The Better Business Bureau (BBB) has confirmed receiving numerous inquiries concerning Newfoundland Water Solutions, which is currently not accredited by the organization. The BBB warns of a "pattern of complaint" related to this company, alleging high-pressure sales tactics, particularly aimed at senior citizens, combined with misleading claims about water quality.
Mysteriously, the business profile for Newfoundland Water Solutions links back to Atlantic Environmental Systems Incorporated, hinting at shared ownership. According to recent reports, Atlantic Environmental Systems attracted scrutiny from Nova Scotia officials, leading to the revocation of their sales permits after facing customer complaints about aggressive sales techniques. Prince Edward Island (PEI) also withdrew the company's license due to similar issues.
While Service NL confirms Newfoundland Water Solutions' registration within Newfoundland and Labrador, they have yet to receive any formal complaints pertaining to the company's door-to-door operations.
Meanwhile, VOCM News spoke with a former door-to-door salesperson for Newfoundland Water Solutions who wished to remain anonymous. This individual revealed they responded to an online job ad on Indeed, which claimed no experience was needed and promised thorough training. The training included testing homeowner water for various aspects, eventually leading to offers for purification systems costing up to $15,000—products the former employee claims can be found retail for just $60. The sales activities took place primarily in the Whitbourne and Trinity Bay areas, raising significant concerns and questions about pricing structures.
Turning to the arts, Newfoundland native Cheryl Hickman has recently been appointed as the new Chair of the Canada Council for the Arts. Hickman, who serves as the general and artistic director of Opera on the Avalon, begins her five-year term with notable recognition; she has actively contributed to arts communities throughout North America and Europe, even being named one of Atlantic Canada’s Top 50 CEOs by Atlantic Business Magazine this year.
Hickman’s rich background as an accomplished soprano and board member of Opera.ca solidifies her influence over Canadian arts at this pivotal time. Her appointment is celebrated as one promising positive advancements for cultural expression across the nation.
On another note, the Avalon branch of the Ukrainian National Federation recently observed the third anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022. Bruce Lilly of UNF Avalon reflected on the sentiment of gratitude and resilience among the community members during this commemorative event. He shared insights about the forthcoming distribution of people wishing to return home once the conflict concludes, mentioning the uncertainty surrounding how and when the war may officially end.
Investigators with Nova Scotia RCMP are currently probing the deliberate cutting of a Bell Aliant communications fibreoptic cable, which occurred on Christmas Eve. The investigation reveals confidence among authorities, ruling out connections to national security incidents. Bell Aliant has indicated this cable, submerged on the seabed, would require specific tools to cut cleanly, elevates concerns about the method involved. Notably, this marked the second cable cut incident within the Cabot Strait this year, adding to the alarm surrounding communication infrastructure vulnerabilities, with repair costs anticipated to reach millions.
Moving to local fisheries, the Fish, Food and Allied Workers Union (FFAW) is committed to ensuring the sustainability of the snow crab fishery. Recently released stock assessments show biomass levels at their highest seen for decades, yet certain areas remain flagged for concern. Julia Pantin of the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) noted variations between stocks across distinct NAFO zones, conveying the continued importance of monitoring fishing areas. Fishing zones 3LNO and 3Ps emerged categorized as healthy, whereas northern areas, including 3K and 2HJ, are placed within cautious zones prompting immediate attention from advisors and policymakers set to begin sessions this Thursday.
Lastly, the community of Mount Pearl is grappling with the aftermath of a dog attack. Municipal enforcement officers, collaborating closely with the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary, are actively working to safely remove the aggressive animal from the home on Whitley Drive following the incident, which left one person injured. The injured resident is currently receiving treatment for their injuries; yet, officials assure the public remains safe, mitigating concerns over community safety during this troubling incident.