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Manitoba finance minister says he'll talk with critics of a food tax cut

  • Steve Lambert

  • Canadian Press

  • March 27, 2026

Manitoba Finance Minister Adrien Sala speaks to the media about Budget 2026 at the legislature in Winnipeg, on Tuesday, March 24, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/David Lipnowski

WINNIPEG -- 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 the budget a plan to lift the provincial sales tax on snacks, soft drinks and prepared takeout meals purchased 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 the 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.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 27, 2026.