August 27, 2026
Manitoba Government and City of Winnipeg Unite Behind Development of Provincewide Economic Development Agency
– – –Expanded Mandate Sets Course for Co-ordinated Investment Attraction, Business Development and Economic Growth: Moses
The Manitoba government and City of Winnipeg are expanding the mandate of Winnipeg Economic Development & Tourism to serve as a provincewide economic development agency, Business, Mining, Trade and Job Creation Minister Jamie Moses announced today.
“At a time when new tariffs and global economic uncertainty are creating challenges for businesses across Canada, Manitoba needs a co-ordinated approach to attract investment, support businesses and create jobs,” said Moses. “This expanded mandate builds on the successful work already being done by Winnipeg Economic Development & Tourism and extends its reach to support economic development in communities across the province.”
Under the expanded mandate, Winnipeg Economic Development & Tourism will transition to become a provincial economic development agency that will serve as a single point of entry for investors, businesses and site selectors seeking opportunities in Manitoba. The agency will help clients navigate government programs, connect with partners, identify opportunities and advance projects from initial inquiry to implementation, while advocating for Manitoba’s economic interests at home and abroad.
“Winnipeg is the economic engine of Manitoba, and our success is closely tied to the success of the province,” said Mayor Scott Gillingham, City of Winnipeg. “By bringing our economic development efforts together, we can make it easier for businesses to invest and grow, compete more effectively for new opportunities and create more good jobs. This partnership builds on the strong work already happening in Winnipeg while giving us a stronger, more co-ordinated approach to growing our economy across Manitoba.”
Over the past year, the Manitoba government has worked closely with a transition advisory council comprised of business leaders from across the province to help shape the future organization and identify opportunities to strengthen Manitoba’s economic development ecosystem. The expanded mandate reflects a clear message from Manitoba's business community that economic development services should be more co-ordinated, responsive and easier to navigate.
Major event attraction will remain a core responsibility of the agency. These events generate significant economic benefits for Manitoba, supporting local businesses, attracting visitors and showcasing the province on the national and international stage.
“The opportunity to lead the development of a province-wide economic development agency speaks to the strength of our people and a proven track record of delivering results,” said Denise Zaporzan, board chair, Winnipeg Economic Development & Tourism. “The board is confident that incoming President & CEO Chuck Davidson and the team at Winnipeg Economic Development & Tourism will bring our collaborative, private-sector-led approach and expertise in economic development and tourism to this important work.”
Over the coming year, the new agency will work with economic development organizations across Manitoba to explore opportunities for greater collaboration and integration, reducing fragmentation and creating a more streamlined experience for businesses and investors, while ensuring communities throughout the province have a stronger voice in attracting growth and investment.
“I am excited to lead the transition to the economic development agency,” said Chuck Davidson, incoming president and CEO, Winnipeg Economic Development & Tourism. “The business community has been calling for a more co-ordinated and streamlined approach to economic development for many years, and this work is more important now than ever. Throughout my career, I’ve seen what Manitoba can accomplish when communities, businesses and governments work together with a shared purpose, and I look forward to building stronger connections across the province, attracting new investment and helping communities in every region grow and succeed.”
Winnipeg Economic Development & Tourism has a strong track record of attracting investment, supporting business growth and promoting Manitoba's advantages to domestic and international markets, the minister noted, adding that the transition to a provincial economic development organization will build on that success and expand its reach to support economic growth in every region of Manitoba.
- 30 -