Manitoba Advantage is a coalition of business and industry groups advocating for strong collaboration between government, industry, and Indigenous leadership toward meeting Canada’s urgent trade, security, and workforce development priorities. Manitoba’s business community stands united and ready to help leverage Manitoba’s unique strengths within Confederation to build a more secure and prosperous future for all Canadians.
Today’s converging geopolitical and economic pressures may be unprecedented in the modern era, but they echo the challenges faced by Canada’s leaders in the early 20th century.
Rising global conflict, U.S. protectionism, and economic uncertainty at the time demanded a new level of collaboration between governments and industries to break down internal trade barriers and connect Canadian resources to global markets.
A century later, Canada is confronted by a similar test. And once again, the path forward runs through Manitoba located at the heart of the continent.
Nation-building investments in infrastructure and workforce development were essential then, just as they are now. Building and expanding the Canadian National Railway, the Port of Prince Rupert, the Hudson Bay Railway, the Port of Churchill, and a vast network of inland terminals and manufacturing centres required vision, coordination, and a clear-eyed understanding of global opportunity and risk.
None of it would have been possible without a shared national purpose between government and industry, working together to build a stronger and more secure Canada. That legacy endures, offering both a foundation and a roadmap for meeting today’s increasingly complex challenges.
Manitoba stands once again ready and uniquely positioned to strengthen Canada’s east-west and Arctic trade, security, and defence infrastructure.
The Port of Churchill remains North America’s only deep-water Arctic port connected by rail. Winnipeg is the only Prairie city served by three Class I railways (CN, CPKC and BNSF). And CentrePort Canada has quickly emerged as one of North America’s largest inland ports, a world-class logistics hub integrating rail, air cargo, and international trucking.
Since it was established in 2009, CentrePort Canada has attracted more than $1.5B in private investment across key sectors including advanced manufacturing, aerospace, agri-food, energy, biotech, and life sciences. This record of success stands as a testament to what we can achieve quickly by working together to leverage our strengths and build for the future.
Together, these strategic Canadian assets located in Manitoba are ready for rapid growth to anchor the next chapter of nation-building infrastructure and support generational investment through Canada’s Defence Industrial Strategy.
Our European and Asian allies are urgently seeking stable and democratic sources of energy, critical minerals, agricultural goods, and advanced manufacturing. Public and private investment in trade-enabling infrastructure has never been more important— not only for economic growth, but to anchor Canada’s emerging international trade and security partnerships.
Just as important, Manitoba has developed the local partnerships needed to build at speed and scale. Equity ownership models, workforce development initiatives, and political leadership grounded in true collaboration with Indigenous Nations are already well-established. Manitoba offers a practical blueprint for delivering the infrastructure and workforce Canada needs to meet this moment, from coast to coast to coast.
A century ago, Canadians faced uncertainty by looking to the centre of the continent, recognizing its potential, and building boldly. That moment has returned.
Partnering with the government, Manitoba’s business community stands united and ready to invest and lead. By working together to leverage Manitoba’s unique strengths within Confederation, we can secure a more prosperous and resilient future for all Canadians.
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This piece was co-written by Carly Edmundson, President and CEO of CentrePort Canada, and Bram Strain, President and CEO of the Business Council of Manitoba, on behalf of the Manitoba Advantage coalition.
