Province to Remove Restrictions to Sunday Shopping

In response to a Supreme Court decision today, Oct. 4, regarding Sunday shopping, the province will amend regulations that restricted retail stores from opening on Sundays and holidays.

"The Supreme Court decision is clear," said Premier Rodney MacDonald. "We will not be appealing the court decision, and we will not be looking for other ways to enforce Sunday shopping restrictions in Nova Scotia."

The premier said regulations restricting Sunday shopping will be amended to be effective this Sunday, Oct. 8.

The province's decision means that retail store openings will not be restricted by the government. Retails stores of all types may choose to open on Sundays and other holidays, with the exception of Remembrance Day.

"If we are going to have Sunday shopping in Nova Scotia for grocery stores, we will not be drawn into a situation where government must decide what is a grocery store and what is not. The rules will be the same for all retail outlets, creating a level playing field for all retailers in Nova Scotia, regardless of what they sell," said Premier MacDonald.

Protection for retail workers already in place will be extended to other workers affected by this decision.

"Government has gone to a considerable effort to maintain this unique part of Nova Scotia life. The court has made its decision, and in many respects, so have Nova Scotians, on this issue."