Manitoba's Budget Sparks Restaurant Industry Complaints

0:00It's March 25th. This is Canada News today, AI-powered stories from your city. I'm Cory with the story. Manitoba's new provincial budget offers a sales tax break on extra grocery store foods, but it's sparking complaints from the restaurant industry. Starting July 1st, the provincial sales tax drops on snacks, soft drinks, and prepare take-out meals from grocery stores. Basic items like milk, fruits, veggies, and meat were already tax-free. This move aims to ease costs for everyday shoppers, grabbing quickbites. Grocery chains stand to benefit directly from the change, widening the gap with sit-down spots and their delivery options. Restaurant owners feel squeezed, arguing it's unfair that similar take-out from supermarkets gets the cut while there stays taxed. The Manitoba Restaurant and Food Services Association calls for equal treatment to level the playing field. Their leaders hope the NDP government steps in with fixes before the deadline hits. Officials defend the plan as a win for busy families needing affordable prepared foods

1:03on the go. As July 1st nears, the push continues for broader relief, keeping restaurants competitive in a tough market.