Page - 237 - in VULNERABLE - The Law, Policy and Ethics of COVID-19

237Balancing Risk and Reward in the Time of COVID-19 cleaning and special hours for seniors.5 Once designated an essential business in Ontario and Quebec on March 24, 2020, Dollarama pub- lished an update explaining the extensive measures being taken to protect the safety of employees and customers, and committing to keep prices at pre-pandemic levels.6 Since then, Dollarama’s website includes a special pop-up update from CEO Neil Rossy about the company’s COVID-19 measures and news.7 In a special interview published on April 30, 2020, Rossy explained that Dollarama’s des- ignation as an essential business was top of mind in making deci- sions about managing the company. The company was spending what was needed on preventive measures for staff and customers, wage increases,8 additional hiring and allowing employee time off for those unable or unwilling to work, without regard for the bot- tom line, because it was the right thing to do.9 Rossy also continued to place orders in the usual quantities to support his suppliers, even if it was unclear what the retail demand would be going forward. Despite a few bumps, he was satisfied with how the company had adjusted to the crisis (fewer than 10 employees had become infected with COVID-19).10 Cargill Cargill is a U.S.-based, private, family-run multinational corporation founded in 1865.11 It operates in a wide range of industries related to 5. Dollarama, “Dollarama Reaffirms Commitment to Serving Canadians” (20 March 2020), online: Dollarama <www.dollarama.com/en-CA/corp/news-release? id=122656>. 6. Dollarama, News Release, “Dollarama Recognized as Essential Business” (24 March 2020), online: Dollarama <www.dollarama.com/en-CA/corp/news-release? id=122657>. 7. Neil Rossy, “Message to Customers: COVID-19 Update” (1 May 2020), online: Dollarama <www.dollarama.com/en-CA/>. 8. Aleksandra Sagan, “Dollarama, Walmart Canada Boost Employee Pay Amid Coronavirus Outbreak”, The  Globe  and  Mail (24 March 2020), online: <www. theglobeandmail.com/business/article-dollarama-says-stores-recognised- as-essential-service-in-ontario-and/>. 9. Nicolas Van Praet, “Dollarama’s CEO on Protecting Staff, Navigating Supply Chains and Sacrificing Profits in a Pandemic”, The  Globe  and  Mail (30 April 2020), online: <www.theglobeandmail.com/business/article-dollarama-ceo-admits-mistakes- during-pandemic-but-sees-companys-long/>. 10. Ibid. 11. Cargill, “Cargill Timeline” (2019) at 1, online (pdf): Cargill <www.cargill.com/ doc/1432078093613/pdf-cargill-timeline.pdf>.