Skip to main content

Manitoba politicians pull all-nighter debating budget bill with food tax cut

The bill contains several measures, including eliminating provincial sales tax on prepared meals, snacks and soft drinks at grocery and convenience stores.
5/27/2026
woman shopping in front of refrigerated shelves
Shutterstock
woman shopping in front of refrigerated shelves
Shutterstock

Members of the Manitoba legislature sat overnight and into the morning as they debated the government's budget implementation bill that includes a tax cut on some food.

The government introduced the bill earlier this month and wants it passed into law before the summer break, scheduled to start Monday.

READ: Manitoba's grocery tax cut will expand to corner stores

Advertisement - article continues below
Advertisement

The bill contains several measures, including elimination of the provincial sales tax on items such as prepared meals, snacks and soft drinks at grocery and convenience stores.

The Opposition Progressive Conservatives say the tax cut doesn't amount to much and have called for an income-tax cut to be added to the bill.

The NDP government says if the Tories continue to delay the bill, the tax cut can't take effect as planned on July 1.

Among the longest speakers overnight was Tory Kelvin Goertzen, who spoke for roughly four hours.

READ: Manitoba premier promises to end provincial tax on food from grocery store

X
This ad will auto-close in 10 seconds