Manitoba’s economic outlook is increasingly shaped by workforce challenges, including labour shortages, skills gaps, and intensified competition for talent. Business leaders report that these issues are worsening, even as the labour market evolves rapidly for workers. At this pivotal moment, addressing workforce needs is critical to enabling business growth, advancing projects, and supporting community well-being. Solutions require aligning education and training with current economic demands, creating clear career pathways for young people, improving access to talent both locally and externally, and strengthening supports like child care. Through advocacy and collaboration, the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce is working to advance workforce development, support business adaptation, and expand opportunities for under-represented groups, with the goal of building a stronger, future-ready workforce for long-term provincial growth.
WINTER 2026, VOL. 29
THE VOICE OF MANITOBA BUSINESS
THE MANITOBA ADVANTAGE WHERE MANITOBA'S STRENGTHS MEET GLOBAL OPPORTUNITY
A New Name. A Continued Commitment.
October 16, 2026 , marks the beginning of Exiro Nickel’s new chapter in Thompson. As the new owner of the Thompson mining operations, we’re proud to build on a legacy of responsible mining while investing in a strong future for Northern Manitoba. Nickel from Thompson plays a vital role in the technologies that power modern life and support the global energy transition. At Exiro Nickel, we’re focused on operating safely, creating local opportunities, supporting communities, and developing one of the world’s most significant nickel districts. We’re here to listen, partner, invest, and grow alongside the people and communities that make Northern Manitoba unique. Together, we’re building the next chapter of Thompson’s nickel story. Learn more about Exiro Nickel.
https://exironickel.ca/
THE VOICE OF MANITOBA BUSINESS
WINTER 2026, VOL. 29
MANITOBA CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE jointhechamber.ca Acting President and CEO Elisabeth Saftiuk Director of Marketing and Communications Miranda Dubé Director of Business Development and Member Relations Brent Hutton 1355 Mountain Avenue Winnipeg, MB winnipegfreepress.com CEO Mike Power CAO Brent Leung VP, Revenue and Business Development Michele Prysazniuk Editor Jennifer McFee Creative Shakar Hagiev, Tammy Mitchell, Karen Spence Advertising Myles O’Reilly, Sales Manager Nelson De La Cruz, Rebecca Fitzpatrick, Gustavo Luy, Sydnee Pham, Will Streilein
ELISABETH SAFTIUK Acting president and CEO Manitoba Chambers of Commerce
Photo courtesy of MCC
TURNING MANITOBA’S ADVANTAGES INTO A COMPETITIVE EDGE
T here was a noticeable sense of ambition at the Canada Investment Summit this fall. Global investors, Canadian busi- ness leaders, governments and Indigenous leaders came together against the backdrop of a very dif- ferent economic environment than we faced even a few years ago. Geopolitical tensions are reshaping trade. Supply chains are changing. Economic security matters more. And governments and businesses alike are thinking differently about where we source what we need, where we sell, what we produce and where we invest. For Manitoba, I came home think- ing about one question: how do we capture our share of the investment and economic activity that will result from this shift? We have a compelling case to make. Manitoba has abundant resources, reliable clean energy and consid- erable strengths in agriculture, bioscience, aerospace and advanced manufacturing. We have critical min- erals the world increasingly needs. We have a strategic location at the
centre of the continent, access to tidewater and the infrastructure to connect Manitoba products to mar- kets around the world. But one of my strongest takeaways from Toronto was that assets alone are not enough. Economic potential only becomes economic activity when we create the conditions for investment, foster a competitive business environment, and ensure we have the infrastructure, people, energy and access to markets needed to turn opportunity into growth. This edition of MBiz explores some of the areas where Manitoba has a genuine opportunity to compete and distinguish itself. These sectors are different, but they are also deeply connected. Their success will depend on many of the same fundamentals: investment, infrastructure, innovation, talent, partnerships and a competitive busi- ness environment. There is considerable attention on Canada right now. Manitoba has an opportunity to be part of the nation's investment story. Our job is to make sure we are ready to compete for it. ■
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© 2026 Manitoba Chambers of Commerce All rights reserved. The contents of this publication may not be reproduced by any means, in whole or in part, without the prior written consent of the publisher. Disclaimer are those of the respective parties and do not necessarily represent the opinion of the publisher. MBiz magazine is published on Treaty 1 territory and the homeland of the Métis Nation. The opinions expressed by the authors, advertisers and/or editorial sources contained in MBiz magazine
