Policy and Advocacy

Advocating for You at Every Level of Government

Our Advocacy

We advocate for a strong, inclusive, and competitive Winnipeg economy. Guided by our members, we bring the voice of business to City Hall, the Manitoba Legislature, and Parliament Hill—advocating for practical, data driven solutions that reflect your priorities.

Winnipeg's Civic Election is on October 28.

To help our members make an informed decision, we asked candidates where they stand on our 2026 Civic Election Platform and scored their responses. Discover how your council candidates’ positions align with priorities identified by Winnipeg’s business community.

Compare Candidate Scorecards

Our Policy Process

Policy decisions at The Chamber are member-driven. Through member engagemnet and feedback, working groups, and Board approval, our advocacy reflects what matters most to Winnipeg businesses.

Our 2025-2026 Advocacy Priorities

Each year, members identify their top policy priorities in the Annual Membership Survey. For the 2025 – 2026 year, the following are our areas of focus.

  • Downtown Winnipeg Revitalization
  • Affordable Housing
  • Community Safety
  • Economic Growth & Productivity
  • Trade and Tariff Impacts
  • Workforce Development
  • Environment Sustainability 
  • Fiscal Responsibility
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Business Insights Quarterly

Q4 2025 Report

Real-Time Data for Canadian Businesses from Business Data Lab and the Canadian Chamber of Commerce

Current Policy Priorities

Truth and Reconciliation

To create a strong economic future for Winnipeggers, we must dismantle deeply rooted systemic barriers and work toward building a more equitable and inclusive economy that recognizes, values, and is strengthened by the leadership, knowledge, and contributions of Indigenous Peoples. This policy focuses on economic reconciliation and is grounded in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s (TRC) Calls to Action.
Read The Policy

Workforce Development

Labour shortages significantly impact businesses’ ability to invest and grow in Winnipeg. Adding to current shortages, rapid technological change is disrupting industries, and skill mismatches are expected to further contribute to workforce shortages. Created in partnership with our members, we've outlined practical steps to help close workforce gaps and better support employers.
Read the Policy

Economic Growth & Productivity​

To unlock Winnipeg’s true potential, we must focus on driving productivity— the key to boosting our economic growth and raising the standard of living across the city. Our recommendations for the City of Winnipeg, Province of Manitoba, Government of Canada, and business community focus on three core principles:  Grow, Invest, Enable.
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Trade and Tariff Impacts

While trade policies are negotiated globally, their impact is felt locally. Across Manitoba, businesses are facing rising costs, delayed shipments, and growing uncertainty as international trade tensions intensify. Our position is clear, we must protect local businesses, expand into new markets, and fix the outdated systems that make trade unnecessarily complex.
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Downtown Winnipeg Revitalization

The Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce recognizes Downtown Winnipeg as the vibrant heart of our city. However, Downtown Winnipeg is struggling with several interconnected issues – economic stagnation, safety concerns and a lack of diverse housing options. Addressing these challenges is crucial to ensuring that Downtown Winnipeg remains a thriving, inclusive, and welcoming place for all residents and visitors.
Read The Policy

Affordable Housing

Updated: May 2026. Access to affordable housing for all residents is a key indicator of Winnipeg’s economic health. Without a sufficient supply of affordable housing, employers may face a competitive disadvantage, struggling to attract and retain workers. Achieving this vision requires a holistic approach to housing affordability, influenced by key factors such as: government regulation, available land and labour and material costs.
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Environmental Sustainability

Updated: February 2026. A healthy environment is not only desirable, but it is foundational to long-term economic stability and growth. Delaying investment in sustainable practices puts Manitoba at a competitive disadvantage. Transitioning to a low-carbon, circular economy will require structural and cultural shifts, but it presents a once-in-a-generation economic opportunity.
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Community Safety

A safer Winnipeg begins with people across communities being supported, resourced, and trusted. To truly improve safety, we must focus on tackling its root causes, such as poverty, addiction, affordable housing, and lack of mental healthcare. Caring for all residents is vital to the city's economic growth, as they are customers, employees, business owners, and future entrepreneurs who help drive and sustain our local economy. 
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Advocacy in Action

Advancing Economic Reconciliation | Our New Truth and Reconciliation Policy Position 

Written by Gwen Black, Policy and Government Relations Manager, The Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce Last week we commemorated the National...

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From One Chair to Another: Meet Advocacy Leadership Council’s Mark Kelly & Neil Sabourin

Written by Emma Winram | Intern, The Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce For Mark Kelly, business advocacy isn’t just about following...

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September 2026 | Policy in Focus

Written by Gwen Black, Policy and Government Relations Manager, The Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce Join Us in Our Advocacy Fall...

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Your Trade & Tariff Resource Centre

Last updated: September 10, 2026 With 50 per cent U.S. tariffs now in effect and Canada retaliating dollar-for-dollar, our business...

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We value transparency, accountability, and communication with you, our members.

Here’s how you can shape the agenda.

Submit an Advocacy Issue​

Participate in Consultations​

Collaborate on Advocacy​

Let us know what policy issues are affecting your business.

Join roundtables, surveys, and focus groups.

Join our efforts—or invite us into yours—to align and amplify business perspectives.

Contact The Chamber Team

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