To build an economy that addresses today’s challenges and seizes the opportunities ahead, Premier Heather Stefanson and Economic Development, Investment and Trade Minister Jeff Wharton announced today a new, long-term economic action plan for Manitoba, with targeted initiatives already underway to meet a shared vision for sustained growth, increased trade, a skilled workforce with good paying jobs, and continued progress toward economic reconciliation with Indigenous communities.

The Opportunities for Economic Growth Action Plan capitalizes on Manitoba’s competitive advantage as the geographic centre of North America, as well as the province’s abundant clean energy, excellent transportation connections, renowned research networks, competitive business supports, and a young and skilled workforce.

The plan aligns government department initiatives to support Manitoba industries in filling more than 114,000 job openings over the next five years. It will focus on four key pillars of the economy: workforce skills and supply, critical business and trade infrastructure, emerging sector growth opportunities, and quality of life investments.

“Through this plan and vision, we are going to continue growing our economy with investments that create more good paying jobs and improve the quality of life for Manitobans throughout our province,” Stefanson said. “This plan will revitalize our communities, build vibrant industries, and make Manitoba a safe and affordable place to live and work.”

The blueprint for economic growth is the result of extensive engagement with over 65 economic development partners and stakeholders including the business and industry community, sector councils, post-secondary educational institutions, Indigenous-led organizations, and training and employment organizations.

It is a data-informed examination of private-sector performance, emerging growth areas and workforce needs that provided new insights into current challenges and future opportunities. Stakeholder advice, experiences and insights shaped the plan and emphasized the need for action to create the conditions for economic prosperity.

“Manitoba has one of the most diverse and balanced economies in Canada,” said Wharton. “It is an economy built by an enterprising and innovative private sector and supported by a network of partners that, together, are essential to the continued growth of our economy and workforce.

“Economic growth is one of our government’s highest priorities and the successful start of initiatives under this action plan showcases our commitment to translating vision into action. We will continue to work in close partnership with all stakeholders to identify and invest in opportunities with the greatest potential for economic impact.”

In support of the plan, the Manitoba government has already made several targeted investments as part of Budget 2023 to benefit and support industry and community growth throughout the province. These investments will:

• attract international talent, recruit workers, retain employees and bring back students from other jurisdictions after graduation;
• enhance the education system by developing career pathways for in-demand apprenticeship trades and early childhood educators starting in high school;
• expand markets for Manitoba goods and services, and strengthen the infrastructure to get those goods and services to market;
• incentivize employers to upskill their workforce and help certify internationally educated professionals in their profession;
• improve Manitoba’s tax system to make the personal income and business tax environment more competitive with neighbouring jurisdictions, and allow businesses and workers to keep more of their income;
• revitalize downtown Winnipeg through development and heritage preservation, and address homelessness through safe housing; and
• support the growth and vibrancy of Manitoba arts, culture, sport and tourism.

“Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure’s mission is to ensure safe, reliable and sustainable infrastructure for Manitobans,” said Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Doyle Piwniuk. “Our government’s vision and strategy is to build on our multimodal transportation hub and trade gateways, to create opportunities toward a more prosperous future for all those residing in Manitoba.”

“Manitoba’s diverse economy continues to enable a strong labour market and we are seeing an increase of international migration of skilled workers that will help strengthen not only Manitoba’s population but also increase economic growth and opportunities across the province,” said Labour and Immigration Minister Jon Reyes.