Gerrard promises Sunday shopping freedom

Posted: 12:42 PM CDT Friday, Sep. 2, 2011

Manitobans ought to be able to shop 'til they drop on Sunday, with no rules about opening hours, Liberal Leader Jon Gerrard said Friday.

Read this article for free:

or

Already have an account? Log in here »

To continue reading, please subscribe:

*First annual payment billed as $205.00 + GST for one year. This annual subscription will automatically renew at $233.00 + GST every 52 weeks (10% off the regular annual price of $259.35). Offer available to new and qualified returning subscribers only. Cancel any time.

Manitobans ought to be able to shop 'til they drop on Sunday, with no rules about opening hours, Liberal Leader Jon Gerrard said Friday.

Read unlimited articles for free today:

or

Already have an account? Log in here »

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 02/09/2011 (5448 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Manitobans ought to be able to shop ’til they drop on Sunday, with no rules about opening hours, Liberal Leader Jon Gerrard said Friday.

The Grits promised to do away with rules limiting Sunday shopping hours for large retailers. Now, stores can open only between noon and 6 p.m., a rule often griped about by shoppers and store-owners alike and one that puts Manitoba at odds with other provinces.

Gerrard said his legislation would include protections for people unable to work for religious reasons and those with “significant” family commitments.

HADAS PARUSH / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS
Manitoba Liberal Leader Jon Gerrard, met with media on Friday at the Corydon and Lilac FoodFare grocery store. He pledged to allow retail operators to set their own hours. — HADAS PARUSH / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Manitoba Liberal Leader Jon Gerrard, met with media on Friday at the Corydon and Lilac FoodFare grocery store. He pledged to allow retail operators to set their own hours.

Union leaders have frequently assailed the idea as damaging to workers who have limited family and recreational time.

But the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce said wide-open Sunday shopping rules are long overdue.

President Dave Angus said retailers ought to have the freedom to respond to customers’ needs and the move would boost retail sales and increase the number of jobs for young people who often work in stores.