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Following the death of four horses during Calgary Stampede events, the Canadian Federation of Humane Societies (CFHS) is speaking out against the cruelty inherent in rodeos held across Canada.

"While the death of 4 horses in 2 days has raised eyebrows, the sad reality is this is par for the course for the Stampede," says Shelagh MacDonald, program director of the CFHS. "Typically, several animals die at the Stampede every year while being harassed, agitated and driven to their limit for mere entertainment."

Walmart Canada is beginning its sixth annual reduced summer lighting program in nearly all of its stores nationwide. By reducing its sales floor lighting by one-third, summer-long, the company expects to help ease strain on provincial power grids and reduce summer smog conditions.

"As temperatures rise this summer, we're helping do our part for the environment and the stability of our power systems," said John Lawrence, director of corporate social responsibility at Walmart Canada. "Whether it's reducing lighting, using lower wattage light bulbs or building stores that are 30% more energy-efficient, Walmart's committed to being an energy-efficient business now and over the long-term."

There have been reports of tornado activity in and around the Midland, Ontario area.

Environment Canada has issued a Tornado Warning in this area. Storms are moving quickly to the east of this area.

Emergency Management Ontario recommends that persons in the area described as Penatanguishine to the north, Barrie to the south, Collingwood to the west, and Orillia to the east immediately shelter. Everyone in this area, including motorists and boaters, are required to go indoors or seek shelter, and close all doors and windows. People currently outside this area are advised not to enter this area until further notice. If it is safe to do so, pets and livestock should be removed quickly from outside and given stored feed and protected water.

In a period of economic recovery, 35 percent of Canadian employees are "very satisfied" with their current employer, according to the latest Randstad quarterly work survey. Among the 23 countries surveyed, only Denmark and Norway achieved a higher satisfaction level with 36 percent. By comparison, six percent of Chinese employees and seven percent of Japanese employees reported being "very satisfied" with their employer. The United Kingdom had a rate of 20 percent, Australia 24 and the United States 31.

Walmart Canada and Breakfast Clubs of Canada announced today that the recent Taste for Learning campaign held at Walmart stores nationwide raised a record-breaking $2.9 million for school breakfast programs across the country serving millions of breakfasts to Canadian children every year.

(Photo:  Walmart store in Williams Lake)