Giving Nova Scotians Choice on Retail Hours

Nova Scotians will be able to decide the future of Sunday retail hours, under a new plan announced by Premier John Hamm today, May 7.

"People should decide this issue, not politicians," said Premier Hamm. "At the same time, we have a responsibility to act in a manner that protects retail workers and is fair to small businesses."

The plan consists of four key parts:

• introducing legislation in the fall to allow stores to open from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. on the six Sundays prior to Christmas, beginning this year on a trial basis;
• holding a provincewide plebiscite in conjunction with the fall 2004 municipal elections to decide whether the pre-Christmas Sunday store openings should be continued in subsequent years; as well as whether Sunday retail openings should be extended year- round;
• ensuring retail workers are afforded complete protection under the province's labour laws; and
• protecting small businesses from being forced to open on Sundays under lease agreements.

"This plan will give greater shopping choice to Nova Scotians during the busiest consumer season," said the premier. "It also gives Nova Scotians a chance to express their views, debate the benefits and drawbacks of change and make an informed choice."

Omnibus legislation on the pre-Christmas trial period, worker protection and the plebiscite will be drafted for the fall 2003 sitting of the legislature.

Michael Baker, Minister responsible for the Retail Business Uniform Closing Day Act, will solicit input on the legislation from employer and employee groups, such as the Canadian Federation of Independent Business and the Nova Scotia Federation of Labour.

An independent, third-party commissioner will be appointed to review the legislation, oversee the wording of plebiscite ballot questions and assist with the administration of the plebiscite to ensure complete fairness. The Nova Scotia government will be responsible for the costs of the plebiscite.