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Do stores open on Sunday in Canada?

Absolutely! Stores do open on Sundays in Canada, though their hours and the extent of their operation vary depending on the type of store and the

Published: Jul 27, 2024 2:37 PM

By RETAILBOSS Team

EducationStrategy

EducationStrategy

Do stores open on Sunday in Canada?

Credit: Garage

Absolutely! Stores do open on Sundays in Canada, though their hours and the extent of their operation vary depending on the type of store and the province. Most shopping centres across Canada open from 12 pm to 6 pm on Sundays, which offers a decent window for weekend shoppers to run their errands.

Short answer: Yes, Stores are open on Sunday in Canada

Historically, the landscape of Sunday shopping in Canada has been shaped by legal and cultural shifts. The Lord’s Day Act of 1906 originally prohibited business transactions on Sundays to preserve the sanctity of the day. However, in 1985, the Supreme Court of Canada ruled that this act violated the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. This ruling paved the way for provinces to set their laws concerning Sunday shopping.

By 1993, most provinces allowed regulated Sunday shopping, though the regulations vary. For instance, in British Columbia, Alberta,…

Saskatchewan, and the three territories, there are no restrictions at all—stores can remain open 24/7 if they choose. On the other hand, Quebec regulates shopping hours even outside of Sundays and holidays.

History of Sunday shopping laws in Canada Date Event 1906 The Lord’s Day Act was passed in Canada, prohibiting business transactions on Sundays. April 24, 1985 The Supreme Court of Canada struck down the Lord’s Day Act in the BIG M DRUG MART case, ruling it contravened the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

June 1990 An Ontario High Court judge ruled the Retail Business Holiday Act unconstitutional. August 31, 1982 Some retailers in Alberta, including The Brick, began opening on Sundays, breaking a 76-year-old law.

June 7, 1992 Malls and grocery stores across Ontario, including Ottawa, opened for business on Sunday, marking the start of widespread Sunday shopping. 1992 Bowing to public pressure, the Rae government amended the Retail Business Holidays Act to permit Sunday shopping in Ontario…

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