Cover: GLACIER’s specialized icing wind tunnel in Thompson simulates extreme icing conditions to test aircraft engine safety and performance. Photo courtesy of MDS AeroTest
1 WINTER 2026
The Manitoba Chambers of Commerce 2026-2027 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
OFFICERS Vince Barletta, Chair Harvest Manitoba Beverlie Stuart, Past Chair Manitoba Aerospace and Defence Karly McRae, Vice Chair Lakehouse Properties Jamie Dumont, Vice Chair Chadwick Consulting Ltd. Mike Boucher, Treasurer Deloitte Alison Kirkland, Secretary Consulting Josh Bokhaut, Legal Counsel Pitblado Law
DIRECTORS Chris Avery Arctic Gateway Group James Fehr RBC Royal Bank Josh Girman PCL Constructors Canada Inc. Mark Colley EPLS Group of Companies Matt Pilloud MNP LLP Michelle Finley Wawanesa Insurance
Michelle Kuly Blueprint Inc. Nick Bockstael Bockstael Construction Limited Sachit Mehra East India Company Pub & Eatery Stacy Kennedy Mining Association of Manitoba Tessa Masi Steinbach Chamber of Commerce Tilda Fortier Greenstone Building Products Tracy Dandeneau People First HR Services
From Winnipeg to rural Manitoba, our board represents the diversity of the province’s business community. These leaders bring fresh ideas, deep expertise and a shared commitment to driving growth, innovation
and opportunity across Manitoba.
Michele Hazell Manitoba Start
JOIN THE NETWORK THAT POWERS MANITOBA
The Manitoba Chambers of Commerce is dedicated to championing the companies, organizations and people that make this province a great place to work and live. We unite a network of 65 local chambers and nearly 10,000 member organizations, focusing on provincial issues while local chambers bridge the gap, connecting us to business needs at every corner of the province. If you’re a member of your local chamber of commerce, you already know the power of the network. Expand your reach and join your provincial chamber. JOINTHECHAMBER.CA ELEVATE your brand awareness and credibility in the business community INVEST in the success of your company and access a wealth of perks and benefits AMPLIFY your voice on policy matters that impact your business EXPAND your network of business and industry leaders across Manitoba
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At the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce, we recognize that our work takes place on the traditional lands of Indigenous Peoples, whose histories, cultures and contributions have shaped and continue to shape Manitoba. We are committed to economic reconciliation through meaningful
relationships that respect and honour Indigenous rights while opening opportunities for Indigenous-led businesses to thrive. Prosperity for Manitoba must include the prosperity of Indigenous Peoples. Growth must be grounded in equity, respect and shared benefit.
By working alongside Indigenous leaders, entrepreneurs and communities, we can build a future where growth is inclusive, opportunity is accessible and the benefits of prosperity are shared by all Manitobans.
MCC Statement on Reconciliation
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FEATURED IN THIS ISSUE:
Also in this issue:
Manitoba’s strategic opportunity 4 RRC Polytech's Research Partnerships & Innovation 11 Sio Silica: Manitoba’s next industrial opportunity 15 Manitoba's Green Advantage: Building a greener, more competitive Manitoba 21 Manitoba Blue Cross: Workplace well-being support for whatever comes your way 23 Johnston Group: Built for small business, then and now 29 Travel Manitoba: Manitoba’s tourism success story 30
Manitoba stands at the forefront of aerospace and defence 6
12
Building the energy system for what comes next 17
Manitoba at the leading edge of critical minerals sector
Asper School of Business: From classroom to Churchill 43
Agricultural innovation as strategic strength 24
32
Manitoba’s central location provides sizeable economic advantages 38
WBM Technologies: Digital sovereignty is no longer just a government concern 44
Manitoba’s bioscience sector becomes economic driver
3 WINTER 2026
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Manitoba’s strategic opportunity
From left to right: Stacy Kennedy, president of the Mining Association of Manitoba; Elisabeth Saftiuk, acting president and CEO of the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce; Chirs Avery, CEO of the Arctic Gateway Group.
T he global economic landscape is changing, and with it, so are the factors that determine where investment flows and where economies grow. Geopolitical tensions and trade uncertainty are forcing countries and companies to reconsider supply chains, energy security and access to criti- cal goods and resources. Governments are placing greater value on domestic production and sovereign capacity. Businesses are looking for reliable suppliers and trusted trading partners. Capital is moving toward the resources, technologies and infrastructure that will be required in this new environment.
