WINNIPEG — Manitoba’s budget bill, which includes a tax cut on some foods, has passed through a final vote after long days and some nights of acrimonious debate.

The move paves the way for the elimination of the provincial sales tax from snacks, soft drinks and prepared meals at grocery and convenience stores, as of July 1.

The NDP government introduced the bill earlier this month and wanted it passed into law before the legislature summer break, slated to start Monday.

The Opposition Progressive Conservatives spent hours, including two late-night sittings this week, demanding the government add an income-tax cut to the bill.

The food-tax cut is estimated to save a family of four roughly $100 a year, as most food is already tax-exempt.

The bill also implements other measures promised in the budget, such as increases to tax credits for homeowners and renters.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 29, 2026.

Steve Lambert, The Canadian Press