The Manitoba government is taking action against what it calls anti-competitive property controls at store locations owned by Sobeys across the province, in an effort to increase competition and reduce grocery prices.
“Manitoba families are getting squeezed by rising grocery prices, so we’re taking action to get those costs down,” said Premier Wab Kinew. “One company is still using property controls as a way of blocking competition, leaving buildings sitting vacant across the province. We’re standing up for Manitoba families, bringing a case against them to bring back competition and lower grocery bills.”
Legislation already in place
The Property Controls for Grocery Stores and Supermarkets Act was passed in June 2025, preventing grocery stores from creating new restrictive covenants or exclusivity clauses.
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Dozens of existing controls under review
43 property controls existed before the legislation was enacted. The government is now pursuing a case against each one.
It will start with seven controls at four Sobeys-owned locations, including 915 Leila Ave., 50 Sage Creek Blvd.,178 Provincial Trunk Highway 12 in Steinbach, and 1645 18th St. in Brandon.
“We’re leading the way in Canada, cracking down on property controls that big grocery companies use to make record profits while raising prices,” said Public Service Delivery Minister Mintu Sandhu. “We’re going to challenge every single one, so Manitobans have more options and lower prices.”
Part of broader affordability plan
This initiative is part of the Manitoba government’s broader plan to lower grocery prices, which includes freezing the price of milk, banning predatory pricing and removing the PST from all groceries in Manitoba.