A truly collaborative spirit and shared commitment to making Manitoba a leader in the green economy was evident last week at the Manitoba Green Economy Forum at The Leaf. Hosted by the Manitoba Green Advantage (MGA) program, an initiative of the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce (MCC), the Forum aimed to bring key industry leaders including Indigenous businesses, government officials, environmental organizations, and engaging speakers together to provide insights and strategize on the future of Manitoba’s green economy.
Showcasing six green opportunities
The foundation of the Forum’s discussions was comprehensive research and analysis presented by Manitoba Green Advantage’s Program Director, Christa Rust, and Program Manager, Sarah Duval. The MGA team presented six high-potential industry opportunities it identified for Manitoba:
- Wind energy
- Sustainable aviation fuel
- Small module reactors
- Critical minerals
- Commercial zero-emission vehicles
- Green hydrogen
The 130 Forum attendees engaged in collaborative sessions, facilitated by inVision Edge, to consider and explore these six opportunities and develop a robust framework for an implementation and action strategy. This cooperative approach ensured that diverse perspectives were considered and set the stage to chart a path to drive Manitoba’s green initiatives forward. Before and after the collaborative discussions, participants heard from several inspiring speakers in addition to the MGA team.
Government support and future plans
Tracy Schmidt, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, provided greetings on behalf of the provincial government and emphasized its commitment to green initiatives. She shared that there is an upcoming announcement on district geothermal that was referenced in the Manitoba Affordable Energy Plan, and reiterated plans for the province to develop a hydrogen strategy, signaling Manitoba’s continued interest in this technology.
Invest in Canada brings global investment perspectives
A highlight of the event was the fireside chat with Laurel Broten, CEO of Invest in Canada, hosted by Chuck Davidson, President and CEO of the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce. “This is Manitoba’s moment,” Laurel shared, emphasizing that Manitoba holds a unique position in the green economy. Laurel noted that Manitoba’s clean electricity grid is a key aspect of Manitoba’s advantage – saying “every other country wants to build what we have” – but the province needs to keep building capacity to stay ahead of global demand. To reiterate the need for more development, Laurel stated that the funding gap to reach net-zero is in the trillions of dollars, with Canada needing $120-$140 billion annually.
Laurel also discussed the criteria investors look for, including public policy alignment, free trade agreements, workforce availability, and transparency in regulations. She noted that for Manitoba, the availability of clean electricity is necessary and emphasized that additional capacity is important to attract new business. She underlined the importance of prioritizing investments that bring the most value to the local economy and the need for clear and efficient regulatory processes.
Local leaders driving action
The Forum featured an insightful panel discussion with prominent figures in Manitoba’s green sector: Jack Winram, Executive Director of Manitoba Environmental Industries Association, Colleen Kuruluk, CEO of Efficiency Manitoba, and Fred Meier, President and CEO of RRC Polytech. These leaders shared the innovative initiatives their organizations are implementing to advance the green economy in Manitoba. From energy efficiency programs to educational advancements in sustainable technologies, the panel highlighted the significant strides being made to ensure a greener future for the province. They underscored that Manitoba must act now to seize available opportunities and emphasized the critical need to work in partnership with Indigenous interests.
Action needed from all Manitobans
The forum concluded with a call to action for all stakeholders to embrace and pursue
- Championing local leaders: Support and promote local companies leading in green initiatives.
- Strategic Investments: Focus on strategic investments that align with Canada’s competitive strengths.
- Infrastructure Development: Governments can play a crucial role by funding infrastructure that supports green projects.
With continued support and strategic planning, Manitoba is well-positioned to capitalize on its green advantages and drive sustainable growth.
In the news:
‘Once-in-a-generation opportunity’ – Now time for Manitoba to position itself as green economy powerhouse: report
– The Winnipeg Free Press, Oct. 22, 2024
