Manitoba Government Invests more than $40 Million to Enhance Sector Council Program

The Manitoba government is investing $40.4 million to expand and enhance the Sector Council Program over the next four years so key industries can develop and train a more skilled, productive and competitive workforce, Economic Development, Investment and Trade Minister Jeff Wharton announced today.

“Manitoba’s economy continues to grow, innovate, and diversify, and our government recognizes the demand for workforce capacity to address labour and skills shortages,” said Wharton. “Sector councils are integral to the growth and success of business in Manitoba, and these increased investments reflect our commitment to ensuring companies can deliver the training they need to compete locally and in the global market.”

As part of the next cycle of the Sector Council Program, the minister noted the program’s yearly funding is being increased by $4.1 million to a total annual budget of $10.1 million. The new funding also supports a new film sector council, the minister added. Other funded sectors include aerospace, agriculture, bioscience, creative industries, construction, information, communication and digital technologies, natural resources, energy and environment, traditional and advanced manufacturing, tourism, hospitality and retail service, and transportation and distribution.

“Manitoba’s trucking industry needs to bring 4,300 drivers over the next four years into the industry to meet demand. That means we need to recruit, train, and retain a new driver in Manitoba every eight hours, every day, for the next four years,” said Aaron Dolyniuk, executive director, Manitoba Trucking Association. “A transportation and distribution sector council will help address that demand. This sector council will allow us to ensure all Manitobans are aware of the wealth of opportunities—drivers, technicians, office staff and more—in Manitoba’s trucking industry. It will also improve training resources and opportunities for current industry participants. Today’s announcement is a positive step forward.”

Sector councils supported by the Manitoba government represent more than 280,000 workers and 9,000 employers, small-business owners, labour groups and others. The Manitoba government created the Sector Council Program in 1991 to promote private investment in workforce training and development and bring together representatives from stakeholder groups to address changing needs.