We’re continuing our look back at the Manitoba Economic Summit in Winkler earlier this month, starting with bringing you valuable insights from our panel discussions. Last week we shared insights from our panel on trade opportunities, and this week we’re looking at our second panel, which explored challenges, opportunities, and implications of building a more resilient local supply chain.
Panelists were asked to share their thoughts on how Manitoba businesses and municipalities are rethinking their procurement strategies as global supply chains shift and the need to support local economies grows, and how Manitoba can prioritize local supplier partnerships, including Indigenous procurement, while balancing cost, quality, and the realities of an integrated North American economy.
The panel, titled “Buying Better: Local Procurement as a Path to Supply Chain Resilience,” was moderated by Manitoba Chambers of Commerce President & CEO Chuck Davidson with three panelists:
- Christopher Henry, President, Indigenous Canadian Medical Dispensary Inc. and Treasurer, Indigenous Chamber of Commerce
- Rick Reid, CEO, Supply Chain Manitoba
- Jody Penner, City Manager, City of Winkler
The panel shared these key insights:
- Agility is Essential for Supply Chain Resilience: Resilience goes beyond surviving disruptions. To be resilient, businesses need to go beyond merely being able to survive disruptions – they need to adapt swiftly to changes, whether that’s by scaling production up or down, diversifying suppliers, or streamlining processes to meet evolving demands.
- Local Collaboration Strengthens Economic Ecosystems: Partnering with nearby businesses helps drive entrepreneurship, job creation, and shared resilience, and communities that foster strong local partnerships between businesses, suppliers, and governments can build a more robust and interconnected economic base.
- Collaboration Creates Shared Solutions: When businesses do collaborate – even across competitive lines – they can address shared challenges, such as high transportation costs or capacity constraints. This cooperative approach fosters innovation, reduces costs, and enhances overall resilience.
- Indigenous Procurement Unlocks Inclusive Growth: Inclusive procurement strategies are a powerful device for economic growth and reconciliation. By creating fair access for Indigenous businesses to government and private contracts, Manitoba can expand its economic diversity and foster stronger communities.
- Competitiveness Requires Supply Chain Transparency: To open up new opportunities – whether locally, nationally or internationally – businesses must ensure their supply chains are efficient, compliant with global standards, and responsive to market demands, while also embracing transparency and sustainable practices.
- Policy and Trade Agreements Need Modernization: Outdated procurement policies and trade agreement thresholds can limit the ability of municipalities and businesses to prioritize local suppliers. Modernizing these frameworks to reflect today’s economic realities will enhance the competitiveness and resilience of local markets.
The conversation at the Manitoba Economic Summit made it clear: local procurement isn’t just a matter of civic pride, it’s a strategic imperative for businesses and governments alike. By embracing collaboration, transparency, and inclusivity, Manitoba can transform its supply chains into engines of resilience and innovation, and set a precedent for how communities can grow together.
Catch Up with Additional Recaps
Read our recap of Panel 1: Trade Opportunities for Manitoba Businesses: Diversify, Expand and Future-Proof your Market
Read the 2025 Manitoba Economic Summit Recap: Shaping Manitoba’s Economic Future
Coming soon: Our recap of Panel 3 – Bridging the Gap: Enhancing Employment Readiness in Manitoba’s Evolving Labour Market
