A century after chambers of commerce first united to champion Canada’s business voice, the movement’s mission endures, shaping how business leads change across the country.
At the Canadian Chamber of Commerce’s 2025 Annual General Meeting & Convention in Mississauga, the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce (MCC) joined peers from across Canada to mark 100 years of leadership and to help chart the next chapter.
Representing Manitoba were voices from Assiniboia, Brandon, Portage, Steinbach, and Winnipeg, a delegation that reflected the province’s commitment to building a resilient, innovative, and inclusive economy.
Building Strength: Canada’s Economic Future
“Part of building Canada is building human capital.”
Those words from the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry, opened the conference with a challenge to think bigger about competitiveness in a changing world. In conversation with Candace Laing, President & CEO of the Canadian Chamber, Minister Joly urged Canada to buy, build, and partner more strategically.
Her message resonated. In a province where industrial capacity and workforce development go hand in hand, investing in both infrastructure and people remains essential.
Listening to Canadians: Data Meets Story
If Day One was about ambition, Day Two focused on understanding the public mood shaping it.
In “What It Takes to Influence Public Opinion,” David Coletto of Abacus Data revealed how financial stress is redefining Canadians’ outlook.
Key insights included:
- 68% of Canadians worry about affording basic needs in the next six months.
- 70% are delaying major life decisions due to financial uncertainty.
- 72% believe Canada’s immigration targets are too high.
- Only 17% expect to benefitfrom unleashing AI.
The takeaway was clear: “If you’re explaining, you’re losing.” Facts alone don’t move people; stories do. Canadians need to see themselves in the stories we tell.
For chambers, that message hit home. Economic growth must connect with empathy and community to earn trust and inspire action.
Shaping What Comes Next
Throughout the conference, one theme stood out: the future belongs to those who collaborate.
A live taping of the Business Data Lab podcast explored how AI, demographics, and entrepreneurship can fuel growth and resilience. Chamber leaders discussed cross-sector partnerships to address housing, mental health, and workforce inclusion—proving that economic leadership today also means social leadership.
The Pan-Canadian Chamber Forum: Chamber 2027 looked ahead to a network defined by data-driven advocacy, collaboration, and a unified national voice grounded in local realities.
For the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce, the conference underscored the momentum within Canada’s chamber network. MCC will continue to ensure Manitoba’s business community plays an active role in shaping Canada’s next century of growth.
