We’re continuing our look back at the Manitoba Economic Summit in Winkler last month, starting with bringing you valuable insights from our panel discussions. Following the first two panels on Trade Opportunities and Supply Chain Resilience, this third and final discussion explored labour market realities and strategies, including how immigration strategies can better align with workforce needs.
Moderated by Beverlie Stuart, Vice President of Business Development at Manitoba Institute of Trades and Technology and Manitoba Chambers of Commerce Board Chair, the panel titled “Bridging the Gap: Enhancing Employment Readiness in Manitoba’s Evolving Labour Market” provided actionable insights into Manitoba’s shifting labour market.
The three experts on this panel were:
- Enver Naidoo, CEO, Westman Immigrant Services
- Dayna Hinkel, Director of Operations, Manitoba Start
- Stan Pauls, CEO, Décor Cabinets (based in Morden)
The panel shared perspectives and priorities on building a resilient, inclusive, and opportunity-rich employment ecosystem in Manitoba. Here are some highlights:
- Talent Connection is Key: Skilled newcomers face hurdles in connecting with employers. Bridging this gap by connecting skilled newcomers with employers through inclusive practices and targeted support is vital.
- Invest in Soft Skills: Adaptability, communication, digital literacy, and leadership are foundational for workforce resilience and success, and training programs that cultivate these skills are essential for workforce resilience.
- Retention Takes a Village: Community engagement, partnerships, and family support can go a long way in retaining talent and growing the workforce. Employers, educational institutions, government, and community organizations all need to work together.
- Micro-credentials and Flexible Training: Short, targeted training programs – in settings that are easy to get to – help immigrants and locals transition into higher-demand sectors.
- Inclusive Recruitment Practices Matter: Recognizing international credentials and experiences and implementing equitable hiring practices – for example, eliminating biases in applicant tracking systems – can help attract a diverse workforce.
This panel demonstrated that Manitoba’s future workforce is a shared responsibility. It’s not just about filling vacancies – it’s about creating pathways where every individual can thrive.
Catch Up with Additional Recaps
Read our recap of Panel 1: Trade Opportunities for Manitoba Businesses: Diversify, Expand and Future-Proof your Market
Read our recap of Panel 2: Local Procurement & Collaboration: Insights from the Manitoba Economic Summit Panel on Supply Chain Resilience
Read the 2025 Manitoba Economic Summit Recap: Shaping Manitoba’s Economic Future
