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The Minister of Environment and Labour, Oliver Langdon, outlined the basis for government's decision to remove restrictions on Sunday shopping in light of recent comments by various groups and individuals on this matter. Minister Langdon stated that Sunday shopping is not new. Under the current legislation, many retail outlets, including pharmacies, gas bars, and convenience stores, are already allowed to open. On a broader level, in addition to retail stores, cinemas, restaurants, clubs, art galleries, and many other businesses operate on Sundays. "Today, in this province alone, there are thousands of people working on Sunday. Government presently allows many types of businesses to operate on Sunday. Surely we have to look at why we would continue to regulate in this area." said Minister Langdon. "What we are doing here," said Mr. Langdon, "is creating a level playing field." Currently Sunday shopping restrictions apply to certain types of businesses, while others are exempt. This situation has caused an inequity in the marketplace. Government is trying to deal with this inequity by ensuring the same rules apply to all business operators in all sectors. The majority of people no longer work the traditional 9 to 5, Monday to Friday workweek. Many people are working shifts, flex time, and part-time. "As society changes and peoples' values change, government must respond accordingly," said the minister. "By removing restrictions on Sunday shopping, we are enabling retail stores and consumers to have the flexibility to address these needs if they so choose. Societal change is what has been driving this legislation." Mr. Langdon stated that he does not expect stores in rural areas to be adversely affected by this decision. The rural stores still provide the convenience that consumers want. The minister also stated that the decision to open on Sundays is a business decision. "Responding to the actions of your competitor is the nature of competition," he said, "and business hours and convenience to the client would normally be a factor in any competitive marketplace." The minister made reference to an article which appeared in the Evening Telegram on Friday, December 19, 1997 that contained a number of quotations from many mall managers and business people around the province. "The comments of these individuals illustrates clearly that the decision to open now rests with store owners, not government," he said. "This is where it belongs. Removing unnecessary government intervention should be welcomed by all." The minister also responded to criticisms from individuals and organizations with respect to consultation. "Government is very aware of the positions of the various stakeholders. The issue is not a new one. We know the idea of opening up Sunday shopping is supported by some groups and not by others. We gave very careful consideration to what we have learned in dealing with this issue in the past. At the end of the day, government must act in the best interests of the province on the whole. In this case, we are removing unnecessary government intervention in the marketplace, particularly in light of a changing society and the changing work patterns of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians." Government will remain responsive to the needs of the public on this matter and will continue to monitor the situation once the bill becomes law. The bill was passed in the House of Assembly on Thursday night and will take effect on January 1, 1998.
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