Mayoral candidate Marianne Matichuk waded into the issue of business hours in a press release issued earlier this week.
Matichuk noted current bylaws, which mandate the closure of stores on Boxing Day and prevent 24-hour retail outlets, costs the city business and inconveniences city residents.
“The simple fact is that thousands of Sudburians are already shopping and working on Boxing Day,” Matichuk stated in her press release. “People are shopping — they're just not shopping here. We're losing hundreds of thousands of dollars in retail spending to places like North Bay, Barrie, and online shopping.”
She said thousands of Sudburians are already working on Boxing Day — whether they are in health care, mining or hospitality. “So it makes no sense to force retail to shut down this day.”
Most communities already allow stores to set their own hours, she said.
“It makes it more convenient for people who are on shift-work or who have busy lives with both parents working and children in activities.”
Employees required to work on Boxing Day earn higher wages due to working on a statutory holiday, Matichuk noted, and longer hours on normal shopping days could open up more later evening shifts for both part- and full-time staff.
For incumbent John Rodriguez, however, the issue hasn't been on the radar of the constituents he has spoken with.
“No one is talking about it,” Deborah Knuff, campaign manager for John Rodriguez, said. “We have received many e-mails and calls from people who want the day reserved as a day for families. They say Boxing Day is one of the few days for families left now. We can't be sure if these are coming from retail store employees, but we think some may be.”
