The Manitoba Chambers of Commerce recently brought two political heavyweight voices to the business community: Manitoba Premier Heather Stefanson and Wab Kinew, leader of the official opposition.

Stefanson and Kinew were the keynote speakers at the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce annual Manitoba Economic Summit: Moving the Dial and Annual General Meeting held May 5 in Winnipeg. Speaking to a packed room of CEOs and presidents, chamber network executives and province wide business leaders, the party leaders outlined their vision for Manitoba.

With Manitobans set to go to the election polls Oct. 3, the Summit presented an opportunity for the party leaders to outline how their policy priorities will ensure Manitoba is competitive with other jurisdictions and attract and retain talent needed to support economic growth and prosperity in our province.

Their policy priorities covered a wide range of topics including strengthening the healthcare system, funding for education and its infrastructure, recruitment and retention of talent with impacts on childcare, Manitobans experiencing homelessness, safer communities, agriculture and infrastructure as an economic corridor.

Held in person for the first time since 2019, the Manitoba Economic Summit focused on how the Manitoba economy continues to move forward from the challenges of the last number of years. Across all sectors, businesses are moving the dial in news ways, harnessing competitive edges, tapping innovation and elevating Manitoba’s position on the national stage like never before.

In addition to Stefanson and Kinew, attendees heard from two panels focused on how sector advantages are being fostered to grow critical pieces of the economy and how business leaders are focusing on new and innovative ways to lead their organizations.

The Canadian Chamber of Commerce’s Chief Economist Stephen Tapp presented information from their Business Data Lab that tracks evolving market conditions and provides Canadian businesses with critical information to help them make better decisions and improve their performance.

Alison Kirkland, CEO of the Women’s Enterprise Organization of Canada, was sworn in as the new board chair during the Annual General Meeting and outlined that her focus will be to continue to build on the momentum of the organization as the Voice of Business in Manitoba as a result of its policy development and advocacy efforts and ability to deliver programs that have helped thousands of businesses in the province. Kirkland takes over from outgoing chair, Michelle Kuly, Principal at Blueprint Inc.

The Manitoba Chambers launched their third membership video featuring Roquette Canada, located outside Portage la Prairie. A key part of Manitoba’s Protein Strategy, Roquette is a global leader in plant-based ingredients and a pioneer of plant proteins.

Roquette Canada joins two other Chambers member organizations in a video series that highlights their success stories as businesses in Manitoba and how being a member how being a member of the Manitoba Chambers has benefitted their organization. Previously released videos featured East India Company in Winnipeg and SciMar in Dauphin.

The Manitoba Chambers of Commerce extends a sincere thank you to our event sponsors; Johnston Group & Chambers Plan, Travel Manitoba, Manitoba Pork Council, Manitoba Institute of Trades & Technology, World Trade Centre Winnipeg, Westcap, and Castellan Information Security Services.

Ready to Join the Chamber Network? We would love to have you!

Email Brent Hutton, bhutton@mbchamber.mb.ca or call our office at 204-948-0100.

To learn more about the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce and upcoming events, including Economic Development Tours to rural and northern Manitoba, visit mbchamber.mb.ca.