Nova Scotia’s Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration has concluded its investigation into the October 2024 death of a worker at a Halifax Walmart and found no violations.
The investigation focused on workplace conditions and a bakery oven at the Mumford Road location. Investigators determined the oven was in proper working order at the time of the incident and identified no safety violations that could have contributed to the worker’s death.
The department also found no broader safety concerns associated with that type of oven.
What happened
The investigation stems from the death of Gursimran Kaur, 19, whose body was discovered Oct. 19, 2024, inside a commercial bakery oven at the Mumford Road store. Halifax Regional Police said in November 2024 there was no evidence of foul play.
Following Kaur’s death, the provincial labour department placed a stop-work order on the bakery and one piece of equipment. The order was lifted several days later when compliance was confirmed. Walmart later removed the oven and said it would no longer be used.
Minister’s response
Labour Minister Nolan Young acknowledged the loss while pointing to the investigation’s broader purpose.
“Our thoughts remain with the worker’s family, friends and co-workers as they continue to cope with this tragic loss,” Young said. “Our responsibility is to understand what happened, determine whether safety requirements were met and use those findings to support future prevention efforts.”
The department says it will continue to engage with and support the family as part of the conclusion of the investigative process.
How investigations work
Under Nova Scotia’s Occupational Health and Safety Act, the province investigates serious workplace incidents. Those investigations may involve co-ordination with police and the Medical Examiner Service.
The goal is to determine whether laws were followed and identify opportunities to improve safety, with findings shared with affected parties as investigations wrap up. Nova Scotia’s occupational health and safety laws apply to all workplaces in the province.
