Manitoba freezes price of a litre of milk, considers caps on larger sizes

The Manitoba government froze the maximum retail price for one-litre milk cartons for 2026, with limits set between $1.93 (skim) and $2.10 (homogenized), and is considering whether two- and four-litre containers should also be regulated.

The Manitoba government has announced a freeze on the maximum retail price of one-litre milk cartons for 2026 and is exploring whether price caps should extend to larger containers. Manitoba is one of the few provinces that sets maximum retail milk prices, with different limits by milk type. Premier Wab Kinew said the freeze is intended to keep milk within reach for families choosing healthy options. He also noted the legal framework makes it straightforward to regulate milk while saying he is not planning to regulate items such as meat. Key details: - The current maximum prices apply only to one-litre cartons, with limits ranging from $1.93 a litre for skim milk to $2.10 a litre for homogenized milk. - The government is considering whether two- and four-litre containers should be added to the regulated pricing scheme. - Premier Kinew warned the government must be careful because broader price controls could risk supply issues or empty shelves if not handled cautiously. - Kinew has said the government plans to address so-called differential pricing, where customers can be charged different prices for the same product at the same store on some online platforms. - Additional measures are expected following a grocery price study that the government promised in its November throne speech. - The province has recently used affordability measures in policy, including a one-year freeze on hydroelectric rates followed by a 4% increase on Jan. 1, 2026, and changes to property and income tax calculations noted in reporting. Summary: The immediate effect is a maintained price ceiling for one-litre milk cartons for 2026, which the government says is meant to keep milk accessible. Officials are reviewing whether to regulate larger container sizes and plan further actions after a grocery price study. The timing and details of any expanded caps are undetermined at this time.