement from the company's president, as the airline continues to deal with 'customer service shortfalls.'
Saskatoon
-
Saskatoon man left with brain injury after random stabbing at hospital, family says
A 55-year-old man was stabbed in the head with a screwdriver at a Saskatoon hospital, according to his daughter.
-
Possible tornado spotted near Watrous, Sask.
Video shared online appears to show a tornado near Watrous, Saskatchewan.
-
Sask. RCMP investigate after woman found seriously injured
Saskatchewan RCMP found a 23-year-old woman seriously injured when they responded to a weapons complaint in Prince Albert.
Vancouver
-
'How could so much have been missed?' Family of disabled B.C. senior who nearly died of neglect speaks out
Regena Cameron remembers the shock of seeing cousin Jeanette in a B.C. hospital three years ago, after she was admitted in what a judge later called "an advanced state of neglect." Now, she is speaking out, hoping to prevent further suffering.
-
B.C. cop used position to pursue 'intimate relationships' while on duty, authorities say
Authorities have announced charges against a B.C. RCMP officer who allegedly used his position to pursue "intimate relationships with women," both on and off duty.
-
BC Soccer dispute could sideline thousands of youth players
Close to 100,000 kids who play soccer in B.C. could be sideline because of a power struggle off the field.
Regina
-
Possible tornado spotted near Watrous, Sask.
Video shared online appears to show a tornado near Watrous, Saskatchewan.
-
Flooding prompts RM of Lajord to declare state of emergency
The RM of Lajord has declared a state of emergency and is seeking government disaster assistance following flooding just east of Regina.
-
Regina police outline 3 options for decriminalizing drugs
The road to decriminalizing drugs in Regina is being paved. On Tuesday, the Board of Police Commissioners met to discuss the possibility of decriminalizing personal illicit drug possession in the city of Regina.
Vancouver Island
-
Police investigating possibility of 3rd suspect in Saanich, B.C., shooting
Police in Saanich, B.C., say they continue to investigate the possibility that a "third suspect" was involved in a fatal shooting at a bank that left two suspects dead and six officers injured Tuesday.
-
'What were they waiting for?' Woman inside Saanich bank amid shootout describes 'calm' gunmen
A woman who was trapped inside a bank during a robbery and fatal shootout with police near Victoria on Tuesday says there is one question still plaguing her a day later: Why didn't the gunmen just leave with the money?
-
Island pet owners benefit from Lower Mainland veterinary hospital featured in reality TV series
A Lower Mainland animal hospital is turning to reality television to help raise funds so they can, in turn, help pet owners – including those on Vancouver Island – with costly major surgeries on animals.