This article written in french by Stéphane St-Amour was automatically translated using AI
Laval merchants will be authorized to extend their business hours from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on weekend evenings.
The Minister for the Economy, Christopher Skeete, made the announcement on July 2 while unveiling three pilot projects to be implemented in as many municipalities, aimed at stimulating the competitiveness of the retail sector. These pilot projects are expected to come into effect during the height of the summer season.
“With the growth of online commerce, the consumption habits of Quebecers have changed,” the minister stated in a press release, adding that “to remain competitive, our commercial establishments must be able to adapt their opening hours and access days in order to welcome more consumers who care about buying Quebec-made products.”
For one year
After 12 months, both the results in terms of sales and the impact on employees and consumers who took part in the pilot projects will be assessed. Based on the findings, the government will determine whether it is appropriate or not to extend evening opening hours on Saturdays and Sundays across the province.
This measure clearly targets businesses subject to Quebec legislation on days and hours of access to commercial establishments — from which grocery stores and pharmacies, among others, are exempt.
Quebec justifies the choice of the three selected municipalities for the pilot projects as follows: Laval, due to its status as a supraregional hub of retail commerce; Gatineau, for its proximity to the Ontario border; and Saint-Georges, for its local economy that reflects regions located far from major urban centers.
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