Written by Gwen Black, Policy and Government Relations Manager, The Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce
Advocacy in Action
The message we shared with federal officials last week: Manitoba is ready and able to deliver.
“Ottawa needs to hear that not just once, but on a regular basis,” shared Loren Remillard, The Chamber President and CEO, in a recent Winnipeg Free Press article by Gabrielle Piché.
Alongside Centreport Canada, Manitoba Heavy Construction Association, the Business Council of Manitoba, and the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce, we met with senior federal officials in Ottawa to discuss Manitoba’s role in executing Canada’s economic priorities. The departments we met with included Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada; Prairies Economic Development Canada; Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada; National Defence; and International Trade.
Here’s what we focused on:
- Positioning Manitoba as a national logistics hub for trade and infrastructure.
- Manitoba’s aerospace and biosciences leadership, coupled with our geographic position, make us a leading partner in Canada’s Defence Industrial Strategy.
- Manitoba’s economic goals depend on access to a skilled and reliable workforce. Immigration is essential to enabling this growth and requires more tailored approaches to federal immigration policy.
This Manitoba delegation was the first in many years, and we are committed to returning regularly to ensure Manitoba is part of these federal-level conversations. Share your thoughts and comment on our LinkedIn Recap.
Here at The Chamber, we continue to meet with all levels of government to ensure timely advocacy responses and initiatives.
Recent Meetings:
- Quarterly meeting with CAO Joseph Dunford
- MLA Jasdeep Devgan
- Quarterly meeting with Premier Kinew
- Prairies Economic Development Canada
What We’re Watching: Key Trends and Emerging Issues
City of Winnipeg
Everything we do at The Chamber is member-driven and informed, which is why we are excited to continue our civic election work by conducting sector consultations with small businesses, the development sector, downtown businesses, and retail and food & beverage operators to ensure your priorities lead the way.
Want to get involved in this work? Contact Gwen Black, our Policy & Government Relations Manager, at [email protected].
And fill out our Civic Election Survey – Fill out form
Province of Manitoba
In March, the Province launched consultations for proposed amendments to Rent Regulation — including raising the rent exemption threshold to $2,000/month, which would bring more units under rent regulation, and cutting the capital expenditure portion landlords can claim in above-guideline rent increase applications by 50%.
The Chamber has raised concerns about the impact these changes could have on Winnipeg’s housing market with Premier Kinew in our quarterly meetings. Specifically, upkeep, affordability, and the city’s ability to attract and retain its future workforce.
Government of Canada
This month, the Government of Canada launched a new Worker Retention Grant to help employers invest in their teams, topping up employees’ income while they take training to build new skills.
Applications are open until the end of December. Click here to learn more.
Lastly, the federal government’s pre-budget submission window is now open until April 30, and The Chamber is in the process of finalizing ours with our Advocacy Leadership Council. If you have recommendations that align with our policy priorities and want to make sure your voice is part of our submission, reach out to Gwen Black, our Policy & Government Relations Manager, at [email protected].
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.