Manitoba's bioscience sector brings together research, life sciences and advanced technologies, with opportuni- ties to strengthen domestic capacity in areas increasingly connected to health and economic security. Our critical mineral resources are taking on new strategic impor- tance as countries seek secure supplies of the materials required for energy, technology, defence and advanced manufacturing. In aerospace and defence, Manitoba has an established cluster of global companies, manufacturers and suppliers at precisely the moment Canada is mak- ing generational investments in defence
Canada is responding with an ambi- tion to catalyse $1 trillion in new investment over five years, with signifi- cant investment expected in energy, transportation, defence and other strategic areas. The opportunity for Manitoba is to determine where we have a particular advantage and how we turn it into eco- nomic growth. We already have many of the assets the world is looking for. Our agricultural sector produces food for markets around the world and provides a foundation for further growth in value-added processing and agri-food innovation.
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and placing greater emphasis on building sovereign industrial capacity at home. Our unique cold-weather testing capabilities, including world-class aerospace engine testing and research facilities in Thompson and Winnipeg, further distinguish Manitoba as a centre for aerospace innovation and advanced engineering. These are distinct sectors, but the oppor- tunity connecting them is much larger. It is the opportunity to produce more here, process more of what we produce, commercialize Manitoba research and innovation, attract new investment and sell more Manitoba products into diversified global markets. That matters in an economy where our traditional trading relationships can no longer be taken for granted. But having the assets is only the starting point. Investment is mobile. Manitoba is com- peting with jurisdictions across Canada and around the world for capital, talent and projects. Turning our advantages into growth requires competitive condi- tions for investment, sufficient energy and workforce capacity, partnerships with Indigenous communities and infrastructure capable of moving people, resources and products efficiently. It also requires access to markets. That is why trade-enabling infrastruc- ture is fundamental to this conversation. Manitoba's central location, CentrePort Canada, and our extensive road and rail networks provide important advantages in connecting businesses to domestic and international markets. Winnipeg is the only city on the Canadian Prairies served by three Class 1 railways, while Manitoba's access to tidewater through the Port of Churchill gives our province a distinctive maritime advantage and the potential to develop new trade routes to global markets. The first Canada Investment Summit in Toronto this fall brought the scale of the opportunity into sharp focus. Investors from around the world came to Canada looking for projects and partnerships in an economy positioning itself as a stable and reliable place to invest amid global uncertainty. Manitoba has a compelling proposition to put in front of them. This edition of MBiz looks at the sec- tors where that proposition is particularly strong, the opportunities ahead and what it will take to convert our advantages into investment and growth. The Manitoba advantage is not any one resource, sector or project. It is what becomes possible when we connect them. ■
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5 WINTER 2026
Manitoba stands at the forefront of aerospace and defence BY ERIN DEBOOY
Photos courtesy of Manitoba Aerospace and Defence Association
O n the heels of the federal government’s pledge to invest more than $81.8 billion in defence over the next few years, the province’s aerospace and defence sector is ready to make this Manitoba’s moment. “Manitoba has always been a national aerospace leader. We’ve been doing this for a long time,” says Beverlie Stuart, CEO of Manitoba Aerospace and Defence.
Defence Alliance (MCDA) to help attract defence and security investment and procurement opportunities to the province. The alliance brings together representatives from government, industry, post-secondary institutions and the Canadian Armed Forces. “Manitobans punch above our weight, but we don't tell anybody about it,” Stuart says with a laugh. “With the formation of the MCDA, that’s part of the goal. It’s an oppor- tunity to position Manitoba and make
“We’ve always been the home to one of Canada's most significant aerospace clusters. We have world- class companies. We’re internationally recognized in maintenance and manufacturing capabilities. We have a strong military presence and an ecosystem that connects industry, education, research and government. It’s Manitoba’s moment now because we're positioned so well for this.” In September, the Manitoba govern- ment launched the Manitoba-Canada
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AEROSPACE AND DEFENCE
more than 5,000 people, with Manitoba’s aerospace sector accounting for at least $414 million of the province’s gross domestic product in 2024. In addition to StandardAero, Magellan Aerospace and Boeing all being well-established at CentrePort Canada and ready to grow, Soubry says there are another 50 to 60 com- panies that are involved in both civil aviation and military aviation. “We have a big part of the Canadian military here located in Manitoba,” Soubry adds, not- ing the NORAD headquarters, CFB Shilo, CFB Winnipeg (17 Wing) and the Canadian Forces Flying School at Southport are all located within our province. Geographically, Manitoba has an advantage, Soubry says. We are at the heart of the continent and a route to the North, which is beneficial for both national and Arctic security.
