Written by Gwen Black, Policy and Government Relations Manager.
The Canadian Chamber of Commerce celebrated 100 years of championing Canadian business in early October at its 2025 Annual General Meeting and Convention. This legacy began at a national conference in Winnipeg in 1925, a movement of which The Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce was a founding member.
On behalf of our members, Winnipeg Chamber staff attended this year’s gathering. From speakers and panels to a packed policy discussion, it was two full days dedicated to ensuring that the priorities of Winnipeg’s business community were heard loud and clear on the national stage.
Minister Mélanie Joly’s Keynote Address
To open the 2025 conference, the Honourable Mélanie Joly spoke about how the current geopolitical climate impacts Canadian businesses. She emphasized the government’s efforts to strengthen strategic relationships within and beyond the United States, a timely insight just days following the recent meeting between the Prime Minister and President Donald Trump, which Minister Joly attended as part of the Canadian delegation to Washington.
Our members have told us that, in this time of global uncertainty, it’s more important than ever to invest in Canadian innovation, upskilling our workforce, and strengthening global supply chains. We were encouraged to hear these same priorities reflected in national conversations throughout the conference and Minister Joly’s address.
2025 Canadian Chamber Policy Resolutions
Each year, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce collects submissions from across the country to shape its annual policy priorities. At the AGM, these proposals are discussed, debated, and formally voted on, with successful submissions adopted as official policies that guide the organization’s work for the year ahead.
As your Chamber, we are committed to ensuring Winnipeg’s voice is represented in these national discussions. Our members are at the heart of our policy development, and by engaging with the Canadian Chamber, we strengthen our ability to advocate for policies that reflect and advance our shared goals.
During this year’s debate, The Winnipeg Chamber proudly supported policies that reflected our member-driven advocacy, covering topics such as:
- Investing in municipal infrastructure to strengthen local economies and drive long-term prosperity.
- In Winnipeg, we are working to move this issue forward by supporting funding for the North End Sewage Treatment Plant, as noted in our federal Pre-Budget Submission.
- Aligning immigration policy with labour market needs and expediting foreign credential recognition to help address Canada’s workforce gaps.
- In Winnipeg, we’re moving this issue forward by recommending enhanced industry-aligned immigration programs as part of our Economic Growth and Productivity Policy Position.
- In Winnipeg, we’re moving this issue forward by recommending enhanced industry-aligned immigration programs as part of our Economic Growth and Productivity Policy Position.
- Supporting SMEs investing in workforce innovation and upskilling initiatives.
- In Winnipeg, we’re working with the Province of Manitoba and the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce on an AI program to assist SMEs—a recommendation in our Economic Growth and Productivity Policy Position.
- In Winnipeg, we’re working with the Province of Manitoba and the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce on an AI program to assist SMEs—a recommendation in our Economic Growth and Productivity Policy Position.
- Enabling the development of more affordable housing, ensuring communities can attract and retain talent.
- In Winnipeg, we advocate for more affordable housing through the many recommendations outlined in our Affordable Housing Policy Position.
Share Your Thoughts
Our Chamber is always advocating on your behalf. If you have a policy priority you’d like to see advanced next year, or a question about our current work, contact our Policy and Government Relations Manager, Gwen Black.
