2025 Manitoba Economic Summit: Shaping Manitoba’s Economic Future

Join a dynamic lineup of influential leaders, industry experts, and decision-makers to explore the trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping Manitoba’s economic landscape. Presented by Johnston Group & Chambers Plan, the 2025 Manitoba Economic Summit is a premier full-day event designed to spark insightful discussions and drive meaningful change.

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Event Highlights:

Engaging Panel Discussions:

- Trade Opportunities for Manitoba Businesses – Explore strategies to diversify markets, reduce dependence on U.S. trade, and capitalize on new growth opportunities.
- Procurement and Local Supply Chains – Delve into ways to strengthen local supply networks while balancing cost, quality, and resilience.
- Labour Market and Immigration – Examine evolving immigration policies and their impact on addressing workforce challenges and retaining top talent in Manitoba.

Keynote Addresses:

Hear from Manitoba’s Minister of Finance, Honourable Adrien Sala who will outline the provincial government’s strategic approach to navigating today’s economic landscape and the vital supports in place to help Manitoba businesses thrive through uncertainty.
Explore the province’s vision for regional prosperity as Minister of Municipal and Northern Relations, Honourable Glen Simard highlights key priorities in development, collaboration, and sustainability.
Gain critical insights from Stuart Bergman, Vice President and Chief Economist at Export Development Canada, as he unpacks global economic trends and their implications for Manitoba’s businesses.

Networking & Collaboration:

Connect with a diverse group of stakeholders, including chamber representatives, government officials, business leaders, and members of academia—all focused on driving Manitoba’s economic success.

Check out the full event agenda below!

Event Agenda

Thursday, May 1 – Bernhard Thiessen Hall, Meridian Exhibition Centre

2:45 PM – Welcome Remarks

3:00-4:00 PM – Policy Resolutions Debate

REVIEW POLICY RESOLUTIONS UP FOR DEBATE

6:00-9:00 PM – Chairs Reception

Hosted by Winkler & District Chamber of Commerce at Winkler Arts & Culture

Friday, May 2 – Bernhard Thiessen Hall, Meridian Exhibition Centre

8:00 AM – Breakfast & Networking

8:30 AM – Opening Remarks

Manitoba Chambers of Commerce Board Chair, Beverlie Stuart
Manitoba Chambers of Commerce President & CEO, Chuck Davidson

8:45 AM – Breakfast Keynote

Honourable Glen Simard, Minister of Municipal and Northern Relations

Minister Simard's Bio

Glen Simard was elected as the MLA for Brandon East in 2023.

Before becoming an MLA, he was a teacher at École Harrison in Brandon, teaching physical education. He grew up in nearby St-Lazare and moved to Brandon to attend Brandon University, where he obtained a bachelor’s degree in education and English. Simard has served in several volunteer roles in the community including with the Brandon Teachers’ Association, Brandon Minor Baseball and Millenium Park.

He lives in Brandon with his wife, Lori, and their two sons.

9:15 AM – Panel 1: Trade Opportunities for Manitoba Businesses

Diversify, Expand, and Future-Proof Your Market

How can Manitoba businesses reduce their reliance on U.S. markets and uncover new growth opportunities both at home and abroad? In an era where economic uncertainty is the norm, companies of all sizes are recognizing the urgency to “Trump-proof” their operations by exploring alternative markets and strengthening interprovincial trade. But where should you turn, and what resources can help pave the way? This dynamic panel will tackle those questions and more.

Moderated by: André Brin, World Trade Centre Winnipeg

11:00 AM – Mid-Morning Keynote

Honourable Adrien Sala, Minister of Finance

Minister Sala's Bio

Adrien Sala was first elected as the MLA for St. James in 2019. He served as the official opposition critic for finance and Manitoba Hydro.

Before becoming an MLA, Sala worked in the financial sector with social and affordable housing, as well as with community-based programs focused on preventing crime and supporting marginalized youth. As the MLA for St. James, he helped bring new programs to the community including free Art City programming for youth, two new residents’ associations and a new community garden. Sala lives in St. James with his wife and children.

11:30 AM – Lunch and Networking 

12:00 PM – 94th Manitoba Chambers of Commerce Annual General Meeting

Swearing in of 2025/26 Board of Directors

1:00 PM – Travel Manitoba Presentation

1:15 PM – Afternoon Keynote

Stuart Bergman, Vice President and Chief Economist, Export Development Canada

Stuart's Bio

Stuart Bergman is Vice President & Chief Economist at Export Development Canada (EDC). Mr. Bergman joined EDC in 2003, and since has held various leadership positions, including Vice President, ESG, Deputy Chief Economist, Director of the Economic & Political Intelligence Centre, Director of Corporate Strategy and Director of the Research and Analysis Division.

Mr. Bergman is responsible for overseeing EDC’s economic analysis and forecasting, global markets intelligence and corporate research groups. In addition to advising EDC’s senior management and Board of Directors, Mr. Bergman is a featured speaker at conferences, international roundtables and policy fora, and regularly appears in television, radio and print media commenting on the world economy and Canadian international trade issues. He produces a widely circulated print and video weekly commentary covering a range of global economic and business issues.

Prior to joining EDC, Mr. Bergman worked for Zurich Emerging Markets Solutions and the Foreign Policy Institute, in Washington, DC. He completed his graduate studies in International Economics and International Relations at the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies. He currently resides in Ottawa, with his wife and three children.

1:45 PM – Panel 2: Procurement and Local Supply Chains

Strengthening Manitoba’s Supply Networks in a Changing World

How can Manitoba strengthen its local supply chains while balancing cost, quality, and the realities of an integrated North American economy? As global supply chains shift and the need to support local economies grows, Manitoba businesses and municipalities are rethinking their procurement strategies. But how can we pivot to prioritize local suppliers while navigating the complexities of deeply integrated Canada-U.S. supply networks? This panel will dive into the challenges, opportunities, and implications of building a more resilient local supply chain.

3:00 PM – Panel 3: Labour Market and Immigration

Addressing Workforce Challenges and Retaining Manitoba’s Talent

How can Manitoba’s immigration strategies better align with workforce needs to fuel long-term growth? This panel will explore the evolving landscape of immigration policy, its impact on Manitoba’s labour market, and the province’s ongoing efforts to retain talent—both from within and beyond its borders. As federal immigration policies shift and out-migration trends persist, businesses and policymakers are searching for ways to attract, integrate, and keep skilled workers in Manitoba.

Moderated by: Bev Stuart, Manitoba Chambers of Commerce Board Chair

4:00 PM – Closing Remarks