HALIFAX — As fundraising efforts continue across the country for the earthquake ravaged people of Haiti, those in the hospitality industry in Halifax are also doing their part.

Brussels Restaurant and Brasserie in Halifax has joined forces with that city’s Halifax for Haiti concert, scheduled for Feb. 8. According to restaurant management, they will be hosting something of a pre-party fundraiser, featuring appetizers, drinks and live music, the proceeds of which will benefit the relief effort.

It seems Newfoundland and Labrador MP Gerry Byrne thinks that the pie PETA-activist Emily McCoy threw in the face of Fisheries and Oceans Minister Gail Shea on Monday, is reason to consider giving the animal-rights group a terrorist label.

"There has to be a review whether or not PETA has crossed the line now by attacking a federal minister of the Crown for the purpose of public intimidation of an office-holder," Byrne told CBC News.

HALIFAX — Halifax restaurant owners are preparing for a 12.2 per cent increase to the minimum wage this year.

The proposed hike — which is 10 times higher than the consumer price index — translates to a $31-million hit to foodservice operators or $16,000 a year on average.

“I have been overwhelmed by the response from our members on this issue,” says Luc Erjavec, the Canadian Restaurant and Foodservices Association (CRFA) Atlantic Canada vice-president. “Many are asking me why government doesn’t seem to care about small business operators who are struggling with a very tough economy.”