WINNIPEG — Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew says his government is working on the definition of a grocery store as it considers where to apply a tax cut on food.

The NDP government’s recent budget promises to eliminate the provincial sales tax on food at grocery stores as of July 1.

Most groceries are already exempt, but the change would affect prepared meals, snacks and soft drinks that are currently taxed.

Owners of convenience stores and restaurants have cried foul and have asked to be included in the tax cut.

The Canadian Federation of Independent Business has launched a petition to have the tax cut extended to all food retailers.

Kinew says he wants the tax cut to be available at places where people go primarily to buy healthy groceries, which may not apply to some types of outlets.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 10, 2026

Steve Lambert, The Canadian Press