The Manitoba Chambers of Commerce appreciates the government’s emphasis in today’s Throne Speech on strengthening communities, investing in infrastructure, and advancing long-term opportunities such as the Port of Churchill. These priorities align with Manitoba’s ambition to build a more resilient, competitive economy. While several commitments announced today are positive steps, further clarity and concrete action will be essential to ensure businesses and communities can fully benefit.
Port of Churchill and Northern Development
We are encouraged by the continued focus on the Port of Churchill and the intention to establish Canada’s first Crown-Indigenous corporation in partnership with First Nations and the Red River Métis. Investment in northern trade infrastructure holds significant economic potential. As the only deep-water Arctic port in North America connected by rail to the continental network, Churchill can serve as a gateway for prairie exports—including grain, critical minerals, and northern supply chains—while supporting northern jobs, logistics networks, and community development. We look forward to additional detail on feasibility work, planning, and timelines.
Tax Competitiveness and Business Growth
The commitment to eliminate the PST from manufacturing equipment is welcome and aligns with the priorities of Manitoba’s business community. We also await further details on modernizing the Small Business Venture Capital Tax Credit and the administration of the $50-million productivity loan fund announced earlier this fall. These tools can help accelerate investment if implemented effectively.
Municipal Funding and Infrastructure
We support increased municipal funding and the historic $3.7-billion capital investment. Predictable and sustainable municipal financing remains essential to local economic development, and we encourage continued progress toward a long-term, fair funding framework.
Health Care and Administrative Burden
We welcome the decision to eliminate the requirement for sick notes, a change that reduces administrative burden on physicians and supports more efficient access to care. This aligns with recommendations from our joint report with Doctors Manitoba on addressing the province’s physician shortage through improved recruitment, retention, and reduced administrative load.
Energy Reliability and Long-Term Planning
The announcement of new dual-fuel turbines in Westman will help address seasonal energy peaks, but Manitoba still requires a comprehensive long-term clean energy plan. A coordinated strategy that evaluates a diverse mix of generation options, including nuclear, wind, solar, and geothermal, is critical to ensuring businesses have access to affordable, reliable, and clean energy.
Workforce: A Missing Priority
Workforce shortages remain the primary challenge facing Manitoba businesses, intensified by recent federal immigration changes. It is concerning that today’s Throne Speech did not address workforce development, labour attraction, or immigration. A strong talent strategy is fundamental to productivity and competitiveness, and we encourage the government to prioritize this work.
A Constructive Path Forward
While today’s speech includes important initiatives, there was limited focus on measures directly supporting business growth and competitiveness. Manitoba has strong economic strategies already developed; the priority now is implementation.
The Manitoba Chambers of Commerce remains committed to working collaboratively with the provincial government to advance policies that foster investment, innovation, and long-term prosperity. With focused action on workforce, energy, and northern trade development, Manitoba is well positioned to strengthen its economic future.
