Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce pushes for more Sunday shopping

The Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce hopes you will be able to pick up groceries on Sunday evenings soon.

Loren Remillard, the chamber'spresident and CEO, said opening up Sunday shopping rules has been a priority since the Brian Pallistergovernment was elected this spring.

"Its time has come," Remillard said.

"We recognize changes were made in 2012, but we have a new government and an opportunity for a new conversation," hesaid.

"At the provincial level, I think there's an absolute receptiveness to taking a look at theissue."

• Sunday shoppers enjoy expanded hours in Winnipeg
• Sunday shopping still a hot debate in Winnipeg

Sunday has become the second busiest shopping day of the week, Remillard said.

"Anyone that has shopped on Sunday, you see the lines, you see the hustle and bustle in those various retail outlets. People are voting with their feet and their pocketbooks,"Remillardsaid.

The chamber approached the Manitoba government recently to discuss changinglaws aboutSunday shopping, he said.

Currently stores are allowed to open at 9 a.m, but they must close at 6 p.m.

Cliff Cullen, the province's minister of growth, enterprise and trade, saidManitobanswillbe consulted before changes are made to business operating hours.

"While we are not considering making changes to the Retail Businesses Holiday Closing Act at this time, we remain open to the input ofManitobans," Cullen said in a statement Monday.

"As was the case with changes made in 2012, any amendments contemplated to the Retail Businesses Holiday Closing Act would seek advice and recommendations from the Labour Management Review Committee."The provincial government committee is made up of business and labour representatives and is generally consulted before changes are made to labour legislation.

Remillard wants retailers to be given some flexibility and choice.

The retail landscape has changed dramatically, he said; not only are they competing with local retailers, but they are also competing with online shopping.

"More and more we are a secular society, we live in a 24/7 world. People don't work nine to five and are off Saturday and Sunday. That's not the norm anymore," Remillard said.

At the same time, he believes people should be allowed to choose whether to work Sundays or not.