Walmart Canada recently sold one-litre cartons of milk in Manitoba at prices exceeding provincial regulations. The retail giant listed one litre of Beatrice milk for $2.88, surpassing the province’s legal cap of $2.03 for 2% milk and $1.97 for 1% milk.
Kate Kehler, executive director of the Social Planning Council of Winnipeg, criticized Walmart for the pricing error, stating that such a large chain should be aware of provincial laws. Walmart issued an apology on Wednesday, attributing the discrepancy to a system error that occurred on February 13. The company assured customers that refunds would be provided for overcharges if they return their milk with a receipt. Those with concerns can contact Customer Care at 1-800-328-0402.
The pricing issue was corrected after CBC News inquired about the discrepancy on Sunday. By Monday, Walmart’s app displayed a price just below the provincial limit. However, Walmart did not respond to CBC’s questions until after the story was published on Wednesday.
Kehler emphasized that Walmart must take accountability, drawing comparisons to the $25 gift card compensation issued by Loblaws following the early 2000s bread price-fixing scandal. Manitoba Agriculture Minister Ron Kostyshyn has ordered an investigation into the matter but has yet to announce further action. Under the Milk Prices Review Act, violations can result in fines ranging from $500 to $5,000.
Currently, price controls apply only to homogenized, 2%, 1%, and skim milk in one-litre cartons. Kehler advocates for broader regulation, arguing that larger milk containers should also have price caps to alleviate financial strain on consumers.
This is not the first time retailers have been caught overpricing milk. A 2013 CBC News investigation found downtown Winnipeg stores exceeding legal price limits, prompting a government review. Additionally, in 2022, the Social Planning Council of Winnipeg flagged a 7-Eleven location for overcharging, leading to a price correction. Provincial milk price limits are reviewed annually, with this February’s adjustment lowering the capped price by one cent per litre.
Source: Swifteradio.com
