November 26, 2004
Labour and Immigration Minister Nancy Allan confirmed today that the permitted hours of retail operation on Boxing Day this year will be the same as on an ordinary Sunday.
In 1999, legislation was passed that closed a loophole in the Retail Businesses Holiday Closing Act. The clarification which had support of all three political parties confirmed the status quo for Sunday shopping in the province and will ensure a consistent and level playing field for all retailers.
"After consulting with business and citizens, we found that there was no clear consensus for change from the public or from business," said Allan. "This decision is in keeping with the spirit of the all-party legislation passed in 1999."
The minister confirmed that, in Winnipeg and municipalities that have bylaws to allow for liberalized Sunday shopping, retail businesses that normally operate with more than four staff (including the owner) may be open on Sunday, Dec. 26 between the hours of 12 noon and 6 p.m.
In municipalities where no bylaw is in place for liberalized Sunday shopping, retail businesses that normally operate with four or fewer staff may open for business at any time on Boxing Day. Businesses that normally operate with more than four staff may also operate at any time on Boxing Day, but can only do so with four or fewer staff at any one time.
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