With ongoing global economic and political uncertainty top of mind, a sold-out audience of business, not-for-profit, and community leaders were presented an overarching message of optimism at the most recent Manitoba Chambers of Commerce (MCC) MBiz Breakfast: 2026 Provincial Budget Review.
Keynote speaker, Honourable Adrien Sala, Minister of Finance addressed an engaged MCC crowd just hours after presenting his government’s third budget, Good Jobs, Lower Costs, Better Health Care.
Those gathered for the exclusive MCC audience with the finance minister heard about a Budget focused on affordability for Manitobans, investment driven growth, and long-term economic stability for the province.
Following a presentation on provincial investments in healthcare and childcare as well as an explanation of the provincial deficit, debt-servicing costs and the elimination of the provincial sales tax on the cost of grocery store meals and other food items, attendees were asked to maintain optimism about Manitoba’s future.
“Little old Manitoba is faring very well in the face of strong headwinds,” said Sala, leaning heavily on Budget 2026 initiatives intended to spark external investment and boost local business optimism (which a recent MCC survey of members shows has dipped to 61%).
Churchill Plus Catalyst Fund
The Minister pointed to a $10 million Churchill Plus Catalyst Fund as one example of the economic opportunity that lies ahead for the province. And while details on the specifics of the fund are still being developed, the potential development of Manitoba’s northern port was celebrated as a game changer for the entire province and met with an audible “Woohoo!”.
Investment in MCC Interprovincial Trade Missions
Also well received was a provincial commitment to reduce internal trade barriers, including a $500,000 investment that will help Manitoba businesses reach more Canadian markets through curated interprovincial trade missions, led by MCC. The missions, which will begin with summer tours of Churchill, will see close collaboration between MCC and chambers in Alberta and Saskatchewan.
“Selling to each other, within Canada. What a novel concept,” remarked Sala before inviting business leaders to prepare to participate. “You will be part of this – participating in trade missions and matchmaking to convert interest into leads, partnerships and domestic contracts.”
Stay tuned for much more on how you can get involved in these new – and existing – tours and trade missions, coming soon from MCC.
Manitoba Reliance on Transfer Payments
In a budget where 36 per cent of revenue is drawn directly from federal transfer payments, Sala was pressed by MCC President and CEO Chuck Davidson on the province’s reliance on equalization as well as areas where Chamber members would have liked to see additional measures taken to address the affordability challenge facing Manitoba businesses.
The Minister emphasized the importance of continuing to focus on unlocking investment potential and pointed to a variety of programs and partnerships already in place, including funding for business security improvements, Trade Growth Investment Financing, and the Manitoba Mineral Development Fund administered by MCC.
Together with affordable energy and increased access to capital, the Minister emphasized, these programs are key pillars in Manitoba becoming a have province.
The Manitoba Chambers of Commerce extends sincere thanks to the event’s premier partner, Chartered Professional Accountants of Manitoba and event sponsors Manitoba Egg Farmers, Miller Environmental, CPHR Manitoba, Travel Manitoba, the Winnipeg Free Press, World Trade Centre Winnipeg, the Canadian Beverage Container Recycling Association, QDoc, and Manitoba Hotel Association.
Read the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce full response to Budget 2026.
