Manitoba Chambers of Commerce welcomes federal budget’s focus on investment and competitiveness, calls for disciplined execution to deliver economic growth.
November 6, 2026 | Winnipeg, Manitoba – The Manitoba Chambers of Commerce (MCC) welcomes the federal government’s renewed focus on private-sector investment, productivity and economic competitiveness in Budget 2026, while emphasizing that meaningful economic growth and responsible fiscal management must remain central to Canada’s long-term prosperity.
“Budget 2026 recognizes something Canada’s business community has been saying for years: we need to create better conditions for businesses to invest, innovate and grow,” said Elisabeth Saftiuk, Acting President and CEO of the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce.
“We are encouraged by measures aimed at improving Canada’s investment climate, reducing the cost of capital investment and accelerating major projects. These are important steps toward strengthening our competitiveness and building a more resilient economy.”
A stronger environment for business investment
Among the budget’s most significant measures is the Productivity Mega Deduction, which allows businesses to immediately deduct the full cost of a broader range of eligible capital investments. The measure is expected to reduce Canada’s marginal effective tax rate on new business investment from 13 per cent to 6.4 per cent, making Canada more competitive in attracting investment.
MCC also welcomes expanded support for research, development and commercialization, new incentives to encourage investment in Canadian businesses, and commitments to simplifying the tax system.
“For Manitoba businesses, these measures have the potential to make a meaningful difference,” said Saftiuk. “Whether it’s a manufacturer investing in new equipment, an agri-food processor expanding production, or a small business adopting technology to improve productivity, reducing barriers to investment is essential. We need businesses of every size to have the confidence and capacity to make those investments.”
MCC emphasizes that the effectiveness of these measures will depend on their accessibility, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises that face constraints related to capital, regulatory complexity and the cost of doing business.
Positioning Manitoba to contribute to Canada’s economic growth
Manitoba is well positioned to contribute to Canada’s economic ambitions through its strengths in agriculture and agri-food processing, advanced manufacturing, aerospace and defence, critical minerals, clean energy and transportation.
The province’s manufacturing sector accounts for approximately two-thirds of Manitoba’s exports, with manufacturing exports exceeding $12 billion in 2025. Manitoba also has significant opportunities to expand value-added production, strengthen domestic supply chains and reach new international markets.
The federal government’s commitments to major project development, energy infrastructure, critical minerals and trade diversification are particularly relevant to Manitoba’s economic future.
“Manitoba has tremendous economic potential, and there is a real opportunity to align federal investment priorities with our province’s competitive advantages,” said Saftiuk.
“From critical mineral development and clean energy to aerospace, defence and the Port of Churchill, we have assets and industries that can contribute meaningfully to Canada’s economic growth and resilience.”
Realizing that potential will require coordinated investments in transportation and trade-enabling infrastructure, reliable and affordable energy, and the development of a skilled workforce. It will also require meaningful partnerships with Indigenous communities and opportunities for northern Manitoba to participate in and benefit from economic development.
MCC further emphasizes that Canada’s ambitions for major project development must be matched by efficient and predictable regulatory processes, clear timelines and the infrastructure required to bring projects to market.
Building the workforce to support economic growth
While Budget 2026 includes commitments to skills development and the skilled trades, MCC emphasizes that Canada’s economic ambitions must be supported by a workforce strategy that responds to the needs of businesses and regional economies.
“Attracting investment is only part of the equation. Businesses also need access to the people and skills required to grow,” said Saftiuk. “Manitoba’s post-secondary institutions are essential partners in developing our future workforce, but we also need immigration policies that recognize the distinct labour-market needs of our province. The Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program has long been an important tool for helping employers attract and retain the talent they need, and we must ensure it has the capacity and flexibility to continue serving that purpose.”
MCC emphasizes the importance of continued collaboration among governments, employers and post-secondary institutions to strengthen workforce development, expand opportunities for Manitobans to participate in the labour market, and ensure that labour shortages do not constrain business investment and economic growth.
Fiscal responsibility remains essential
While welcoming the budget’s focus on growth, MCC shares concerns about the federal government’s fiscal outlook.
Budget 2026 projects a deficit of $62.3 billion in 2026–27, with deficits remaining above $50 billion annually through the forecast period. Federal public debt charges are projected to reach $85.5 billion by 2030–31, placing increasing pressure on public finances.
“Strategic investments that strengthen Canada’s productive capacity are important, but they must be accompanied by fiscal discipline,” said Saftiuk. “Growing debt-servicing costs ultimately reduce the government’s flexibility to respond to future economic challenges and invest in essential priorities. Canadians need confidence that today’s investments will generate meaningful long-term economic returns.”
Turning economic ambition into results
MCC believes Budget 2026 represents an important opportunity to strengthen Canada’s business investment climate. However, the ultimate measure of success will be whether its commitments translate into increased private-sector investment, higher productivity, new jobs and stronger economic growth.
“The direction is encouraging, but the real test will be implementation,” Saftiuk concluded. “We need to see projects advance, businesses invest and opportunities translate into tangible economic activity across the country, including here in Manitoba.
“Ultimately, a stronger business community creates the conditions for a more competitive economy, greater prosperity and a better quality of life for all Manitobans. That’s the outcome we want to see from this budget.”
About the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce
The Manitoba Chambers of Commerce (MCC) represents businesses of all sizes and sectors through a province-wide network of local chambers of commerce and direct corporate and organizational members. Working at the intersection of business, government and community, MCC advances policies, partnerships and initiatives that strengthen Manitoba’s economy, foster a competitive business environment and contribute to lasting prosperity across the province.
