Good news when governments on same page

Opinion

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 28/10/2023 (713 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The task of leadership is to create an alignment of strengths so strong that it makes the system’s weaknesses irrelevant, opined Peter Drucker, a pioneer of modern management theory.

For government, with its systems trailing the efficiency and efficacy of other sectors, a lack of leadership and misalignment has a tangible cost, from ineffectual public investments to missed economic opportunities.

Unfortunately for Winnipeg and Manitoba, the relationships and alignment among our various leaders at the three levels of government have ranged from passive aggressive to hostile indifference.

In the 1990s, the relationship between Broadway and Main Street had deteriorated so badly, The Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce made ‘improving the civic-provincial relationship’ one of its top strategic priorities.

Decades later, the only change was it got worse. City Hall and the floor of council had devolved into what some have characterized as a toxic workplace, rife with division and discord. Intergovernmental relations between our various leaders played out on social media via not-so-veiled 140-character barbs.

Yet, there has been a tactile shift in the air recently. Conversations around town are punctuated with optimism, fuelled by a new shared purpose and alignment of political, business and community leadership.

It begins with the election of a new mayor and city council one year ago. Values based leadership and a commitment to true collaboration, culminating in a unifying Strategic Priorities Action Plan, have supplanted years of naked hostility between factions.

I am not suggesting this shall remain forever. Few things, if any, do. But the spirit of harmony and egalitarianism appears to have legs, driven in part by common purpose and aligned effort.

Collaboration took another step forward, on Oct. 3, as Manitobans elected a new government.

For anyone that watched the historic swearing in of Premier Wab Kinew and his new cabinet, the weight of the moment was self-evident. Also self-evident is the alignment between the premier and mayor on several key matters — from downtown Winnipeg, Truth and Reconciliation, safety, housing, and affordability to name a few.

Inevitably, disagreements will arise in the months and years to come. The challenge has always been to manage disagreements in a manner that preserves the working relationship. In doing so, there is a foundation to work upon for areas of agreement, and a mutual respect to work through differences of opinion.

Early observations of the interactions between our new premier and mayor suggest differences will be played out on the boardroom table, not social media.

Optimism continues to grow exponentially when you add tangible Truth and Reconciliation alignment with Indigenous leaders, communities, and peoples.

Naawi-Oodena led by Treaty One First Nations at the former Kapyong Barracks. Wehwehneh Bahgahkinahgohn led by the Southern Chiefs’ Organization at the Hudson’s Bay building. The Manitoba Metis Federation’s National Heritage Centre at the corner of Portage and Main.

Each project will have tremendous economic and social benefit. Each represents a new relationship not just between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples, but among the three levels of government and Indigenous government as an equitable voice at the table.

The timing of common purpose and new alignment is optimal, as it coincides with growing optimism within our local business community and among newcomer Canadians.

The Canadian Survey on Business Conditions from the third quarter of this year finds that, despite the headwinds of increasing inflation, debt financing, and labour costs, Winnipeg business remains optimistic. Industries with the highest optimism include the agriculture sector (94 per cent), finance (87.1 per cent), and real estate (85.4 per cent).

Local businesses project a steady growth rate of 10.8 per cent in their workforce and 14.3 per cent in sales. The data further demonstrates a significant level of economic engagement beyond Manitoba’s boundaries. Approximately 43 per cent of local companies are conducting trade in other provinces, a key indicator of economic expansion.

Newcomer Canadians are choosing Winnipeg and Manitoba in record numbers, fueling population growth not seen since the earliest days of our community. According to the Manitoba Bureau of Statistics Quarterly Demographic Estimates, “during the 12 months ending March 31, 2023, Manitoba welcomed 25,303 immigrants, 37.85 per cent more than the 12 months prior.”

The picture is not all rosy. There is no shortage of systemic weaknesses, as Drucker might say. We are no different than any other city or province in that regard. What is different now the emergence of needed alignment of political, business, and community leadership in tackling our social challenges and capitalizing on the economic opportunities.

Success, while never guaranteed, is a far more likely outcome when we move with common purpose, aligned action, and an authentic commitment to inclusivity and equity.

Loren Remillard is president and CEO of The Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce.