Written by Gwen Black, Policy and Government Relations Manager
Advocacy in Action...
Our members have been clear that ongoing trade uncertainty and new tariffs are putting real strain on the business community, making the upcoming 2026 Joint Review of the Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) a key opportunity.
Since coming into force, CUSMA has generated trillions of dollars in trilateral trade, strengthening the wider North American economy.
Our submission highlights member priorities: tariff stability, digital trade modernization, Manitoba’s role in the North American economy, and the need for a predictable, investor-friendly trading environment.
What We're Watching: Key Trends and Emerging Issues
City of Winnipeg
This month, the City released Budget 2026, the second update in its 2024–2027 multi-year budget plan. Overall, we see meaningful progress on our members’ priorities of community safety, infrastructure, and modernization, though long-term financial stability and fee impacts still require attention.
Key Highlights:
- Business tax rate frozen at 4.84%
- Property tax increase of 3.5% in 2026
- Water and sewer rates rising more moderately than expected.
- Transit: 36 new FTEs, extended service hours, and new neighbourhood routes.
- Infrastructure: Funding for Route 90 preliminary design and major investment in NEWPCC nutrient removal.
- Downtown safety: Investments in Millennium Library safety improvements, downtown lighting, youth programming, and added police, paramedics, DCSP support, plus expanded 24/7 safe spaces.
- Modernization: Investment in the Digital Customer Experience Program.
“This is a budget that reflects the economic realities Winnipeg businesses are facing, with meaningful investments in areas our members tell us matter most. We’re happy to see many of the recommendations we brought to the City on our members’ behalf reflected, but we still need to see a clearer focus on outcomes – what we’re getting for what we’re spending – not just the inputs,” said Loren Remillard, President and CEO, The Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce.
The Chamber has registered to appear in delegation at the December 17 Council meeting to offer our remarks prior to the budget’s final approval and provide this feedback directly to Council.
NEW Winnipeg Parking and Mobility Strategy
The City has released its new five-year plan for managing on-street and off-street parking, curbside spaces, and mobility services such as taxis and carsharing. The Chamber is pleased to see a data-driven approach, along with plans to improve the customer experience through technology investments and a range of transportation options – including rideshare.
We look forward to continued work with the City to ensure Winnipeg supports economic growth with a transportation system that is easy to navigate. Read the full strategy here.
Transit On-Request Night Service Expansion
Beginning December 14, 2025, on-request service will run until 2:00 a.m. on weekdays and Saturdays, and 12:45 a.m. on Sundays and holidays. Additional fixed-route changes are expected in April. Extending night service on 11 fixed routes and 10 on-request zones will take effect on April 12, 2026.
We’re glad to see this change taking effect, as many of our members have highlighted how the new transit system has affected their workforce.
Province of Manitoba
Last week, the Province delivered the Speech from the Throne, opening a new legislative session and outlining its plans for the year ahead. We were encouraged to see the plan for continued progress on the Port of Churchill’s referral to the Major Projects Office and the intention to establish Canada’s first Crown-Indigenous Corporation. However, the speech did not offer clear plans to drive Manitoba’s economy forward at a time when we are facing a historic economic moment with mounting pressure on the business community.
Other highlights include:
- Eliminating sick notes for absences under seven days
- Launching a $300 home security rebate and $2,500 business rebate this December
- PST elimination on manufacturing equipment
- Modernization of the Small Business Venture Capital Tax Credit
The full speech is available here.
Two New Manitoba Strategies
This plan outlines a road map for the province to reach net-zero emissions by 2050.
Key elements include:
- Creating a new Climate Change Committee of Cabinet
- Strengthening climate legislation
- Partnering with Indigenous Nations on renewable energy projects
- Action plans to be developed every three years
Innovation and Prosperity Report: Charting a Sovereign, Value-Added Future for Manitoba
For Manitoba to stay competitive, it needs a strong innovation agenda. The province’s new strategy aims to grow the tech sector, strengthen the economy, and ensure workers and families benefit from the shift toward data, AI, and intellectual property.
Built on six pillars:
- Intellectual property generation and ownership
- Data and artificial intelligence ownership and control
- Infrastructure
- Skills and human capital
- Federal–provincial alignment
- Sector considerations
The Chamber is encouraged to see strong alignment with many of our Policy Positions, particularly around implementing AI policies that support business innovation and investing in infrastructure that drives long-term prosperity.
Government of Canada
Earlier this month, Prime Minister Carney was in town for the Grey Cup and joined Premier Wab Kinew for an announcement reaffirming that Port of Churchill Plus, added to the Transformative Strategies list for the Major Projects Office on September 11, is a core component of Canada’s long-term prosperity. The announcement included federal funding for a feasibility study on the future deployment and operation of specialized icebreakers, ice tugs, and research vessels at the Port of Churchill, along with provincial investments to support improvements to the Hudson Bay Railway line.
Check out that announcement here.
Last but certainly not least. On November 21, 2025 we had the opportunity to host Minister of Finance and National Revenue François-Philippe Champagne for a conversation about what Budget 2025 means for Manitoba businesses and more.
