Written by Gwen Black, Policy and Government Relations Manager, The Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce
Advocacy in Action
Members are at the heart of everything we do at The Chamber and nowhere is that truer than in our advocacy work.
This year, we were proud to launch our Advocacy Leadership Council, bringing together member expertise from a range of industry sectors to help shape the issues that matter most to our business community. From pre-budget submissions and SME trade-readiness to our Civic Election work, the Council has played a key role in ensuring business perspectives are heard where it counts.
Want to get involved in advocacy work? Contact Gwen Black, our Policy & Government Relations Manager, at [email protected].
Recent Meetings
This month, we joined local chamber representatives from across the province at Chamber Advocacy Day, hosted by the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce.
Discussions focused on how investments in public safety, infrastructure, and workforce development can support Manitoba’s long-term economic growth. We were pleased to meet with:
- The Honourable Minister Matt Wiebe
- The Honourable Minister Mike Moyes
- The Honourable Minister Glen Simard
- The Honourable Minister Ron Kostyshyn
- The Honourable Minister Lisa Naylor
- The Honourable Minister Uzoma Asagwara
- The Honourable Minister Jamie Moses
- The Honourable Minister Malaya Marcelino
- Members of the Opposition
What We’re Watching: Key Trends and Emerging Issues
City of Winnipeg
In our recent Civic Election Survey, members ranked community safety as their top priority for the upcoming election. A theme echoed consistently in our consultation sessions with developers, downtown members, and the food, beverage, and retail sectors.
With that in mind, we’ll be watching the rollout of the Winnipeg Police Service’s new Rapid Response Unit (RRU), established to relieve pressure on frontline officers and improve response times.
Engagement Opportunities
- The City of Winnipeg has launched the first of three phases of public engagement on downtown rapid transit. If your business is in the project area and you have not received an invite to the June consultations, contact Gwen Black, our Policy & Government Relations Manager, at [email protected], who can help connect you.
- Zoning shapes what can be built in our city, and for the first time in 20 years, the City is rewriting its zoning rules. Make your voice heard by completing the online survey, open until June 5 at winnipeg.ca/zoningrewrite.
Province of Manitoba
As global tensions rise, diversifying trade has become a top priority for Manitoba businesses. On May 20, the Province of Manitoba announced it will establish a presence in India through a new regional trade representative, who will provide market intelligence, build business connections, attract investment, and support trade missions. This will be a valuable resource for Winnipeg businesses already operating in India, as well as those looking to explore export opportunities.
Innovation Growth Program
Applications for Manitoba’s Innovation Growth Program (IGP) are open until June 30, providing funding to help companies commercialize innovative products and processes.
The Chamber wants to see businesses start, grow, and stay in Manitoba. Fostering that environment through programs like this ensures members have access to the capital they need to compete and innovate.
Government of Canada
Ahead of the fall federal budget, The Chamber submitted our pre-budget recommendations, bringing Manitoba’s priorities to Ottawa across three key areas: Economic Competitiveness, Productivity and Fiscal Resilience; Market Diversification and Trade; and a National Urban Agenda.
Read our full submission here.
Canada’s Labour Relations Framework
In April, the Government of Canada launched a 30-day consultation on the labour relations framework. Given the impacts of recent labour disruptions, The Chamber submitted a letter expressing support for efforts to modernize Canada’s labour code and advised establishing air, rail, and ports as essential services to keep our supply chains strong, in line with our Trade and Tariff Policy position.
Canada’s National Electricity Strategy
As AI adoption accelerates and energy demands increase, investing in capacity is critical to keeping Canada’s economy competitive and supporting long-term growth.
Recently, Powering Canada Strong: A National Strategy for an Electrified Canadian Economy was released, outlining the federal government’s plan to double Canada’s grid capacity by 2050. We look forward to further opportunities for Manitoba as this develops, given the strength of Manitoba’s energy sector.
Help shape the voice of your Winnipeg Chamber – one of Canada’s eight largest Chambers and Manitoba’s leading business organization for six consecutive years and counting (Manitoba Business Leaders Index, Probe Research (Canada)).
Contact Gwen Black, Policy and Government Relations Manager, at [email protected] to learn how.
