SMU Journal: News to Muse: Article #3 - Sunday Shopping in NS
Sunday Shopping in Nova Scotia
A firm decision has finally been made; there will be no bans on Sunday shopping and no further attempts from the provincial government to enforce restrictions related to retail store hours. The court has ruled that the (provincial) cabinet does not have the power to change the law in order to discriminate against specific entities. The government has yet to make regulations regarding statutory holidays, particularly when they may fall on a Sunday. The opposition is very upset that the results of the recent plebiscite - a direct vote of the population - have been ignored. Nova Scotians have voted, and the majority, though rather slim, decided against accepting the proposal for Sunday shopping.
The lifted ban on Sunday shopping has caused many Nova Scotia residents to raise their eyebrows, and ask questions. The repercussions of this decision seem endless. The first issue brought to light is the expected decrease in church attendance. Religious organizations, in general, are upset about this “sudden” change, and believe that this is rocking the boat. Proponents of this liberating change respond with the question, “Do people wishing to attend church not retain the right and ability to choose?” Open Sunday shopping does not deter anyone from attending church who does not want to be deterred. There is shopping on Saturdays, yet Seven Day Adventists can find it in themselves to observe their Sabbath.
The next major issue is the belief that “families will be torn apart”. For years, Sunday has been a day of fellowship and relaxation, filled with family dinners and visitations. Will this really be stopped by stores remaining open? Perhaps taking a stroll through the nearest Walmart will become a favourite family past time. All that this truly requires is a little more effort by employees and employers in scheduling, just as extending hours in the Christmas season does. This is also the answer to the concerns of employees who fear that they will suffer from exhaustion.
There are many other issues to be explored within this topic. Be sure to get a copy of the Journal next week to explore the other repercussions including the displacement of flea markets, implications for the Metro Transit system, and possible changes in the Casino’s operating hours.