Quebec is taking steps to end a long-standing rule requiring most retail stores to close at 5 p.m. on weekends.
Economy Minister Samuel Poulain says the province's retailers need more flexibility to be able to compete with online sellers such as Shein and Temu.
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Last year, the province implemented a pilot project that allowed retailers in three cities to remain open until 8 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, excluding holidays.
Poulin says the government is proposing to expand the pilot project across the entire province and allow retailers to stay open until 9 p.m. seven days a week.
He says Quebec is the only jurisdiction in North America that limits store opening hours, with the exception of grocery stores and pharmacies.
Poulin says the proposed rules will be subject to a 45-day consultation period when they are published on Wednesday.
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