Manitoba may get more Sunday shopping

WINNIPEG — The Manitoba government says it is open to at least talking about the idea of expanded Sunday shopping.

Cliff Cullen, minister for growth, enterprise and trade, says the government is not considering changes right now, but is open to public input.

Cullen says any changes would have to come from a committee that advises the province on labour-management issues.

The Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce has long pushed for expanded Sunday shopping and says its members are facing increasing competition from online retailers who can operate around the clock.

Currently, most Manitoba retailers can open on Sundays between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m.

However, even if hours are extended some local store owners have no plans to stay open.

“I’m not for it, we’re open enough I believe on Sunday, it’s nice to go home early while the kids are still awake,” said Munther Zeid, owner of Food Fare.

“I think there’s more to life than grocery shopping on Sunday, you can’t do it on Saturday or the evenings,” said Ed Canter, owner of Canter’s Meats.

The chamber is hoping the Progressive Conservative government, which defeated the NDP in last April’s provincial election, will be open to allow Sunday evening shopping.