Shopping may be a very different experience than in your home country. This section gives information about general purchases you may make, as well as consumer information that you may wish to collect. Different lending institutions, such as banks, credit unions and trust companies are explained, as well as information about insurance and taxes.

General Purchases

Stores in Manitoba are very competitive. Before purchasing any item (food, furniture, clothes), many people compare the prices for the same item at different stores. Many people buy used items such as household goods, clothing and furniture at second hand stores. These stores are listed in the Yellow Pages telephone book under Second Hand Stores.

Most stores in Manitoba have fixed prices. Buyers cannot negotiate prices for most items. However, it is acceptable to negotiate prices for more expensive items, such as cars, large appliances and homes. People also negotiate prices for used items that others sell from their homes – at garage sales, yard sales and outdoor markets. The Classified Ads in the newspaper lists Garage Sales and Used Articles for Sale.

When you buy an item in a store or restaurant, the price you see may not be the final price you will pay. You might have to pay Provincial Sales Tax (PST) (7% of the bill) and the federal Goods and Services Tax (GST) (another 7% of the bill). For example, if an item costs $100, you must also pay $7 PST + $7 GST = $114 for the item.

Return to Top

Food

Large grocery stores or supermarkets offer the widest selection of food items. They often sell bulk foods. These are food items that you can buy out of large bins instead of individual packages. Many large stores are open seven days a week. There are small convenience stores in most neighbourhoods. Items in these stores are often more expensive than in larger stores.

Many people use coupons when they shop. Coupons help shoppers save money. Coupons are free. They often come in the mail, in the groceries you buy, and in newspapers and magazines. Be careful when you use coupons. Some coupons do not save you money. Sometimes they are for more expensive items. Sometimes you can find another item for less money.

Some low income families cannot afford to buy enough food. In this case, they can get help. They can go to a food bank. Food banks give free food to people who need it. All they have to do is register their name at Winnipeg Harvest. Winnipeg Harvest is the major distributor to food banks in Winnipeg. Winnipeg Harvest will recommend the food bank closest to the family’s home. For more information contact:

Winnipeg Harvest
1085 Winnipeg Avenue
Winnipeg, MB R3E 0S2
Phone: (204) 982-3663
E-mail: harvest@xpressnet.com
Web Site: www.winnipegharvest.org

Some types of restaurants offer fast food (take-out), family-style atmosphere (where families can take their children and be comfortable) or fine dining (generally more expensive and formal). In Winnipeg, the restaurants are listed in the Yellow Pages under Restaurants. You can also visit www.mywinnipeg.com.

It is customary to leave a tip when you pay your bill at a restaurant. Tips show the waiter or waitress that you appreciate their service. Tips are usually 10 – 15% of the total amount of the bill.

Return to Top

Furniture

Manitoba has many furniture and department stores. They are listed in the Yellow Pages. You can find advertisements for new or used furniture in the daily and weekly newspapers. In the Classified section of the newspaper, people advertise used furniture that they want to sell from their homes. You can find publications such as Buy and Sell at many grocery stores. People place ads in these publications to sell used furniture and other items.

Return to Top

Clothing

Because Manitoba has four distinct seasons, you need clothes for each season. Look for sales so you don't have to pay full price for merchandise. Compare prices between stores.

Many Manitobans shop at secondhand stores or factory outlets. You can find a list of these stores in the Yellow Pages, under Clothing-Whol & Mfrs, or Second Hand Stores.

You do not have to pay the 7% Goods and Services Tax (GST) when you purchase children's clothing. You must inform the cashier that the item is for a child. The cashier will ask you to sign a form.

Return to Top

Consumer Information

The Consumers Bureau, the Better Business Bureau and the Consumers Association ensure that consumers receive good quality products for the money they spend. If you are considering buying expensive items such as a car, furniture or appliances, the Consumers Association and the Better Business Bureau can tell you which products and companies have the best record for quality. If you have purchased a product and are not satisfied, and the store you bought it from is not willing to return your money, you can call the Consumers Bureau for advice.

