MANITOBA’S ROADMAP FOR A GREEN ECONOMY
Our province stands at a pivotal moment to lead the global green economy.
With a strong foundation of clean energy, critical mineral wealth, and strategic geographic advantages, the province must act decisively to invest in energy efficiency, develop new clean energy generation, and foster green innovation.
LEVERAGE ITS ADVANTAGES
to drive long-term prosperity while addressing climate challenges.
INVEST AND COLLABORATE
to secure the province’s place in a low-carbon economy.
WORK TOGETHER WITH BUSINESSES AND COMMUNITIES
to pave the way to a greener, more prosperous future for all Manitobans.
This Roadmap is a STRATEGIC PLAN that sets out CLEAR, ACTIONABLE STEPS to make this happen.
WHY TRANSITION MANITOBA TO A GREEN ECONOMY?
the opportunity – and the responsibility – to lead, innovate, and grow.
KEY BENEFITS OF TRANSITIONING
Economic Growth
Attract green investments and foster local business innovation
Job Creation
Develop employment opportunities in clean energy and technology
Indigenous Partnerships
green initiatives
Climate Resilience
Mitigate impacts from extreme weather
and ecological degradation
Youth Retention
skilled talent
Reliable Energy
Meet new energy growth demands with
clean, reliable options
WHAT ARE THE KEY PATHWAYS FOR GREEN ECONOMIC GROWTH?
Manitoba’s strength lies in its potential to spearhead world-class clean energy projects, lead advancements in nuclear technology, and emerge as a critical hub for mineral development. These three strategic pathways offer high potential and are key to meeting rising global demands and ensuring Manitoba thrives in an increasingly competitive global economy.
Wind Energy Expansion
Scaling wind energy capacity alongside storage solutions to provide an alternative power supply and enabling Manitoba to meet rising residential and industrial demands.
Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)
Nuclear technology offers a promising avenue for delivering stable, emission-free energy to the grid, industrial operations, and remote communities.
Critical Minerals Development
Manitoba’s critical mineral sector holds immense potential, offering job creation from extraction to processing.
WHAT ARE THE POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS?
GOVERNANCE AND POLICY ALIGNMENT
- Develop a framework for prioritizing industrial projects that align with emissions reduction and energy security goals.
- Strengthen policies for green infrastructure, transport, and renewable energy to attract investment.
- Enforce energy efficiency standards across industries and public infrastructure.
- Align provincial approvals with federal green initiatives to streamline processes
ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE
- Expand wind energy projects and integrate them with Manitoba Hydro’s grid.
- Advance SMRs to diversify the energy mix, strengthen energy security, and attract investment.
INDIGENOUS PARTNERSHIPS
- Ensure revenue sharing and promote Indigenous ownership in renewable energy projects.
- Support clean energy solutions for rural and remote communities.
CRITICAL MINERALS DEVELOPMENT
- Build local refining and processing facilities to reduce reliance on imports and create high-value jobs.
- Continue Manitoba Mineral Development Fund investments to support northern growth and Indigenous partnerships.
GREEN WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
- Partner with educational institutions to create training programs for green jobs, with a focus on Indigenous inclusion.
WHAT ARE THE PRIORITY ACTIONS?
Immediate investment and bold, collaborative action are needed to position Manitoba as a global leader the green economy, fostering reconciliation, creating jobs, and ensuring a sustainable future for all. These four actions must be prioritized now.
