Loblaw reopens warehouse following tragedy

Loblaw Cos. said it has reopened a warehouse facility in Edmonton, Alberta, where a worker is accused of attacking co-workers on Friday, killing two and injuring four others. The facility was reopened on a “modified and voluntary basis,” based on advice from grief counselors.

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"Friday was a tragic day at our Edmonton distribution centre. We lost friends, others were injured and our entire team was shaken. We appreciate the swift response of the Edmonton police force and the courage of colleagues who assisted in the care and safety of our co-workers. Most of all, we honour our colleagues who were injured and killed. Our thoughts are with them and their families, and our team is forever saddened,” the company said in a statement.

Jayme Pasieka, 29, has been arrested and charged with two counts of murder and additional charges for a rampage Friday during which he entered the facility with a knife and attacked several workers, local reports said. It was unclear whether the attacker was scheduled to have been working at the time of the incident.

Loblaw initially said the facility — which services Superstores in Western Canada — would close “as long as appropriate.” Grief counsellors however suggested reopening on a voluntary basis “based on their belief in the value of work and workplace interactions following traumatic events.”