The lifting of a stop-work order at a Halifax Walmart bakery comes after a devastating incident
The stop-work order placed on the bakery at the Walmart location on Mumford Road in Halifax has been lifted, following the tragic death of 19-year-old employee Gursimran Kaur. Kaur’s body was discovered on October 19 by her mother, who also worked at the store. The circumstances surrounding her death have shocked the community and prompted an ongoing investigation by Halifax Regional Police.
The Nova Scotia Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration confirmed that the stop-work order was lifted after compliance with safety regulations was verified. However, the Walmart store remains closed indefinitely, as the company has not set a date for reopening, CBC News reported. In a letter to employees, Walmart indicated that operations at the bakery could resume if the company chooses to do so.
Kaur, who moved to Canada from India about two years ago, was described by the Maritime Sikh Society as a “young beautiful girl” with dreams for her future. The organization has set up a GoFundMe campaign to support Kaur’s family, raising nearly $200,000 to help bring her father and brother from Punjab for her funeral.
The family is currently grappling with an unimaginable loss. Kaur’s mother had become frantic when she could not reach her daughter during her shift, leading her to check the bakery oven where the devastating discovery was made. Community members have rallied around the family during this heartbreaking time.
As the investigation into the incident continues, many are calling for increased safety measures to prevent such tragedies in the future. Walmart has faced scrutiny, with records indicating that nine inspections were conducted at the store over the past five years without any significant enforcement actions taken.
The community remains in mourning, with local leaders urging for accountability and improved workplace safety standards. The Maritime Sikh Society has been vocal in its support for Kaur’s family and continues to advocate for justice in her memory.
