Manitoba finance minister says he’ll listen to people seeking expansion of grocery tax exemption | CBC News


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Manitoba Finance Minister Adrien Sala says he is open to talking to people who want a tax break on food expanded, but he is not making any commitments to change.

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A man in a suit holds a copy of Manitoba's budget.
Manitoba Finance Minister Adrien Sala, holding the latest provincial budget, says he will listen to concerns from people about the tax break on food. (David Lipnowski/The Canadian Press)

Manitoba Finance Minister Adrien Sala says he is open to talking to people who want a tax break on food expanded, but he is not making any commitments to change.

The NDP government announced in Tuesday’s budget a plan to lift the provincial sales tax on snacks, soft drinks and prepared takeout meals bought in grocery stores.

Restaurants and most small urban convenience stores are not part of the tax break, and some industry associations say that creates an unfair advantage for grocers.

The tax change is scheduled to take effect July 1, and Sala says he will listen to concerns.

The Retail Council of Canada met with Sala’s staff this week and said there were no commitments to change but a willingness to keep talking.

The NDP government made a change to its 2024 fuel-tax holiday, expanding the tax break beyond automobiles, after public criticism.

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