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Bill to cut tax on some food in Manitoba passes after long nights of debate
The bill also adds homeowner and renter tax credits and is expected to save an average family of four about $100 a year.
On Friday, Manitoba's budget bill passed a final vote, eliminating provincial sales tax on snacks, soft drinks, and prepared meals effective July 1, 2026.
The NDP government introduced the bill earlier this month, aiming for passage before the legislature's summer break starting Monday while also raising tax credits for homeowners and renters.
During two late-night sittings this week, the Opposition Progressive Conservatives demanded an income-tax cut; Kelvin Goertzen spoke for four hours via Zoom during one overnight sitting lasting more than 24 hours.
Finance Minister Adrien Sala called the Opposition's stance "inconceivable" on Thursday, while Tory finance critic Lauren Stone countered the government ignores Manitobans' "affordability crisis."
Government estimates project the food-tax cut will save a family of four roughly $100 annually, though the Tories argue the savings are minimal since most groceries are already tax-exempt.