TORONTO — Interac Flash celebrated a milestone by demonstrating the first Near Field Communication (NFC) mobile debit transaction in Canada at a McDonald’s restaurant in Toronto.

In partnership with Blackberry, McDonald’s Restaurants of Canada, RBC  and Moneris Solutions, Interac Flash allows customers to hold their smartphones in front of an Interac point-of-sale terminal, and have the funds securely deducted from their RBC Bank account.

TORONTO — As a country with a vast landscape and geography, it’s not surprising that the eating habits of Canadians vary from coast to coast. But now, a series of surveys called Health Track, conducted by the NPD Group, reveals just how unique those eating habits are.

Acording to the new survey, “Households from the Atlantic region are the most conscious of the calories they consume, but struggle with obesity,” said Joel Gregoire, author of Eating Patterns in Canada. The result, says Gregoire, is that Canadians in the Maritimes are the most likely to want to lose weight.

TORONTO — The Canadian Restaurant and Foodservices Association (CRFA) is helping restaurateurs obtain insurance coverage through a new insurance program, called Restaurant Protect.

The program is underwritten by The Dominion of Canada General Insurance Company and Totten Insurance Group. “We’re pleased to work with two of Canada’s most reputable insurance providers to offer members better coverage and competitive pricing,” said Garth Whyte, president and CEO, CRFA.

OAKVILLE, Ont. — Thick-cut, hickory-smoked bacon is now available on any breakfast or lunch sandwich at Tim Hortons locations across Canada.

Guests at the quick-serve chain can order the new bacon offering on any hot breakfast sandwich or “bagel BELT” ordered with bacon as well as other sandwiches on the menu, including Tim’s new flatbread breakfast panini ($2.99).