Executive Summary

Manitoba has always been a province that looks beyond its borders. We know that our economic growth and social prosperity are linked to our ability to continue to engage effectively in the highly competitive international arena. We must be strategically placed to succeed and prosper, both at home and abroad. Manitoba has many advantages, including reliable and affordable clean energy, a diverse economy that is becoming increasingly knowledge-based, our natural and human resources that have created a rich and vibrant society, and our location in the centre of Canada on the North American mid-continent trade and transportation corridor. Promoting our advantages internationally is key to maximizing our vast potential. In addition, "Friendly Manitobans" have an international reputation for compassion and hard work in helping fellow global citizens, and we have a continued role to play in advancing democratic freedoms, political liberties, and human development.

Reaching Beyond Our Borders is intended to complement and support the strategic directions outlined in Manitoba's Action Strategy for Economic Growth, which sets the pace for sustainable, economic growth in the province. This document builds on that strategy by providing a framework to guide how Manitoba will engage the global community to help achieve the province's prosperity targets and harness our competitive strengths.

Reaching Beyond Our Borders outlines a vision to guide the Province's international activities - a vision in which Manitoba is recognized internationally as a competitive economic centre, a lucrative destination for investment, an attractive location for immigration and international study, and a caring member of the global community.

In support of this vision, Reaching Beyond Our Borders,
outlines three key Objectives:

1. Ensuring that the Province's international activities reflect a corporate, focused, and strategic approach;

2. Promoting our capabilities, strengths, and advantages and enhancing our image internationally in order to stimulate economic growth, trade and international investment; to encourage partnerships and investments that support research and innovation in key sectors such as the life sciences and clean energy development; and to demonstrate our attractiveness as a destination for international tourists, immigrants, and students; and

3. Facilitating international development and advancing global interests, by sharing our cultures and expertise with international partners while protecting the interests of Manitobans in the international arena.

Reaching Beyond Our Borders, identifies 12 key areas of focus, including corporate coordination; trade and investment; energy, science and technology; immigration; transportation; tourism; international education; environmental stewardship; international development; safety and security; Indigenous Peoples' partnerships; and Francophone interests. Many important strategic actions are identified within these key areas, including the development of the Manitoba Ambassador Program, an International Trade and Investment Strategy, an International Education Strategy, an International Projects Strategy, and an Aboriginal Tourism Strategy.

A key goal is to create opportunities for the involvement of the Province's partners in creating a fully integrated and coordinated approach to international activities. The Province will work with advisory bodies, Crown Corporations, Manitoba's business community, educational institutions, non-government organizations, the Government of Canada, and Manitoba's municipalities to position Manitoba on the international stage.

The Federal-Provincial and International Relations and Trade Division of the Department of Intergovernmental Affairs and Trade will coordinate the implementation of the framework, in consultation with the Premier's Economic Advisory Council. The Division will ensure that the direction outlined is integrated into departmental operational plans, with specific benchmarks and reporting mechanisms, and that progress is reported to Manitobans.