It is important to note that Canadian Tire stores are not directly operated by CTC. They are run by Associates in a franchise-like capacity.
Also the market they fill is completely different. Canadian Tire Associate Stores compete within a market of relatively and generally high volume and low margins, leading to a management style that prioritizes immediate cost savings over future investment, like customer(or even employee satisfaction).
Mark’s Work Warehouse on the other hand fits a more targeted market where customer satisfaction and loyalty can mean repeat patronage in an area of generally low volume and high margins. You aren’t likely to buy $300 safety shoes at Canadian Tire, but you are at Mark’s.

I was laid off shortly after this post was made, and around that time there were discussions within CTC on how to address Associates who were understaffing and otherwise giving the corporation a bad reputation through harsh management style. Some carrot and stick policies were implemented, whether they had any effect I could not tell you.

Christine, I have sent a PDF and Word version of the requested article via email ?