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For Immediate Release
Friday, Nov. 23, 2010
NEWS RELEASE
Winnipeg chamber of commerce supportive of Bill for increased retail hours on boxing day
Angus: Boxing Day is the Biggest Retail Shopping Day of the Year
Nov. 19, 2010 – The Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce applauds the provincial government for introducing legislation that would amend the current Retail Business Holiday Closing Act.
“Boxing Day is far and way the biggest retail shopping day of the year,” said Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Dave Angus. “With it falling on a Sunday this year - without changes to the current regulations - there would be a huge economic loss for Manitoba retailers.”
The Chamber, the Retail Council of Canada and several retailers recommended to Manitoba Labour Minister Jennifer Howard that there should be no restrictions on Boxing Day shopping this year in an effort to meet the needs of consumers.
Manitoba is currently the only province west of the Maritimes that has restrictions on retail store operating hours on Sunday.
“The Chamber has had long-standing policy that Manitoba retailers should have the same ability to decide when they open based on consumer demand as retailers in other provinces do,” Angus said. “This is simply about giving Manitobans more choice and added convenience.”
“The Chamber would hope that the members of the Manitoba Legislature will ensure a speedy passage of Bill 4 to ensure the retail community has the appropriate time to prepare properly for what we hope will be a profitable retail season,” concluded Angus.
The Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce, founded in 1873, is the largest organization representing the voice of business in Winnipeg. Our mission is to foster an environment in which Winnipeg business can prosper.
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Contact: Chuck Davidson – Vice-President Policy
Tel: 944-3316
Cell: 782-1679
E-mail: cdavidson@winnipeg-chamber.com