The province is eliminating the shopping hour restrictions that force businesses to close after 6 p.m. on Sundays and statutory holidays. Finance Minister Scott Fielding made the announcement today saying the new legislation will be in effect starting Saturday, December 12.
“Given the current public health restrictions in place to protect Manitobans, we want to provide flexibility to businesses and customers and allow more opportunity for curbside pickup and delivery options as well as longer in-person shopping hours to minimize crowds. During this critical time for retailers across the province, we believe these updated laws will help many businesses with additional revenues as we head into the holiday season.”
All businesses in Manitoba now have the choice to remain open later on Sundays and during statutory holidays, but municipalities have the authority to pass bylaws if they prefer to keep some restrictions in place.
The Canadian Federation of Independent Business, Manitoba Chambers of Commerce, Retail Council of Canada and the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce wrote an open letter in mid-November, recommending the government make the change.
The province will maintain its current retail hour restrictions on Remembrance Day.
Manitoba was the only Western Canadian province to restrict retail business hours on Sundays and holidays.
