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Competition Bureau advances investigation into Sobeys’ use of property controls across Canada

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GATINEAU, QC, June 22, 2026 /CNW/ – The Competition Bureau has obtained court orders to advance its investigation into Empire Company Limited’s use of property controls in Canada. Empire is the parent company of Sobeys, Farm Boy, Safeway, IGA, Foodland and FreshCo, among others.

The Bureau’s investigation is examining the company’s use of property controls across Canada to assess whether their practices harm competition in the retail grocery industry. Lack of competition in the grocery industry can result in higher prices, lower quality and less availability.

The court orders, granted by the Federal Court, require the production of records, written information and oral testimony relevant to the Bureau’s investigation.

Earlier in the investigation, the Bureau obtained an initial court order requiring Empire to produce information focused on property controls in the Halifax Regional Municipality. The new orders will provide the Bureau additional information about the scope of Empire’s practices in Canada, including how the company negotiates property controls and their potential impacts on competition across Canada.

The investigation is ongoing and there is no conclusion of wrongdoing at this time.

The Bureau focuses its work on sectors that matter to Canadians, including those affecting essential household expenses like food.

Quick facts:

Property controls are restrictions on the use of commercial real estate that limit how a property can be used by others. These property controls are common across Canada, especially in retail settings. They can harm competition by making it difficult, or even impossible, for businesses to open new stores.In June 2023, the Bureau published its grocery market study, which concluded that property controls can limit competition from new grocers and can deny consumers the benefits of competition including lower prices, greater choice and increased innovation.In June 2024, the Bureau obtained two court orders to advance its investigations into the use of property controls by Sobeys’ and Loblaw’s parent companies related to property controls in the Halifax Regional Municipality.In January 2025, the Bureau took investigative actions that resulted in Empire agreeing to remove a property control that restricted retail grocery store competition in Crowsnest Pass, Alberta.In June 2025, the Bureau announced that it continues to monitor Loblaw’s public commitment to end property controls in Canada.The Bureau urges Canadians to report any property controls that may be anti-competitive using the online complaint form.

Related products

Competitor property controls and the Competition Act

Associated links

Competition Bureau advances investigations into Sobeys and Loblaw’s use of property controls Competition Bureau takes action to protect competition in the grocery industry in an Alberta communityCompetition Bureau monitors Loblaw’s commitment to end property controlsRetail Grocery Market Study

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The Competition Bureau is an independent law enforcement agency that protects and promotes competition for the benefit of Canadian consumers and businesses. Competition drives lower prices and innovation while fueling economic growth.

SOURCE Competition Bureau

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BingX TradFi Stocks Daily Volume Surges 700% in Five Days Amid Rising Multi-Asset Trading Demand

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PANAMA CITY, June 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — BingX, a leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3-AI company, today reported that daily trading volume across its BingX TradFi Stocks has surged by more than 700% over the last five days, reflecting growing demand for diversified opportunities across both private markets and traditional financial markets within a unified trading environment.

With a cumulative stock trading volume of over $2.7 billion and stock indexes exceeding $8 billion over the last 2 months, the milestone reinforces the growing role of BingX as a multi-asset trading platform where users can access stocks, forex, indices and commodities, and digital assets through a single account.

The rapid increase is driven by growing interest in globally recognized companies such as SpaceX, NVIDIA, and Samsung, and other high-profile names that connect crypto-native traders with global trends and market opportunities, such as the OpenAI pre-IPO airdrop.

“We’re seeing a clear shift in how users approach trading. Rather than focusing on a single asset class, traders increasingly want access to multiple markets through one platform,” said Pablo Monti, Spokesperson at BingX. “The rapid growth of our TradFi offering demonstrates strong demand for a more unified trading experience that combines crypto, stocks, indices, commodities, and emerging opportunities such as pre-IPO access.”