IMPLEMENT MORE ROBUST INCENTIVES AND PROGRAMS TO DRIVE ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND RENEWABLE ENERGY
ACTIONS
- Expand grants and tax credit programs to accelerate energy efficiency, demand response, and renewable energy generation
- Prioritize strengthened building codes for net-zero designs while maintaining and expanding retrofitting incentives, with a focus on older buildings in northern and Indigenous communities
- Grow programs to help business perform GHG assessments and adopt energy-saving technologies
OUTCOMES
- Enhanced energy efficiency and affordability for industries and households, to optimize power use and increase grid capacity
- Greater business competitiveness due to reduced costs and emissions
- Stimulation of the green retrofitting and renewable energy adoption sector
- Growth of green jobs in the energy sector
LEAD ORGANIZATIONS
- Government of Manitoba
- Efficiency Manitoba
- Manitoba Hydro
- Manitoba Chambers of Commerce
TIMING
- Immediate
TRANSITION THE WHITESHELL LABORATORIES SITE IN PINAWA TO A LOW CARBON ENERGY HUB
ACTIONS
- Manitoba needs to consider SMRs as an alternate energy source, addressing safety concerns head-on while exploring innovative applications enabled by advancements in nuclear technology
- Establish pilot projects for renewable energy, including hydrogen production, solar farms, and SMRs
- Collaborate with academic institutions, private enterprises, and Indigenous communities to drive innovation and knowledge sharing
OUTCOMES
- Diversification of Manitoba’s power supply, adding more clean, reliable energy to the grid
- Retention and growth of the existing skilled workforce in Pinawa
- Creation of clean energy jobs and attraction of investments, positioning Manitoba as a reliable leader in advanced energy technologies
LEAD ORGANIZATIONS
- Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (site operator)
- Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (Federal Crown owner)
- Government of Manitoba
- University of Manitoba
TIMING
- Immediate
FORM THE FEDERAL-MANITOBA GREEN ECONOMY STEERING COMMITTEE
ACTIONS
- Develop a unified clean energy and economic reconciliation strategy to guide businesses in adopting renewables, enhancing efficiency, electrifying operations, securing investments, and strengthening resilience
- Prioritize investments in high-impact sectors
- Align regulations to expedite project approvals and funding for renewable energy initiatives
- Develop nation-to-nation agreements to ensure Indigenous equity participation in energy projects and initiatives
OUTCOMES
- Increased innovation and faster deployment of clean energy projects
- Attraction of funding and expertise
- Enhanced Indigenous economic participation
- Transition from a traditional energy workforce to green energy jobs
LEAD ORGANIZATIONS
- Government of Manitoba
- Government of Canada
- Indigenous partners
- Manitoba Chambers of Commerce
- Manitoba Economic Development Lead
TIMING
- Short-term
MAXIMIZE GOVERNMENT FUNDING AND INVESTOR OPPORTUNITIES
ACTIONS
- Accelerate wind energy projects by streamlining power purchase agreements and leveraging tax incentives
- Secure critical mineral investments to develop processing capacity
- Advance modular SMR projects to provide low-carbon, reliable energy for critical mineral extraction and processing, while supporting northern and remote communities
OUTCOMES
- Accelerated adoption of clean energy solutions
- Enhanced competitiveness in energy and critical mineral development
- Long-term Indigenous partnerships that foster inclusive economic growth
- A strengthened Manitoba supply chain and attraction of more global investors, advancing sustainable development
LEAD ORGANIZATION
- Government of Manitoba
- Government of Canada
- Indigenous partners
- Manitoba Chambers of Commerce
- Financial institutions
- Sector investors
TIMING
- Ongoing
OUR TIME IS NOW
TO REALIZE MANITOBA’S GREEN ECONOMY VISION
MANITOBA CAN PAVE THE WAY TO A GREENER, MORE PROSPEROUS FUTURE.
IT’S TIME TO TAKE ACTION.
Manitoba has the foundation others envy: a history of clean power, a workforce built for innovation, and the natural resources to fuel a low-carbon revolution. But foundations alone do not build prosperity – decisive action does.
IT’S TIME TO LEAD.
The world is moving forward, and Manitoba has a choice: take the lead, or get left behind? Our province’s future will be defined not by its potential, but by the decisions made today.
IT’S TIME TO BE BOLD.
In a world where industries are reshaping themselves around clean energy, the provinces and nations that move first will be the ones that set the rules, attract investment, and define the future.
IT’S TIME TO COMMIT.
The real challenge isn’t just generating more energy; it’s recognizing the economic urgency, harnessing momentum and seizing the moment. Manitoba was built by those who saw opportunity and had the courage to pursue it. That time has come again.
LEARN MORE: download the full roadmap
To download your PDF copy of OUR TIME IS NOW: Manitoba’s Roadmap for a Green Economy, please provide the following information:
Research & Background Information
The Roadmap is backed by in-depth research, stakeholder input, and real-world insights. Explore key reports and findings to learn more.
Manitoba’s Roadmap for a Green Economy has been developed through sustained collaboration between the Federal government led by PrairiesCan, and key stakeholders including the government of Manitoba, Indigenous partners, business leaders, academics, NGOs, and SMEs.
The Manitoba Green Advantage team acknowledges and deeply values the knowledge, stewardship, and resilience of Indigenous communities. As we advance toward a greener, more sustainable future, we are committed to fostering strong, reciprocal partnerships with Indigenous Nations, ensuring that their expertise and leadership play a central role in shaping Manitoba’s green economy.
THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNER:
