Sunday shopping rally planned for vote

Church groups will rally at the P.E.I. legislature for the final vote on a bill to allow year-round Sunday shopping.

Rev. Scott MacIsaac, provincial chaplain, told CBC News Monday there needs to be more time for public input on the issue. "Sunday shopping affects Islanders from one end of the Island to the other. Rural, urban, those that attend churches, those that don't attend churches," said MacIsaac.

"It's a significant measure and Islanders have not been heard."

The opposition bill narrowly passed second reading in a free vote last week, with the speaker having to stand to break a tie. The law on P.E.I. is the last in Canada restricting Sunday shopping.

MacIsaac said there is still hope some MLAs will change their mind. He is gathering church groups to voice their opposition and stand in the legislature during the third and final reading of the bill.