sure that we are telling our amaz- ing story and being recognized as a viable option when it comes to defence investments.” Paul Soubry, the new executive champion of the MCDA, agrees it’s Manitoba’s time to show off our aero- space and defence capability. “There's finally a serious invest- ment into the Canadian Forces with a really solid running-start capability in the province, and a desire to want to grow and diversify our economy. Now's the time — as decisions are being made, as platforms are being chosen, as suppliers are being lined up — to make sure that we get our share and more of that federal spending,” Soubry says. “We plan on rattling chains and banging on doors to make sure they know us but make sure that they understand all of what Manitoba has and can provide.” The Manitoba aerospace and defence industries directly employ
“It’s an opportunity to position Manitoba and make sure that we are telling our amazing story and being recognized as a viable option when it comes to defence investments.” — BEVERLIE STUART, CEO OF MANITOBA AEROSPACE AND DEFENCE
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AEROSPACE AND DEFENCE
defence sector itself, which extends well beyond its largest players. Magellan and Boeing are world-class at composites and manufacturing, Soubry says, while StandardAero is one of the largest maintenance repair overhaul companies in the world. “So, when it comes to buying a weapons system for the Canadian Forces, we’ve got a lot of manufacturing and repair and overhaul capability and expertise here,” Soubry says. Then there are the companies that fall within the small to medium enter- prise segment whose stories need to be amplified. “I never want to take away from the significance that Magellan, Boeing and StandardAero play in the industry, but we also have incredible small and medium enterprises that are doing unbelievable things,” Stuart says. Mode40, an enterprise data intelligence firm and recent recipient of a Manitoba Champions Award, has gone global with what their AI technology can do for aerospace supply chains, Stuart notes as an example.
“Manitoba can become one of Canada's leading centres for aerospace defence and dual-use innovation,” Stuart says. “We have the foundation. We've got the skilled work- force. We’ve got the right partnerships. We can play a significant role in strengthening Canada's security, growing our economy and creating high-value opportunities for busi- nesses and workers across the province.” Manitoba also has a deeply integrated post-secondary ecosystem including the University of Manitoba, University of Winnipeg and RRC Polytech provid- ing the specialized skills and advanced training the sector requires, alongside significant research and innovation capacity, Soubry says. “They are all contributing to our workforce, which gives Manitoba a very strong competitive advantage,” Stuart says. “We also work closely with education and training partners such as Tec-Voc High School and Neeginan College of Applied Technology, which are helping prepare Indigenous youth and other students for exciting careers in aerospace and defence.” That depth of talent is matched by the range of Manitoba’s aerospace and
Photo supplied
“There's finally a serious investment into the Canadian Forces with a really solid running-start capability in the province, and a desire to want to grow and diversify our economy.” — PAUL SOUBRY, EXECUTIVE CHAMPION OF THE MANITOBA-CANADA DEFENCE ALLIANCE
Continued on page 10
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WINTER 2026
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9 WINTER 2026
AEROSPACE AND DEFENCE
MicroPilot, a Manitoba-based drone- technology company, is also garnering worldwide attention. “Part of my existence (as executive champion of the MCDA) is to make sure that we have the right steering committee that includes all of the key executive players, so that's what we're doing,” Soubry says. One of the things that’s been exciting while moving forward is how aligned everyone’s interests are, Soubry says, and how willing they are to work together. “Collaboration is our superpower,” Stuart says. “Our organizations across the spectrum — industry, govern- ment, academia, Indigenous partners, economic development organizations and defence stakeholders — are all working together. No single organiza- tion can grow a defence ecosystem alone. Our strength is in our willing- ness to collaborate.” ■
Photo courtesy of MADA
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RRC POLYTECH
RRC POLYTECH’S RESEARCH PARTNERSHIPS & INNOVATION: INDUSTRY’S GATEWAY TO APPLIED RESEARCH BY KRISTIN MARAND
chamber at full load, under different temperature conditions and gradients. “Not a lot of people are aware of our capabilities for extreme weather testing. Our facility is unique in Western Canada. Anyone interested in dual-use, military or defence applications needs extensive certifications or proof it works in extreme weather conditions,” he says. “That is something we can offer instead of going across the border or going to other provinces. We can test components as small as a drone and as big as a Class A truck. It's a very flexible facility, and it's available year-round.” One aim of the polytech’s research teams is to increase technology readiness. On a recent project with Magellan Aerospace, research teams integrated robotics and automation into a production-line technology, resulting in potentially significant cost savings for the company. "Working with RRC Polytech’s Research Partnerships & Innovation team continues to help Magellan Aerospace find practical solutions that improve productivity and deliver value to our business," says Ron Drepaul, general manager of Magellan Aerospace, Winnipeg. For other companies that might be interested in collaboration, Delos Reyes encourages them to reach out. “We can connect you to the right research centre, then discuss further and develop a project. We can also support you in finding funding,” he says. “We work with industry, and we let industry keep and commercialize the intellectual property, so there's no barrier to collaborating.” ■
“Our focus areas are diverse, from prototyping support to advanced manufacturing to non-destructive inspection to simulation and modelling.” Clients with a research challenge can work with the teams in RPI through a consultation process. After discussing the issue, defining the scope of work and suggesting solutions, researchers will pursue the creation of an end product, such as a lab-scale prototype or another deliverable.