Return to Top

Financial Institutions

The currency in Canada is in Canadian dollars. Paper money is in denominations of $1000, $100, $50, $20, $10, and $5. Coins are issued in denominations of $2 (called a toonie), $1 (called a loonie), 50¢ (50 cent piece), 25¢ (quarter), 10¢ (dime), 5¢ (nickel) and 1¢ (penny). You can exchange currency at banks or credit unions.

Return to Top

Banks

There are many banks to choose from in Manitoba. When you first visit a bank, ask what services it offers. It is important to discuss the different services you require and how much they cost. Compare services at different banks.

Banks in Canada are publicly owned institutions. They offer a variety of services, including account services, business and personal loans, business and home mortgages, and various investment options. They also offer shares on the major stock exchanges. Some banks have international links and may offer extended services throughout the international money markets.

Banks are listed in the Yellow Pages, under Banks.

Return to Top

Credit Unions

Credit unions offer the same services as banks. However, they are different because they are co-operatives. Customers buy shares to become members of the credit union. Individuals or businesses can purchase a share at a one-time cost of approximately $5.

Decisions about the credit union are made by shareholders. Profits stay in the local community.

Most credit unions are open to the general public. Some are open only to employees of specific businesses or associations. Credit unions are listed in the Yellow Pages, under Credit Unions. For more information, visit their web site at www.creditunion.mb.ca.

Return to Top

Trust Companies

Trust companies are privately owned and operated financial institutions. They offer full banking services, with the exception of foreign exchange, which is limited to processing Canadian and United States dollars and Pounds Sterling. For more information, look under Trust Companies in the Yellow Pages.

Return to Top

Insurance

Various types of insurance offer protection against the damage or loss of home, business or personal possessions. Life insurance and disability insurance protects against income loss. These can be purchased as:

• Automobile Insurance (Manitoba Public Insurance or MPI). You must have this insurance if you own a vehicle.
• Business and Commercial Insurance
• Dental Insurance (Blue Cross is an example of dental insurance in Manitoba)
• Disability Income Insurance
• Fire Insurance
• General Insurance
• Homeowner or Tenant Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Travel Insurance

It is important to ask for advice on the type of insurance that is best for you. For further information on insurance, contact any of the insurance companies listed in the Yellow Pages, under Insurance.

Return to Top

Taxes

Everyone in Canada must pay taxes. Taxes are collected as:

• Income Tax
• Provincial Sales Tax (PST)
• Goods and Services Tax (GST)
• Property Tax
• Business Tax

Taxes are collected by the municipal, provincial and federal governments. They are used to pay for the public services we enjoy as residents of the province, such as health care, education, roads and cultural activities.

The Government of Manitoba charges a Provincial Sales Tax (PST) of 7% of the purchase price of most items. The federal government charges an additional 7% Goods and Services Tax (GST).

Every adult living in Canada must send an Income Tax Return to the federal government by April 30 each year. Income taxes are a report of all the income you received during the previous year.

You can get help to fill out your income taxes. Some services charge a fee (see Tax Return Preparation in the Yellow Pages). Others are free.

If your income is low, you may be able to get your taxes done free of charge by Canada Customs and Revenue Agency - Community Volunteer Income Tax Program. Contact the International Centre (943-9158), Welcome Place (977-1000) or Canada Revenue Agency for more information:

Canada Revenue Agency
325 Broadway
Winnipeg MB R3C 4T4
Toll Free: 1-800-959-8281*
Web Site: http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca

GST Enquiries
In Winnipeg call: (204) 983-3933
Toll Free: 1-800-665-8706*
Web Site: http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca

Realty and Business Tax Inquiries
City of Winnipeg
510 Main Street
Winnipeg MB R3B 3M2
Phone: (204) 986-2161
Web Site: www.winnipegassessment.com

Provincial Sales Tax Inquiries (PST)
101- 401 York Avenue
Winnipeg MB R3C 0P8
Phone: (204) 945-5603
Web Site: www.gov.mb.ca/finance

Return to Top