WINNIPEG -- The Manitoba Restaurant and Foodservices Association says the new provincial budget contains a tax cut that puts restaurants at a disadvantage.
The budget will eliminate, as of July 1, the provincial sales tax on more foods in grocery stores, including snacks, soft drinks and prepared takeout meals.
Basic groceries, such as milk, produce and meat, are already tax-exempt.
Shaun Jeffrey, the association's executive director, says it's unfair that the tax is now being cut on takeout food from grocery stores but not on takeout food from restaurants.
He says his members are hoping the government will include restaurants before the tax cut takes effect.
The NDP government has said the tax cut will make life more affordable for busy families picking up prepared meals and snacks.
Doctors Manitoba has expressed concern about less-expensive snack food, saying it would like to see healthy foods prioritized.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 25, 2026.