After intense and prolonged debate in the Manitoba legislature, the provincial budget bill, which includes a tax reduction on selected foods, passed early Friday morning.

The new legislation removes the provincial sales tax on snacks, soft drinks, and prepared meals sold at grocery and convenience stores, effective July 1.

Finance Minister Adrien Sala emphasised that the tax cut will provide savings to Manitobans, criticising the Opposition for opposing measures that could ease household costs.

The Progressive Conservative opposition argued that the benefit would be limited since basic groceries like meat, milk, and produce are already exempt from tax, estimating average savings of $100 per family of four annually, which they claim is negligible compared to rising property taxes and fuel prices.

The Tories also attempted to attach an income-tax reduction to the bill, but were defeated by the NDP majority, with Sala noting potential revenue losses and credit-rating risks.In addition to the food tax cut, the bill includes other budgetary measures such as increased tax credits for homeowners and renters.

The legislative sessions included marathon debates, with some lawmakers speaking for hours in attempts to delay the bill's passage before the summer break.