Manitoba government says proposed changes will make liquor sales more convenient
The Manitoba government is hinting it may allow more alcohol sales through private channels to boost customer convenience.
Scott Fielding, minister responsible for the provincial liquor and lottery corporation, said he plans to introduce a bill Thursday that will bring Manitoba more in line with other provinces.
"We clearly know that Manitobans want a more modernized system. Anyone from Manitoba that travels outside the province sees that system in other provinces, " Fielding said Wednesday.
He refused to reveal details before the bill is put before the legislature.
"Our focus ... is really to make life more convenient for individuals. Providing more choice and availability for Manitobans is important."
Manitoba has complex ways in which alcohol is sold. Government-run stores sell all types of alcohol, while a large number of private vendors at hotels sell beer.
There are limited numbers of private wine stores, capped at eight under provincial law. Hard liquor is sold only at government stores in urban areas and at private outlets in some rural locations.
The Opposition New Democrats said they are concerned the province may allow beer or other alcohol to be sold in corner or grocery stores.
"Do families, do communities, want their children to be able to go to a 7-Eleven, where there's king cans (of beer) in the fridge?" asked Adrien Sala, critic for liquor and lotteries.
Such expansion could put private store workers at greater risk of robbery and assault, Sala added.
Fielding said the Progressive Conservative government has no plans to eliminate government-run stores.
He also said the bill will include a more gradual approach than one the Tories introduced in 2020 and withdrew last year. That proposal would have fully opened sales of hard liquor in urban areas to private vendors.
On Tuesday, the government introduced a complementary bill dealing with the licensing side of the industry. It proposes to simplify getting a licence and to make way for more seasonal patios and stand-alone beverage rooms.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 25, 2022.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Conservatives, NDP should be 'celebrating' EV deals: industry minister
Industry Minister François-Philippe Champagne says federal opposition parties should be 'celebrating' the recently announced electric vehicle deals, despite their criticisms the Liberals refuse to make public the terms and conditions laid out in the contracts.
$500K-worth of elvers seized at Toronto airport
Fishery and border service officers seized more than 100 kilograms of unauthorized elvers at the Toronto Pearson International Airport on Wednesday.
Banking mogul suing government after intelligence leaks leave him shut out of Canadian economy
Chinese Canadian banking mogul Shenglin Xian has launched a $300 million lawsuit against the federal government. It’s a means to find the source of intelligence leaks which Xian says has cost him his livelihood.
His SUV was stolen on Montreal's South Shore. Then he got a $156 parking ticket
A couple is frustrated after their SUV was stolen from Montreal's South Shore in March and they received a parking ticket for the same vehicle last week.
Box tree moths have infested Ontario and experts say more are coming. Here's what to do to protect your garden
An invasive moth species is on the rise in Canada and, if you've planted a certain shrub, it could stand to ruin your garden.
Woman with liver failure rejected for a transplant after medical review highlights alcohol use
For nearly three months, Amanda Huska has been in an Ontario hospital, part of it on life support, because of severe liver failure. Her history of alcohol use is getting in the way of her only potential treatment: a liver transplant.
To plant or not to plant? Gardening tips for May long weekend
May long weekend is finally here, and with the extra time off you may be getting the itch to head out to your garden and plant. However, the old debate whether you should plant now, or wait, is still ever-present.
Evacuation orders lifted in Fort McMurray Saturday as rain dampens wildfire activity
Residents of Fort of McMurray who were displaced over wildfire concerns were told to return home Saturday.
Jesus is their saviour, Trump is their candidate. Ex-president's backers say he shares faith, values
As Donald Trump increasingly infuses his campaign with Christian trappings while coasting to a third Republican presidential nomination, his support is as strong as ever among evangelicals and other conservative Christians.