In wake of Manitoba law, Walmart Canada removing long-bladed weapons, machetes from shelves across country

Walmart Canada is pulling machetes from shelves and online in the wake of a Manitoba law.

Another retailer is pulling machetes and other long-bladed weapons from its shelves in Manitoba.

Walmart Canada has confirmed with CTV News Winnipeg that the items are not for sale in Manitoba and are going a step further by removing them from stores across the country.

“Walmart Canada is aware of the new legislation related to the sale of long-bladed weapons, which includes machetes. Our Manitoba stores do not sell long-bladed weapons,” the company said in an emailed statement.

“Additionally, we will no longer sell long-bladed weapons Canada-wide. We are currently removing them online and from the rest of our stores across the country.”

This comes after Amazon Canada confirmed it is blocking the sale of machetes and other long-bladed weapons to Manitobans by barring purchases from Manitoba shipping addresses.

Speaking to reporters Thursday afternoon, Manitoba Justice Minister Matt Wiebe said the decisions by Walmart Canada and Amazon show how the legislation is making a difference.

“We know (machetes) are used in the most heinous crimes and some of the most horrific crimes in our communities, and it’s going to make a difference taking them off the street,” he said. “Now with these online retailers reaching out to us, beginning this dialogue, and in the case of Walmart, pulling the machete sales from across Canada in terms of online sales, it’s going to make communities safer across the country.”

Manitoba passed legislation in 2024 restricting the sale of machetes in stores, following a string of attacks involving them in Winnipeg. They can only be purchased by adults with photo identification, must be placed so the public cannot easily access them, and records of the sales must be kept for two years.

Wiebe said he wants the federal government to review its current legislation on long-bladed weapons to align it with Manitoba.