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Province Bringing Cases Against Grocery Stores over Property Controls
The province says 43 Sobeys controls block new grocery competition and could keep some restrictions in place for decades.
- On Thursday, the Manitoba government announced it is challenging Sobeys' property controls at four locations across the province, arguing these "restrictive covenants" block competition and keep grocery prices artificially high.
- Legislation passed last year prohibited new restrictive covenants but allowed existing ones to be grandfathered in; while other grocery chains dropped their controls, Sobeys retained 43, prompting this legal challenge.
- Four cases span seven controls across Winnipeg, Brandon, and Steinbach, with some restrictions extending to farmer's fields or across streets—a scope Premier Wab Kinew called "a long ways away from where this grocer is actually doing business."
- Manitoba's Municipal Board will review the cases within six to eight weeks to determine if the controls violate public interest, though Public Service Delivery Minister Mintu Sandhu emphasized long-term competition is the goal rather than immediate price relief.
- Officials are taking a phased approach to avoid excessive pressure on the board, while the government remains prepared to take further action against the remaining property controls held by Sobeys across Manitoba if necessary.
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15 Articles
15 Articles
The Toronto Star+7 Reposted by 7 other sources
Manitoba government taking Sobeys to municipal board over property controls
WINNIPEG - The Manitoba government is challenging property contracts held by Sobeys, claiming the grocery giant is making it more difficult for competitors to enter the market.
·Toronto, Canada
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Province bringing cases against grocery stores over property controls
The Manitoba government will be bringing cases to the Municipal Board against several grocery store properties in the province owned by Sobeys, claiming clauses in their contracts are preventing competition and forcing prices to rise.
·Canada
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources15
Leaning Left6Leaning Right0Center5Last UpdatedBias Distribution55% Left
Bias Distribution
- 55% of the sources lean Left
55% Left
L 55%
C 45%
Factuality
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