The polytech has invested heavily in state-of-the-art equipment for testing and validation services. Unique to the region is an X-ray CT system that can scan a product and detect material defects without destroying the part. Industry can also benefit from seeing the equipment in action before making its own investment. Jojo Delos Reyes has worked in RPI at RRC Polytech for more than 15 years. When he joined, he was one of four people in the research department. Now, more than 70 researchers work under the Research Partnerships & Innovation umbrella. Delos Reyes, with a background in industrial electronics, directs the Vehicle Technology and Energy Centre (VTEC), a research centre focused on vehicle technology innovation. VTEC has the MotiveLab™ facility, an environmental chamber that allows testing in extreme weather conditions. MotiveLab™ is equipped with a chassis dynamometer that allows a vehicle to run inside the
Photo by Darcy Finley
I n the high-tech labs at RRC Polytech, state-of-the-art robotics and 3D printers give students hands-on training with industry professionals. These labs also support research professionals in prototyping, testing and scaling dual-use technologies for aerospace, defence, manufacturing and supply-chain partners. Dr. Janfizza Bukhari is the director of the Technology Access Centre for Aerospace and Manufacturing, a research and training unit under the Research Partnerships & Innovation (RPI) umbrella. Bukhari explains that dual-use technologies serve multiple purposes, such as drones, which can have both commercial and defence applications. “We offer our services to local companies, which include applied research and innovation services and customized training programs based on their needs,” she says.
11 WINTER 2026
Ready for investment: Manitoba at the leading edge of critical minerals sector BY ERIN DEBOOY AND MIRANDA DUBÉ M anitoba boasts the critical minerals the world needs, but the province's advan- tage goes beyond what lies underground. The province is home to sig-
Now, Manitoba is trying to turn that resource advantage into a much larger economic opportunity. The province has set a goal of tripling critical mineral production over the next five years, with a strategy that includes faster project approvals, increased exploration and investment in north- ern infrastructure. The ambition is not simply to extract more minerals. It is to build the partnerships, infrastructure and
investment needed to get Manitoba resources to global markets while creating economic opportunities at home. Turning that ambition into reality will require collaboration between Indigenous communities, govern- ment and mining companies. That collaboration is one of Manitoba's biggest advantages. “I think what makes Manitoba competitive is the mineral potential,
nificant critical minerals such as cobalt, copper, graphite, lithium, magnesium, nickel, silica, zinc and rare earth elements, along with established mining expertise and transportation infrastructure.
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CRITICAL MINERALS
“Since starting in 2007, we've been committed to economic reconciliation. We want our Indigenous partners to own hopper cars or spur lines, own the infrastructure and trucks.”
