To MCCs valued members and Manitoba’s business community,
We’re approaching the 40th edition of our COVID-19 e-news bulletin, originally delivered three times per week, which we then decreased to two, and now every Monday. The sheer volume of information we’ve collected and shared has been staggering, and this communication has all but replaced MCC’s regular eWeekly newsletter. As we wade into Phase 4 economic recovery and ready ourselves for a return to school, we plan to wind down our “official” dedicated COVID-19 bulletin at the end of August. After the Labour Day weekend, we’ll return to our regularly scheduled programming — the eWeekly newsletter — while, of course, continuing to include essential pandemic information and updates.
COVID-19 isn’t over.
Manitoba’s overall active case number and case positivity rate are increasing and we need to continue promoting and practicing safe behaviours. To quote Dr. Brent Roussin, Chief Provincial Public Health Officer: “We have to learn to live with this virus because this virus is going to be with us for some time. We didn’t know a lot about it in the beginning, so the safest message was to tell people to stay home. As we’ve learned more about the virus, we still recommend that individuals with increased risk stay home as much as possible to avoid infection. But, for the most part, we need to find ways to live safely and move about the community with this virus. That includes maintaining that physical distancing, frequent handwashing, avoiding touching our face, limiting unnecessary travel, coughing/sneezing into our elbow, and not leaving the house when sick.”
Remember: Manitoba Chambers of Commerce is here to help. Contact us any time if you need guidance or support related to economic restart and pandemic recovery. In the meantime, here are a few positive things to watch right now:
- The #GoCanadaUnited campaign is underway to bolster local business across Canada. There are many ways to get involved in the movement and eligible small biz will be able to apply for $5,000 relief grants. Very special thanks to RBC and 60+ organizations across Canada (including many Chambers of Commerce and Boards of Trade), who have come together to make this “show local some love” campaign and accompanying relief fund a reality.
- New labour force statistics show that nearly two-thirds of Manitobans are back to work. Total July employment in Manitoba increased by 12,400, a two per cent increase from June, where employment increased by a record 28,900. In Manitoba, full-time employment was up 6,200, a 1.3 per cent increase, over double the national average. Part-time employment increased by 6,100, an increase of five per cent. Overall, the provincial unemployment rate edged down to 8.2 per cent, the lowest in the country. The private sector, which includes the self-employed, increased 8,600, a 1.9 per cent gain from June to July. For details, click here.
- The Canadian Chamber of Commerce is leading a federal tax review (thank you!) and we need Manitobans’ expertise and input. Details can be found below about how to participate in a consultation with commissioners live via webinar this week.
- Starting up again in September, MCC will host a live webinar Q&A series, Asked & Answered, with each month featuring a provincial government minister. In July, Honourable Eileen Clarke, Minister of Indigenous & Northern Relations, joined us to discuss northern economic development and officially launch MMDF (Manitoba Mineral & Economic Development Fund). We’ll kick off the fall season with Honourable Kelvin Goertzen, Minister of Education. Watch for registration details coming soon.
- COMING SOON: We’re preparing an overview of MMDF to introduce you to our program manager, Jessica Ferris, as well as the application review committee and board members. You’ll have an opportunity to learn about the MMDF, the application process, as well as some of the brilliant projects we’re funding in Manitoba’s North. Watch your email for this special edition!
