The Halifax Walmart store on Mumford Road, where a 19-year-old employee tragically lost her life inside a bakery oven, remains closed. As the investigation continues, questions about the store’s reopening date and the steps Walmart is taking to address the tragedy persist. Here’s what we know so far about the situation and its impact on the community.
Why Did the Halifax Walmart Close?
On October 19, Gursimran Kaur, a young employee who worked in the bakery section of the Mumford Road Walmart alongside her mother, was found deceased inside a walk-in oven. The event shocked employees and the Halifax community. As a result, Halifax Regional Police and provincial labor authorities issued a stop-work order, halting all bakery operations pending compliance checks on equipment and workplace safety.
The Department of Labour, Skills, and Immigration in Nova Scotia later confirmed that the stop-work order, which applied specifically to the bakery section and related equipment, was lifted after compliance measures were met. However, the store itself has remained closed, with Walmart choosing to keep the location shut while internal reviews and police investigations continue.
Will the Bakery Section Reopen?
While labor authorities have now cleared the bakery area for safe operation, Walmart has opted not to reopen this section or any part of the store until further notice. According to Walmart spokesperson Amanda Moss, the decision to delay the reopening reflects Walmart’s commitment to the safety and well-being of its associates and the broader community. Moss noted that Walmart is closely collaborating with Halifax authorities and is taking all necessary steps to ensure safe operations.
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What Financial Support is Walmart Providing to Affected Employees?
Since the closure, Walmart has continued to support its employees financially. Employees previously scheduled to work will continue to receive pay, and Walmart has announced that alternative work arrangements are being explored if the closure extends longer than expected. The company has also extended direct financial assistance to Kaur’s family during this difficult time.
“We know this has been an incredibly difficult time for the associate’s family as they grieve,” Moss said in a statement. “We remain in direct contact with them and have provided financial support.” This support includes collaboration with the Maritime Sikh Society, who have organized an emergency visa application to bring Kaur’s father to Canada from India.
What Have Investigators Found So Far?
Halifax Regional Police have called Kaur’s death investigation “complex” and continue to withhold details as they work through their findings. Authorities have not released updates in the past week regarding the cause of Kaur’s entrapment in the oven, leaving the community with more questions than answers.
The investigation also brought to light that the Mumford Road Walmart location underwent nine labor inspections in the last five years, with no enforcement actions or penalties issued in those reviews. While no violations were identified previously, the scrutiny surrounding Kaur’s tragic death has intensified calls for transparency and stricter safety measures.
When Will the Halifax Walmart Reopen?
In an internal letter to employees dated October 27, Walmart informed staff that the store would remain closed for at least another week, with no set reopening date. While the bakery section has been cleared for safe operation, Walmart’s corporate office has prioritized a thorough safety review before resuming full store operations. “We want to be absolutely certain that our store is a safe environment for everyone,” the letter stated.
The delay leaves customers and employees wondering how long it will take before the store can safely welcome the community again.
How Has the Community Responded to Gursimran Kaur’s Death?
Gursimran Kaur’s story has touched the hearts of many in Halifax and beyond. As a recent immigrant from India, Kaur came to Canada with dreams of a better future, working at Walmart alongside her mother, who remains a part of the store’s community. T
he Maritime Sikh Society has been actively involved in supporting the family and organizing resources to bring Kaur’s father to Canada in this time of grief.
A GoFundMe page set up by the society has received widespread community support, with local residents contributing to help alleviate some of the financial burdens facing Kaur’s family. Halifax residents have also expressed solidarity, with many leaving flowers and messages of support outside the store as a tribute to Kaur’s memory.