— DAYMON GUILLAS, PRESIDENT OF PADCOM
“It's fine to have a mine, but you've got to get it to market,” he says. That's where Manitoba's northern infrastructure could provide another advantage. PADCOM sees the Port of Churchill as a route for Manitoba pot- ash to reach European markets. “Manitoba potash to Europe is fea- sible due to Churchill,” he says. Churchill is also central to Manitoba's broader mining ambi- tions. The provincial government's plan to triple critical mineral produc- tion includes increasing mineral shipments through the Arctic port, which is already handling potash and zinc concentrate. The company also sees the devel- opment of that supply chain as an opportunity to deepen Indigenous economic participation. “Since starting in 2007, we've been committed to economic rec- onciliation,” he says. “We want our Indigenous partners to own hopper cars or spur lines, own the infrastruc- ture and trucks. Let's all work together to get Manitoba potash up to a million tonnes or more and get it through Churchill. The opportunity is huge.” Realizing that opportunity will require investment and coordination, he says. PADCOM cannot build the entire system alone. “We can't do it on our own,” he says. “It's a national play. We want to grow. We need an equity partnership with Manitoba, Canada — all the parties. It takes some financing and let's ramp this thing up.” That need for investment and partnerships is central to Manitoba's broader mining strategy.
territory,” she says. “There's so much that goes into mining, and we've just scratched the surface.” That understanding of the oppor- tunity extends beyond the resources themselves. For Potash and Agri Development Corporation of Manitoba (PADCOM), Manitoba's potash potential is part of a much bigger conversation about food security, supply chains and Manitoba's role as a trusted supplier to global markets. “Potash is a fertilizer that the entire world needs,” says Daymon Guillas, president of PADCOM. “Manitoba has the best quality, the biggest resources and the world wants it.” Potash, he says, is fundamental to food production because it can increase crop yields by an estimated 18 to 22 per cent. As countries con- sider how to strengthen food security, he says, they also need to consider the fertilizer supply needed to pro- duce that food. “Food security is availability and affordability, but if you don't have fertilizer, you have zero food security,” he says. “Countries are realizing we need a fertilizer strategy before a food strategy because you don't have food without fertilizer.” For Manitoba, the opportunity is not simply having potash resources. It is having the ability to think strategi- cally about how those resources can be developed, moved to market and connected to global demand. PADCOM is a small company, but Guillas says its high-grade Manitoba potash could serve markets in Europe, Africa and Asia. The challenge is get- ting the product there.
of course, but also the experience northern communities like ourselves, Kiciwapa (Cree Nation), who have established mining knowledge and are willing to participate in develop- ment,” says Janessa Kosar North, CEO of Kiciwapa Cree Nation. Kiciwapa Cree Nation has devel- oped relationships in various facets of the mining industry, Kosar North says, across exploration, environ- mental monitoring, remediation and workforce development. In doing so, they’ve been able to connect their community with training and employ- ment opportunities, expanding their knowledge and skill sets. “We're proud to say that our members are trained in geophysics, remediation work, water sampling and environmental monitoring. We’re continuing to build those skills and just be meaningfully involved in every project in our
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CRITICAL MINERALS
mineral deposits a lot more efficiently and a lot more effectively. It helps give that edge to advance some potential mineral exploration projects down the road.” Taken together, those pieces point to a broader Manitoba advantage. It is about more than the minerals themselves. It is about understand- ing the strategic importance of those resources, having the partnerships to develop them, the infrastructure to move them and the investment to bring projects forward. The opportunity is to bring those pieces together. With growing global demand for critical minerals and fertilizer, Manitoba has an opportunity to move beyond simply being a place where resources are found and become a province that helps develop, move and supply those resources to the world. “We're at the cusp of exciting things,” Suzuki says. For a province with the resources, people and partnerships to move forward, the question is no longer simply what lies underground. It is what Manitoba can build above it. ■
“Part of the economic architecture of mineral development is developing partnerships with Indigenous com- munities and a variety of junior mining companies or investors,” says Edward Suzuki, program manager for the Manitoba Mineral Development Fund. The Manitoba Mineral Development Fund (MMDF) is a $20-million provincial fund, administered by the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce, that provides funding for northern economic develop- ment and mining projects. “It's all about developing the province,” Suzuki says. “It’s not just ‘OK, we have minerals here, come and get it.’ It's the whole spectrum. We have the resources, but we also have the ability to showcase to global investors that Manitoba is a significant player. We have the capacity to move forward.” The MMDF also assists local companies to develop technology to assist with min- eral exploration, Suzuki says. “We’re finding new and more efficient ways of getting into the areas to survey because it's quite difficult to survey some of these places on foot,” he says. “So having drone technology and devel- oping that technology enhances stability to collect data and identify potential
