The Manitoba Chambers of Commerce wrapped up another MBiz Breakfast with a candid conversation and keynote speech featuring the Honourable Wab Kinew, Premier of Manitoba.
Event sponsor, the Town of Niverville, set the tone for the morning with a message of optimism and opportunity. Reflecting on Manitoba’s future, Mayor Myron Dyck spoke about the obstacles to growth that exist in our province, as well as the opportunity we have to overcome them through collaboration, leadership, and courage.
“I see passion, wisdom and work ethic in this room and I have every reason to believe we have the capacity to overcome these obstacles,” he said.
Premier Kinew built on that theme of collective responsibility in his keynote, beginning with an acknowledgement of the flooding facing communities across the Swan Valley region. He highlighted the efforts of local officials, conservation officers and emergency responders, while encouraging breakfast attendees to keep affected residents, businesses and communities in their thoughts.
The Premier dedicated much of his speech to the importance of working together across business, government, and community, particularly to address youth unemployment, which he described as one of Manitoba’s most pressing labour market challenges.
While Manitoba consistently reports some of the lowest unemployment rates in Canada, the Premier informed the audience that youth unemployment remains roughly double that of the broader population, prompting him to challenge employers, government and communities to confront the issue directly.
“Some part of the solution for our labour force needs has to come from hiring our kids,” he said, while announcing two new initiatives designed to support young Manitobans entering the workforce through work-integrated learning opportunities and co-op placements as wage subsidies for participating employers that offer a first job opportunity.
During the question-and-answer session that followed the speech, discussion focused on Manitoba’s economic future. When asked where the Premier sees the greatest potential for growth in Manitoba’s economy, he was quick to point to Manitoba’s minerals sector, saying “mine, baby, mine.” He emphasized the opportunity for Manitoba to mirror Saskatchewan’s economic trajectory, with responsible resource management, streamlined regulatory processes, and maintained commitments to health, safety and constitutional obligations.
“There is nothing to prevent us from doing the same thing,” he said, referring to Saskatchewan’s evolution into a “have” province. “Flick the switch and open up the opportunity.”
The Premier also spoke about the long-term vision for Churchill, saying that as northern shipping routes become increasingly viable, Manitoba has an opportunity to position Churchill as a strategic gateway for trade and economic activity.
Amid ongoing trade uncertainty and policy irritants, the Premier stressed the importance of continued engagement with American partners at both the state and federal levels. “We need to make the case,” he said, emphasizing the importance of maintaining strong relationships with key trading partners while ensuring provincial priorities are well understood by Canadian decision makers.
With speakers ranging from provincial and federal cabinet ministers to industry leaders, chamber champions, and pillars of Manitoba’s business community, the MBiz Breakfast series brings together Manitoba businesses and key decision-makers for exclusive networking and engagement opportunities.
As we look ahead, the conversations and connections that began during this season’s MBiz Breakfast Series will continue to shape Manitoba’s economic future.
You can keep the momentum going by joining us on an upcoming Economic Development Tour.
Thank you to our MBiz Series event sponsors: Town of Niverville, Manitoba Pork, Miller Environmental, CPHR, Travel Manitoba, Manitoba Egg, World Trade Centre, and The Free Press as well as every attendee who has prioritized our events this season.