Building on this momentum, BingX recently launched its $1 Million Stock Trading Carnival to encourage broader participation in global equity markets and further expand user engagement. Users can expect monthly themed campaigns built around major market trends, creating new opportunities to engage with multi-asset markets on BingX.

About BingX
Founded in 2018, BingX is a leading crypto exchange and Web3-AI company, serving over 40 million users worldwide. Ranked among the top five global crypto derivatives exchanges and a pioneer of crypto copy trading, BingX addresses the evolving needs of users across all experience levels.

Powered by a comprehensive suite of AI-driven products and services, including futures, spot, copy trading, and TradFi offerings, BingX empowers users with innovative tools designed to enhance performance, confidence, and efficiency.

BingX has been the principal partner of Chelsea FC since 2024, and became the first official crypto exchange partner of Scuderia Ferrari HP in 2026.

For more information, please visit: https://bingx.com/

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SOURCE BingX

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ESI Announces Strategic Expansion to Support America’s Next Generation of AI, Energy, and Advanced Manufacturing Infrastructure

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Idaho-based builder aligns operations and investments around the growing infrastructure demands reshaping the U.S. economy

BOISE, Idaho, June 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — ESI announced today a strategic expansion and operational alignment initiative designed to support the rapidly growing infrastructure demands driven by artificial intelligence, energy modernization, advanced manufacturing, and mission-critical systems development across the United States.

The company is aligning its people, technology, and operations to meet what industry analysts describe as one of the largest infrastructure buildouts in modern history. The explosive growth of AI computing, semiconductor manufacturing, energy generation, and the critical water systems that support them is fueling this transformation.

“Construction is no longer cyclical; it is foundational to the future economy,” said ESI’s Vice President for Strategy and Growth Ben Davee. “The next decade will require builders who can deliver complex infrastructure at scale while maintaining the craftsmanship, discipline, and trust that customers depend on. ESI has spent years building that capability, and we are strategically positioning the company to meet this moment.”

As part of the initiative, ESI is further aligning its business units and operational capabilities to support increasingly complex projects that span multiple industries and regions. The company’s self-perform expertise across concrete, reinforcing, and other trade disciplines positions ESI to deliver the highly coordinated infrastructure projects that the advanced technology sectors demand.

The announcement reflects a long-term strategic focus on several rapidly expanding markets, including:

AI and hyperscale data center infrastructureSemiconductor manufacturing facilitiesEnergy generation, grid modernization, and nuclear research infrastructureWater and wastewater systems supporting industrial growthElectric vehicle charging and distribution infrastructureMission-critical federal and enterprise facilities

Long before AI and advanced manufacturing became dominant national priorities, ESI and its sister company ESTECH were already delivering projects in these sectors across the country and internationally. That experience, company leaders say, gives ESI a unique operational advantage as demand accelerates.

According to BlackRock, global infrastructure investment tied to AI demand alone could reach

$10 trillion by 2033, driven largely by the need for expanded power generation, cooling capacity, water systems, and digital infrastructure.

“This is about more than company growth,” said ESI CEO and President Neil Nelson. “America is entering a new era of industrial and technological development, and the infrastructure behind that future still

has to be physically built. Builders will play a critical role in keeping the American economy moving forward, and ESI intends to help lead that effort with discipline, innovation, and a long-term commitment to quality.”

Alongside its expansion into advanced infrastructure markets, ESI emphasized its continued dedication to the customers and communities that built the company’s foundation. ESI’s nationally recognized retail and grocery construction programs continue to mature and are driving investments in workforce development, education partnerships, and community initiatives through ESI CARES.

The company is also investing in its teams to ensure they have the skills and expertise to serve customers in these spaces. Internally, upgraded enterprise systems, stronger data infrastructure, and artificial intelligence-enabled workflows are being designed to improve operational efficiency and customer service without replacing the expertise of skilled construction professionals. Externally, ESI continues to partner with organizations that champion workforce development, hands-on training, and community initiatives that provide opportunities for new and transitioning workers in this new economy.