Photo courtesy of MMDF
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SIO SILICA
Manitoba’s next industrial opportunity: What we make from what we mine BY CARLA DEVLIN, PRESIDENT, SIO SILICA CORPORATION
M anitoba has an opportunity to do more than develop a significant natural resource. We have the potential to use that resource as a foundation for advanced manufacturing, industrial investment and a new generation of value-added economic activity. At Sio Silica, we see an opportunity with Indigenous partners to help position Manitoba as a Canadian hub for industries that depend on high-purity silica. Our SiMbA Project in southeastern Manitoba represents more than resource development. It offers a platform to attract investment, build new supply chains and create economic value that extends well beyond the project itself. From resources to advanced manufacturing High-purity silica is an important mate- rial in advanced industries, including solar technology, semi conductors, electronics and emerging battery applications. As coun- tries strengthen supply chains and invest in domestic manufacturing, reliable access to critical industrial materials is becoming increasingly important. Manitoba has the opportunity to con- nect its natural resource advantages with downstream processing, advanced materials research and manufacturing. The real economic potential lies in what comes next: specialized materials, components and finished products that can support skilled employment, supplier businesses, innovation and export growth. Rather than measuring success solely by the resources we produce, we should also consider the industries we can build around them. A Canadian opportunity Canada has the natural resources, clean electricity, research institutions and skilled workforce to play a greater role in global advanced manufacturing. Manitoba is partic- ularly well positioned, with its hydroelectric power, transportation infrastructure and established industrial expertise. Sio is pursuing opportunities to connect our resource with international markets and
downstream manufacturing. Our work with RCT Solutions GmbH to explore, in partnership with Southern Chiefs’ Organization, an integrated solar manufacturing opportunity in Canada illustrates the potential to link resource devel- opment with domestic industrial production. Our collaboration with the University of Manitoba on silicon-based battery materials research also demonstrates how a natural resource can support innovation and emerg- ing technologies. These initiatives reflect a broader ambi- tion: to help Canada participate not only in supplying materials to global industries but also in capturing more of the value created through processing and manufacturing. From project readiness to economic growth Sio has advanced the SiMbA Project through technical development, commercial engagement and Manitoba's environmental approval process. In September 2026, the company announced that its planned production for the first five years is covered by offtake agreements, subject to environmental licensing and other customary conditions. This commercial foundation con- nects the resource opportunity to market demand. With the necessary approvals secured, the project can advance toward development and support the pursuit of wider industrial opportunities.
For Manitoba businesses, the potential extends to transportation, construction, engineering, environmental industries, logistics, industrial services and future manufacturing partnerships. Meaningful Indigenous participation can also help create opportunities in equity ownership, business development, manufac- turing and long-term economic growth. Building Manitoba’s industrial future Realizing this opportunity will require col- laboration among industry, government, Indigenous partners, investors and research institutions. We need an environment that supports investment, encourages innova- tion and provides a clear, evidence-based regulatory pathway. The objective should be to turn Manitoba's resource advantages into lasting industrial capacity. Sio Silica's vision is to help create an eco- nomic opportunity that attracts investment, supports skilled jobs, strengthens Canadian supply chains and positions Manitoba for a larger role in advanced manufacturing. Our opportunity is not simply to supply the world's industries with resources. It is to build more of the industries themselves, right here in Canada. ■
15 WINTER 2026
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Green energy: Building the energy system for what comes next M anitoba has an advantage many jurisdictions are spending billions of dollars trying to build: abundant, predominantly renewable electricity. system Manitoba will need 10, 20 and 30 years from now — and what kind of economic growth we want it to enable.” Manitoba Hydro's 2025 Integrated Resource Plan confirms the province needs new sources of Beyond hydro Hydroelectricity will remain the foundation of Manitoba's electricity system, but the province is already diversifying. Manitoba Hydro is procuring
electricity by 2030. Its recommended development plan includes up to 600 megawatts of new wind generation, approximately 750 megawatts of natural-gas combustion turbines for firm capacity, upgrades to existing generating assets and expanded energy-efficiency and demand- response measures. For Duval, timing matters because economic development can move much faster than energy infrastructure. “A business can make an investment decision in months. Major generation and transmission infrastructure can take years to plan, approve and build,” she says. “If we wait until demand is at our doorstep to decide what infrastructure we need, we risk watching those investments go somewhere else.”
