What We Heard

To develop the Opportunities for Economic Growth Action Plan, we started with a whole-of-government approach by consulting with government departments and central agencies to share and discuss economic data, intelligence and research findings.

Next, we hosted stakeholder engagements with 68 organizations including economic development partners, business and industry, post-secondary institutions, Indigenous-led organizations, sector council partners, employment and training organizations, and settlement organizations.

The action items identified in this plan are a direct response to the feedback, insights and recommendations of our external stakeholders.

Pie graph showing Stakeholder Participants by Organization Type: Sector Council Partners (12); Post-secondary institutions (10); Employment and Training Agencies (6); Indigenous-led Organizations (3); Settlement Organizations (6); Business and Industry (26); Economic Development Partners (5)

Workforce skills and supply shortages are the most pressing issues facing our stakeholders, so we are taking immediate action by using data and intelligence to focus investments where they will have the greatest impact throughout Manitoba, today and into the future.

Employers are experiencing significant labour shortages. Manitoba needs to expand its efforts to:

Attract international talent;
Recruit workers;
Retain employees; and
Bring back students from other jurisdictions after graduation.

Individuals who have completed their education or training, including post-secondary and international students, newcomers and individuals on EIA, need clear pathways to transition into careers.

Shorter-term education and training options, reflective of industry needs, are required for both new and existing employees to acquire needed skills and competencies.

The credential recognition process requires streamlining to be more responsive and affordable for newcomers.

Indigenous Manitobans face higher unemployment rates than any other demographic group. A collaborative approach is needed to support full economic participation of Indigenous Manitobans and communities.

A lack of available childcare spaces contributes to labour shortages.

A strong, resilient and inclusive economy requires continued investments in critical business infrastructure and capital, a renewed focus on trade and investment attraction, and expanded business supports and policies that make Manitoba an inviting business environment.

Significant government investments in infrastructure and people are needed to encourage growth, particularly in remote and northern communities. This includes:

Prioritizing core infrastructure servicing, roads, airports and broadband, to grow existing businesses, attract new investment and facilitate construction across the province.
Ensuring access to start up loans and capital for all Manitobans, particularly racialized individuals who have experienced greater barriers to funding access.

Manitoba has a great opportunity to access global markets to grow our economy. There is a strong global demand for Manitoba products such as plant-based protein and, in international markets, for arts and culture.

Trade is a significant contributor to the economy in terms of job creation and Manitoba can take greater advantage of free trade agreements in order to expand our trade activities.

Extensive regulatory requirements are creating barriers to development. There is an opportunity to be a leading province in creating a nimble regulatory environment.

Strengthening Manitoba's technology, innovation and research and development capacity will attract global talent, grow our economy and increase our competitiveness.

Businesses require varied supports throughout all stages of the business life cycle. For example, new start ups may require access to market support, tax relief, or start up capital, while mature businesses may require labour supports.

Continued and enhanced support for technology and innovation is important to harness emerging opportunities, attract investment and drive innovation.

Creating the conditions for economic growth and recovery requires investments that revitalize our communities, builds a vibrant tourism industry, and makes Manitoba a safe and affordable place to live and work.

In order to accelerate recovery in cities and communities throughout the province – including Winnipeg's downtown – investments that build safe, vibrant city centres and attract events to Manitoba are required.

A lack of reliable housing was identified as a barrier to employment for many urban Indigenous peoples.

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