Local stores fined for breaking restrictions rules By: Josh Greschner
JOSH GRESCHNER
Travis Neufeld, owner of Great Canadian Dollar Store in Steinbach and Niverville, says the breakdown of the thousands of retail items sold in Manitoba as “essential” or “non-essential” is excessive, confounds business owners, and impedes sales. He said $5,000 fines and the lack of an appeal method are disproportionately harsh compared to how vague the essential items list is for inspectors, which give him mixed messages.
The provincial government is reconsidering the regulation of thousands of items sold in Manitoba stores as “essential” or “non-essential,” but it comes thousands of dollars too late for some local businesses.