US EditionManitoba food tax cut could be broadened, budget passes key vote in legislature
The budget adds tax relief on more grocery items, while Kinew considers extending the cut to smaller stores and possibly lowering fuel taxes.
- On Thursday evening, Manitoba's 2026 budget passed a key legislative vote with support from Independent MLA Bob Lagassé, who quit the Progressive Conservative caucus last month.
- Premier Wab Kinew's government plans to broaden the provincial sales tax exemption to all food sold in grocery stores effective July 1, expanding beyond milk, meat and produce to include snacks, ready-made meals and soft drinks.
- The Tories produced a receipt showing a $109 grocery purchase where the shopper would save only two cents, while Kinew defended the grocery store focus on Thursday, telling CBC the plan targets healthy options like rotisserie chickens and prepared salads.
- Progressive Conservative Leader Obby Khan criticized the plan, saying "There's no reason why you should discriminate," and argued it wouldn't save Manitobans much money, while the Opposition said the current plan favours big-box grocers.
- Kinew told CBC he is considering extending the tax break to smaller stores but offered no firm details, while Lagassé committed to remaining an Independent and seeking re-election in 2027 without party ideology.
11 Articles
11 Articles
Manitoba budget passes key vote as premier hints tax cut on ready-made food items may be expanded
The 2026 budget passed a key vote Thursday night, while Premier Wab Kinew is hinting the Manitoba government may broaden a tax cut on ready-made food items — but not as much as some are demanding.
The Toronto Star
Manitoba food tax cut could be broadened, budget passes key vote in legislature
WINNIPEG - Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew is hinting the provincial government may broaden a tax cut on food items but not as much as some people are demanding.
Manitoba gives taxpayers more debt, no tax relief
Manitoba’s latest budget did not make life more affordable. Instead, it covers up tax hikes and piles the cost of government debt on current and future generations of Manitobans. The government is highlighting its so-called tax relief in the budget. The government is removing the Retail Sales Tax from a few more grocery items. Most grocery items are already RST free, but the government is extending the exemption to ready-to-eat items like rotiss…
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