'There's nothing': Frustration as baby formula shortage persists in Edmonton area
An Edmonton family is frustrated as they continue going store-to-store searching for baby formula, saying many stores struggle to keep it stocked.
While Health Canada recognized a "critical" shortage of baby formula last summer, especially for specialized diets and conditions, a grandmother says she has been on the hunt to find some for the past two weeks.
Wendy Bracke has been caring for her eight-month-old grandson Emrys and was surprised that there were not only shortages of the brand they relied on but general stock levels for any product.
She estimates she's visited more than 20 stores, with few options available.
"He's been on four different formulas in the last month," Bracke told CTV News Edmonton. "In our area, we've been to all the Shoppers Drug Marts, all the Superstores, all the Safeways, all the No Frills. There's nothing."
"Even online, Amazon, Walmart online, we couldn't find it," she added. "I don't know why we can't seem to fill the shelves here in Edmonton. It's scary."
As she searches grocery store aisles, Bracke says she often finds other parents and caregivers who are also desperate to find baby formula.
"It's very, very difficult. I don't know how parents are doing this," Bracke said. "We can't get what we need."
"The formula is where he is getting his nutrition, and in order to change that all the time, it's not good for his system."
When asked by CTV News Edmonton on Monday, Alberta Health Minister Jason Copping said he is aware there are some supply challenges. He recommended parents struggling to locate formula call 811 and ask to speak to a dietician for advice on alternative nutrition options.
"We are currently working with the federal government to understand the impact of that [shortage]," Copping said at an event highlighting how the province imported Turkish children's cold and flu medication to alleviate supply disruptions.
Alberta Health Services is exploring creating a website showing where stock of baby formula is available, he added.
"We will continue to work with the feds and go from there."
In a statement, Health Canada says it is working "tirelessly" to improve supply and address the rising cost of baby formula.
The federal agency has authorized the temporary sale of more than 70 products from other countries as it also works with manufacturers to identify further options, a spokesperson said.
"These efforts have paid off so far by allowing a continuous supply to the country," said Natalie Mohamed. "We also expect the situation to stabilize over the next few months."
With files from CTV News Edmonton's Miriam Valdes-Carletti
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Half of Canadians have negative opinion of latest Liberal budget: poll
A new poll suggests the Liberals have not won over voters with their latest budget, though there is broad support for their plan to build millions of homes.
opinion Why you should protect your investments by naming a trusted contact person
Appointing a trusted person to help with financial obligations can give you peace of mind. In his personal finance column for CTVNews.ca, Christopher Liew outlines the key benefits of naming a confidant to take over your financial responsibilities, if the need ever arises.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.
Ottawa injects another $36M into vaccine injury compensation fund
The federal government has added $36.4 million to a program designed to support people who have been seriously injured or killed by vaccines since the end of 2020.
Photographer alleges he was forced to watch Megan Thee Stallion have sex and was unfairly fired
A photographer who worked for Megan Thee Stallion said in a lawsuit filed Tuesday that he was forced to watch her have sex, was unfairly fired soon after and was abused as her employee.
Accused of burglary at stepmother's home, U.S. senator says she wanted her father's ashes: charges
A Minnesota state senator and former broadcast meteorologist told police that she broke into her stepmother's home because her stepmother refused to give her items of sentimental value from her late father, including his ashes, according to burglary charges filed Tuesday.
Twins from Toronto were Canada's top two female finishers at this year's Boston Marathon
When identical twin sisters Kim and Michelle Krezonoski were invited to compete against some of the world’s most elite female runners at last week’s Boston Marathon, they were in disbelief.
LGBTQ2S+ rallies to be held across Canada, billed as largest since marriage equality
Organizations across the country are gearing up for what they describe as the largest LGBTQ2S+ mobilization since the push for marriage equality.
Toronto Catholic school board trustees vote against flying 'pro-life' flag
Catholic public schools across Toronto will not be flying the "pro-life" flag in the month of May after school board trustees voted against it.