The leader of the Island New Democrats called on the Ghiz government Wednesday to hold a plebiscite on the issue of Sunday shopping.

James Rodd said there are strong convictions on both sides of the debate, and Islanders need to have a say on whether they should be able to shop every Sunday of the year.

"If Islanders really want to have Sunday shopping, put it to a plebiscite, put it to a vote, and give people the opportunity of putting it on paper with a ballot," Rodd said.

"It seems to be an opportunity for a government to allow the democratic process to unfold."

Sunday shopping is now only allowed in the province between Victoria Day and Christmas.

The Opposition has presented a private members bill, which would allow for year round Sunday shopping, and Tory Leader Olive Crane has suggested the bill go to a free vote.

Premier Robert Ghiz said he hasn't made a decision about allowing his MLAs to have a free vote on the issue, rather than toe the party line.

But he seemed to personally like the idea of being able to shop every Sunday.

Personally, when it comes to Sunday shopping, it would make my life much easier — with year round Sunday shopping," Ghiz said.

But the premier said he has to weigh all the options.

"But having said that, I also have a responsibility to look out for everyone in society. And I have to look out for businesses that may be hurt because of this," Ghiz said. " I have to look out for how this will affect workers that now have to go to work, and I take that very seriously."

Crane has said there's a strong economic case to be made for Sunday shopping especially since several big events are happening in the province from January to May, including the ECMAs, the Jack Frost Festival, and the Scotties Tournament of Hearts.

A legislative committee conducted public hearings in the fall of 2007 and the committee recommended giving Island businesses a choice of whether to stay open on Sundays.

But the premier decided not to move on that recommendation.