Manitoba government proposes new grocery rules, rent control, some hydro hikes

The Manitoba government is planning to expand rent control, set new rules for grocers and charge higher electricity rates for some large users.

Among more than a dozen bills and regulations put forward is one that would expand the province's rent control system, which sets a limit on annual rent increases.

Units that rent for more than $1,670 a month are currently exempt, and the government is planning to raise the exemption to $2,000.

READ: Manitoba orders grocery pricing study to tackle rising costs

A bill on grocery prices would forbid sellers, whether in-store or online, from using customers' personal data to charge higher prices.

The government is also planning to charge cryptocurrency operations and large-scale data centres up to double the normal electricity rate.

Study: Even full-time workers struggle to afford food in Canada

Finance Minister Adrien Sala says the move would ensure large users pay their share for the energy grid.

He's also proposing to curtail power for crypto-mining operations during periods of high energy demand.