Manitoba budget expands tax exemption on food, aims to cut deficit

The Manitoba government is making more food tax-free and boosting property tax credits for many homeowners.

As of July 1, the province plans to remove the provincial sales tax from food and beverages sold in grocery stores. 

Basic groceries such as milk, produce, meat and bread are already exempt. The budget will extend the exemption to candy, snack foods, prepared meals and more.

“We’re making life a little bit easier for parents who are picking up that rotisserie chicken to feed their kids after hockey practice or workers who want to grab a prepared salad.” Finance Minister Adrien Sala said.

Snacks are important to families, he added.

“Getting ready for a birthday party, you’ve got to buy those cans of pop and the chips. That’s part of every family’s expenses.”

The government is increasing its education property tax credit by $100 to $1,700, but will reduce the credit for owners of homes assessed at more than $1 million.

The government is promising to work with municipalities to provide free transit for young people.

The budget also sets aside $22.1 million for a cardiac care clinic at St. Boniface Hospital in Winnipeg, including 18 new beds.