Manitobans will no longer pay provincial sales tax on groceries starting July 1.

 

The Manitoba government says the spring sitting of the legislature wrapped up with the passage of Bill 53, the Budget Implementation and Tax Statutes Amendment Act.

 

The legislation removes the seven per cent PST from groceries and also increases the Homeowners Affordability Tax Credit to $1,700 and the Renters Affordability Tax Credit to $675.

 

Government House Leader Nahanni Fontaine says the change is aimed at making life more affordable for Manitobans, while also supporting homeowners, renters and low-income families.

 

The province says more than 40 bills were passed during the session, including legislation to ban sick note requirements for absences of up to seven days, establish nurse-to-patient ratios, reduce mandatory overtime for nurses and strengthen restrictions on the sale of long-bladed weapons and pepper spray.

 

The government says the session also focused on health care, affordability and job creation across Manitoba