The 2026 Manitoba Chambers of Commerce Economic Summit delivered a clear message: Manitoba’s economic future depends on how well we work together.
Over two days of conversations with business, community, and government leaders, there was strong alignment around the challenges we face and the opportunities ahead.
Manitoba’s economy remains stable and diverse, but employers are navigating real pressures: labour shortages, rising costs, and a growing mismatch between skills and industry needs. Housing, access to health care, and child care are no longer peripheral issues—they are central to attracting and retaining talent.
While these challenges were front and centre, so was a focus on solutions. The dialogue throughout the Summit demonstrated that communities and businesses are thinking both short- and long-term: investing in infrastructure, planning for growth, and asking what decisions we need to make today to shape the next 20 years.
Panel discussions highlighted how Manitoba can unlock new opportunities tied to our strategic assets and competitive advantages and showcased areas where Manitoba is well positioned to grow: including sectors like advanced manufacturing, bioscience, and logistics, where we are supported by strong research capacity and a highly skilled workforce.
During the summit, the 2026/2027 MCC Board was sworn in, including new Chair Vince Barletta, who joined MCC in awarding Alison Kirkland with the Harry Mardon Award, which is given to a board member who has made outstanding contributions to the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce and the broader business community.
A highlight of the Summit was Olympic gold medalist Desiree Scott, whose keynote underscored the importance of resilience, teamwork, and ambition. Preparing for Tokyo meant navigating uncertainty and setbacks but by committing to a shared goal of “gold or bust,” Team Canada achieved something extraordinary.
That message resonates for Manitoba: success requires hard work, persistence, courage, and teamwork.
Manitoba already has a strong record of collaboration. Through initiatives like the Economic Summit and Manitoba Advantage, the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce is proud to bring partners together to advocate for our province with a strong, unified voice.
Thank you to our sponsors and exhibitors, panelists and keynote speakers. Your involvement made this event possible and generated much thought-provoking and inspiring dialogue.
Thank you to our presenting sponsor Johnson Group, our gold sponsors Travel Manitoba and the Manitoba School Boards Association, and our bronze sponsors Miller Environmental, RRC Polytech, BAM, Manitoba Pork Council, RMED, Fraxion/Culturosity, Cantalk, Threeway Builders, Golden West Broadcasting, CBCRA, Manitoba-Immigrant Employment Council, BDC, Oak Leaf Promotions, Southeast Commerce Group. Thank you to Penn-co Construction for hosting the reception.
Thank you also to Lili Krushel of the Winkler Chamber of Commerce, for capturing the days’ events.
