Manitoba may limit what big-box stores can sell in partial lockdown, Pallister says

The Manitoba government is thinking of going afterbig-box stores, whom Premier Brian Pallisterargues may beflouting the spirit of the province's lockdownorders.

Many large retailers can legally stay open because they sell products consideredessential by Manitoba's public-health orders, butPallistersaid it is unfairto force small businesses to close while theirbig competitorssell the same products as them, and then some.

"The reality of this situation is that some are abusing this," the premier said.

"And for the dangerof other people, some are abusing it to gain business advantage. That's not a situation we can maintain."

He said preventingbig-box stores from selling products that aren't considered essential is clearly "one element that has to be looked at," Pallister said.

The premier said Ralph Eichler, his economic development minister, is speaking withsmall business groups to hear their concerns, and Pallister expects to have more to share on the topic in a few days.

Some defying spirit of public health order: Pallister

The latest restrictions,which came into effect last Thursday, requireall non-essential retail stores to closeto in-person shopping. Essential products include groceries, personal hygiene items,hardware andhousehold appliances.

Pallistersaid the purpose of the public-health orderwas "to make sure that people to get essential goods, I don't think it was so they could get non-essential goods.I'm concerned about that."

Big-box stores can sell a wide swath of non-essential products, ranging fromclothing to jewellery and toys.

Winnipeg Mayor Brian Bowman askedthe province to clamp down on non-essential sales in a letter to the premier on Monday. He wants businesses to only be able to sellessential products and services in-person.

"Since these provincial orders came into effect on Thursday, Nov.12, we have witnessed a significant number of residents attending large commercial establishments, in-person, to purchase non-essential goods and services," the letter said.

"Obviously, this raises serious concerns that community transmission of COVID-19 is not being mitigated as much as possible."

Dr. Brent Roussinhinted Mondaythe provincemay have to reconsider what it deems essential, as many of these businesses were mainly selling non-essential goods.

He said parking lots teeming with vehicles was evidence the25 per cent capacity limits weren'tbeing followed.

"We saw examples of stores that were open as if there is no such thing as COVID," Roussin said.

Roussin saidthese businesses will be finedif they ignore capacity limits going forward.

WATCH | Dr. Brent Roussin explains how public health will evaluate essential businesses going forward:

What does 'critical' mean for Manitoba businesses?

4 years ago

Duration 0:55

Dr. Brent Roussin says Manitoba public health will be taking steps to further define what essential businesses are, as well as further enforcing capacity limits to limit crowding.

Danali owner Aubrey Margolissaid his frustration with closing his clothing retailer is amplified by the steady customer traffic at bigger stores.

"I did notice that people are walking out of the stores with non-essential items, certain electronics and what have you."

Ogo Okwumabua, co-owner of Zueike Apparel,said the province would demonstrateits sincerity in flattening the COVID-19 curve if it took action against the largest stores.

"If we're going to be serious,you can't really be like, 'Hey small guys, you shut down,'"Okwumabua said, noting the big-box stores are the ones that will have the full parking lots, not them.

Chuck Davidson, head of the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce, said the idea oflimiting what the big storessell has merit, but individualManitobanshave a duty themselves to reduce the number of shopping trips they take.

"Do we want to spend all of our time, roping off parts of stores and all those measures? Idon't think that's a good use of our time," Davidsonsaid.

"I really think it's incumbent upon Manitobans to simply follow the rules."

WATCH |Some retailers 'abusing' Manitoba's public-health orders:

Some retailers 'abusing' Manitoba's public-health orders

4 years ago

Duration 2:03

The Manitoba government is thinking of going after big-box stores, whom Premier Brian Pallister argues may be flouting the spirit of the province's lockdown orders.