The Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce says it will lobby the Manitoba government over the next few days to extend the province's Sunday shopping hours.

The business group wants new Premier Greg Selinger to move on an issue that his predecessor, Gary Doer, wouldn't.

Most businesses are restricted to Sunday hours of 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., according to provincial shopping laws. Convenience stores are exempt.

The chamber hasn't raised the issue in a few years but has had a long-standing position that states Manitoba retailers should have the same ability to decide when they open as retailers do in other provinces.

"Whether it's to allow them to determine their hours or whether to move back the opening time to say, 9 a.m. or 10 a.m. — we're not looking for a huge change. We're just looking to open up Sunday," said Dave Angus, chamber president and CEO.

Angus also intends to approach new Labour Minister Jennifer Howard to see if she is open to the idea.

The idea is to give stores and their customers more choice, Angus said.

"We know a number of retailers will stay closed on Sunday. We know some won't change from a 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. [opening] — but we know a number of them would like the ability to open a bit earlier," he said.