Manitoba could have longer Sunday shopping hours by fall

Manitobans could be shopping on Sunday mornings by the fall.

The NDP government introduced a bill Wednesday that would loosen the current law, which allows most retail outlets to open only between noon and 6 p.m. on Sundays and some holidays such as Victoria Day, Thanksgiving and Louis Riel Day.

The new law would allow stores to open earlierat 9 a.m. but still force them to close at 6 p.m.

The final decision will rest with municipalities, which must pass bylaws to adopt Sunday shopping within their areas.

Labour Minister Jennifer Howard says if the bill becomes law this spring, municipalities will likely have enough time to mull over the changes by the fall.

The changes will not affect holidays when stores must remain closed or open on reduced hours Christmas, New Year's Day, Good Friday, Easter Sunday, Canada Day, Remembrance Day and Labour Day.