The tragic death of 19-year-old Gursimran Kaur, a Walmart employee in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canadá, has brought attention to workplace safety and led to a temporary closure of the store. Kaur was found dead inside a walk-in oven in the store’s bakery section, and the incident has left both the community and her family devastated.
While a stop-work order affecting the bakery area was lifted this week, questions remain as investigations continue.
What Led to the Stop-Work Order?
Following the incident on October 19, the Nova Scotia Department of Labour, Skills, and Immigration issued a stop-work order on the bakery section of the Mumford Road Walmart.
The order covered specific equipment within the bakery area as investigators worked to confirm compliance with workplace safety standards. The department stated that Walmart could resume bakery operations once compliance was verified, ensuring safety measures were in place.
The stop-work order was lifted once compliance was confirmed, the department noted in a statement. However, the decision to reopen the bakery remains with Walmart Halifax, which has kept the store closed for now.
Is the Store Open Now?
Despite the lift on the stop-work order for the bakery, Walmart has decided to keep the Halifax location closed. A Walmart spokesperson confirmed that the store will remain closed until further notice, as the company reviews its next steps. The decision is partly due to the impact on employees, as well as the need to support ongoing investigations and ensure that any reopening prioritizes safety.
In a statement released by Walmart to Global News, they assured employees they would continue to receive scheduled payments during the closure. Walmart has also indicated that “alternate work arrangements” may be provided for those whose shifts are affected if the closure continues for an extended period.
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Who Was Gursimran Kaur?
Gursimran Kaur was identified as the victim of this tragic incident by the Maritime Sikh Society. She worked at the Halifax Walmart location alongside her mother, who was also employed there. Both Kaur and her mother had been with the store for nearly two years, having moved to Canada from India three years ago. Kaur’s family and the Sikh community are deeply mourning her loss.
The Maritime Sikh Society has also stepped in to support Kaur’s family by applying for an emergency visa to allow her father to travel to Canada. Walmart has provided financial assistance to the family and remains in contact to offer further support.
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What Are Police Saying About the Investigation?
Halifax Regional Police have described the investigation into Kaur’s death as complex. While they have not provided new updates this week, officials confirmed that the case remains active. Authorities have been tight-lipped regarding the specifics of the investigation, stating that they are thoroughly examining all aspects of the incident.
The Halifax Police Department’s involvement underscores the seriousness of the case, with officials reportedly exploring all potential factors contributing to Kaur’s entrapment and subsequent death.
When Will the Store Reopen?
As of an October 27 letter from Walmart to its Halifax employees, the Mumford Road location will remain closed for at least another week. There is currently no confirmed reopening date. Walmart has acknowledged that the timeline remains uncertain as investigations continue and support is provided to employees and Kaur’s family.
For now, Walmart’s focus appears to be on ensuring the safety of the workplace and providing ongoing support to affected employees and the family of the deceased.