“We are not pursuing growth for growth’s sake,” Nelson added. “We are building intentionally for the future. With the right people, the right systems, and the right partnerships, we can deliver the infrastructure that the next generation will need to live, work, and thrive.”

Media-approved project photography and company images are available for editorial use here: https://app.box.com/s/1yr3ifcplz5e0hwjidy1ljkhl3g02eru

About ESI:

Founded in 1973, Engineered Structures, Inc. (ESI) is the largest privately owned general contracting, construction management, and design-build firm in Idaho. ESI has earned a reputation for excellence in commercial construction across a variety of market sectors including industrial, office, healthcare, federal, multi-family, public works, retail projects, and more. For more details and to learn more about ESI, visit https://esiconstruction.com.

ESI Point of Contact:
media@esiconstruction.com

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SOURCE Engineered Structures, Inc. (ESI)

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In HelloNation, Cleaning Expert David Merreot Details What a Residential Cleaning Service Includes and What to Expect

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A New Article Covers the Standard Tasks, Free Estimates, and Service Layers That Define a Professional Cleaning Visit.

ANN ARBOR, Mich., June 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — What does a residential cleaning service actually cover, and what should homeowners know before scheduling their first professional appointment? A HelloNation article walks through the standard tasks, service options, and communication practices that define a professional cleaning relationship from the first visit forward.

The article describes most professional cleaning visits as following a consistent framework focused on the primary areas of the home. Kitchens, bathrooms, living rooms, and bedrooms receive the most attention during a standard appointment. Routine tasks include dusting surfaces, wiping down counters and fixtures, vacuuming and mopping floors, and cleaning toilets, sinks, tubs, and showers.

One of the most practical early offerings described in the article is the free in-home estimate. During that walk-through, a company representative evaluates the home, identifies its specific needs, and provides a service recommendation based on what matters most to the homeowner. The article notes that this initial assessment removes much of the guesswork and sets clear expectations before service begins.

The article explains that an in-home estimate also creates an opportunity for the homeowner to communicate priorities directly. Some homeowners have a bathroom that needs extra attention, a high-traffic area that accumulates dust quickly, or a room that sees little use and does not need to be included in every visit. A quality residential cleaning service builds a plan around how the homeowner actually uses the space.

Cleaning Expert David Merreot’s insights are featured throughout the article, which also describes how many companies organize their work in layers. A standard visit covers the core routine tasks in each room. A deeper cleaning addresses areas not included in regular visits, such as baseboards, window sills, cabinet fronts, and the inside of appliances. These deeper tasks are rotated into the schedule periodically rather than completed at every appointment.

The article is clear that a standard visit typically does not include laundry, dishes in the sink, closet organization, outdoor cleaning, or detailed window washing. Some companies offer these as optional services, but they fall outside the scope of routine appointments. Understanding what is not included is described in the article as just as useful as knowing what is covered.

Many professional cleaning services have moved toward environmentally friendly or low-chemical formulations as a standard part of their work. The article recommends raising any sensitivities, allergies, or product preferences before service begins, noting that a reputable company will take those requirements seriously and communicate clearly about any limitations.

Consistency is highlighted as one of the most meaningful benefits of a long-term residential cleaning service relationship. Many companies try to send the same team or individual to each home on every scheduled visit. According to the article, that familiarity with the space allows a Cleaning Expert and their team to work more efficiently over time, which tends to improve both quality and predictability with each appointment.

What a Residential Cleaning Service Includes and What to Expect features insights from David Merreot, Cleaning Expert of Ann Arbor, Michigan, in HelloNation.

About HelloNation

HelloNation is America’s Good News Network, a premier media platform built on the idea that good news travels faster when real people tell real stories. Through its community-focused digital publications and innovative “edvertising” approach, HelloNation delivers expert-driven, good-news content that informs, inspires, and spotlights the leaders making a meaningful impact in their communities.

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SOURCE HelloNation

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