Manitoba small businesses continue to suffer

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 17/05/2023 (856 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Small businesses in Manitoba have been hit hard by the pandemic. New statistics make this clear as Manitoba has at least 21 fewer small businesses than before the pandemic. Unfortunately, many small businesses were not able to survive the years of little support from the provincial government when compounded with a reduction in sales due to public health restrictions.

Right now, small businesses face record levels of debt, meaning that they are being forced to cut back, hire fewer employees, and are struggling to stay open. This is a threat to the viability of small businesses in Manitoba, and desperately needs to be addressed. The Progressive Conservaitve government has not adequately supported our small entrepreneurs during the ongoing pandemic or responded to the repeated calls of small business owners and advocates. The programs have been offered by the province have fallen flat, which was made clear by the low uptake from businesses. This government does not have Manitobans’ best interests in mind.

Manitoba has also seen the second highest increase in all of Canada for housing xosts. This increase of 7.3 per cent has meant that Manitobans are finding it harder to make ends meet. Skyrocketing inflation, including grocery and housing costs, has meant that Manitobans have less money to spend and small businesses will continue to struggle. Manitoba also has the second-highest rate of low-income persistence out of all provinces – meaning if you were born in poverty, it is less likely that you will ever grow out of poverty in your lifetime. This is why the government should be focusing on making life more affordable for Manitobans and breaking the systemic barriers which we know exist. Without any action, we can expect to see more of the same struggles, which is not good for Manitobans and small businesses.

Manitobans also have among the lowest average weekly earnings in Canada, meaning Manitobans are compensated less when compared to other provinces. This is a failure of the PC government and an absolutely upsetting look at their support for small business. Our province should be focused on providing strong public supports, opportunities for growth and education, and breaking down systemic barriers. It’s clear the PC government did not act to support Manitobans and small businesses during the pandemic, when they needed it most, and it certainly doesn’t look like they are about to start.

If you have a question for my office, please reach out at 204-421-4241 or mark.wasyliw@yourmanitoba.ca