For decades, hydroelectricity has provided a foundation for economic development and one of the cleanest electricity systems in North America. But as electricity demand grows and jurisdictions compete for investment in critical minerals, advanced manu- facturing and emerging industries, having a green energy advantage is no longer enough. The question is whether Manitoba can build on that advantage quickly enough to capture the economic opportunities ahead. “We’ve inherited an incredible advantage in Manitoba,” says Sarah Duval, president and CEO of the Manitoba Environmental Industries Association (MEIA). “But we can’t sim- ply assume it will always be there. We need to think now about the energy
up to 600 megawatts of new wind generation, with projects required to be majority Indigenous-owned. Manitoba has also established an Indigenous Loan Guarantee Program offering up to $300 million in guarantees, initially focused on helping First Nations and Métis governments participate as equity owners in these projects. That represents more than new generation. It connects energy development with Indigenous economic participation and long-term ownership of major infrastructure. Manitoba's Affordable Energy Plan also calls for refurbishing existing hydro generating stations to unlock addi- tional capacity and better aligning large grid connections with the province's economic-development objectives.
“Major generation and transmission
infrastructure can take years to plan, approve and build. If we wait until demand is at our doorstep to decide what infrastructure we need, we risk watching those investments go somewhere else.” — SARAH DUVAL, PRESIDENT AND CEO OF MEIA
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MANITOBA’S GREEN ADVANTAGE GREEN ENERGY
reliable energy and transmission infrastructure becomes fundamental to whether projects can proceed. A mineral deposit may represent an opportunity, but realizing it requires roads, transmission, skilled workers, regulatory certainty, environmental stewardship and meaningful partner- ships with Indigenous communities. “If critical minerals and northern development are priorities for Manitoba, then we need to plan the infrastructure that will allow those opportunities to happen,” Duval says. “We can’t wait for a major project to be ready and then discover the energy or transmission capacity isn’t there.” The opportunity extends beyond extraction. Manitoba's low-carbon electricity could help attract mineral processing, manufacturing and other value-added industries, allowing more of the economic benefits associated with our natural resources to remain in the province.
But expanding supply is only part of the challenge. Manitoba must also invest in transmission, efficiency, energy management and the workforce and supply chains needed to support a more diversified electricity system. “There is an entire economic ecosystem around the energy transition,” Duval says. “We don’t want Manitoba simply importing the solutions we need. We want Manitoba companies developing them, demonstrating them here and ultimately taking that expertise to other markets.” Nowhere is that connection more apparent than in Manitoba's natural resource economy. As Manitoba looks to develop its mining and critical minerals opportunities, particularly in northern and remote regions, access to Energy infrastructure is economic infrastructure
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WINTER 2026
GREEN ENERGY
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A broader conversation about Manitoba's energy mix Meeting Manitoba's future electricity needs will require decisions about more than how much additional power to generate. Reliability, affordability, environmental performance and the ability to serve new industrial development must all be considered. It is also worth asking whether technologies beyond those in Manitoba Hydro's near-term development plan could play a role over the longer term. One possibility is nuclear energy, including small modular reactors (SMRs). While nuclear is not part of Manitoba Hydro's recommended near-term supply plan, it is attract- ing renewed attention nationally as a source of reliable low-emis- sion electricity. Duval emphasizes that MEIA does not advocate for any single generation technology. Rather, the association supports informed evaluation of Manitoba's energy options as electricity demand grows. In June 2026, the federal government released its Nuclear Energy Strategy for Canada, outlining ambitions to expand nuclear
droughts, when hydroelectric generation may be constrained. These findings do not amount to a public endorsement of nuclear development. Concerns about safety and radioactive waste remain significant. But they suggest there is room for a more informed conversation about the technologies that could contribute to Manitoba's long-term energy security. An existing Manitoba connection to nuclear expertise That conversation would not begin from scratch. Near Pinawa, Canadian Nuclear Laboratories' Whiteshell Laboratories has a long history of nuclear research and technical expertise. Today, the site is undergo- ing a complex decommissioning and environmental restoration program, supported by specialized profes- sionals with experience in nuclear safety, engineering, environmental monitoring and waste management. That expertise is an important part of Manitoba's scientific and technical capacity, even as the site's mandate is focused on decommissioning rather than power generation.
generation, strengthen Canadian technology and supply chains, and develop new applications, including smaller reactors. What do Manitobans think about that possibility? The Manitoba Chambers of Commerce commissioned questions through Probe Research's June 2026 Omnibus Survey to better understand public perspectives on nuclear energy and the province's future electricity needs. The findings suggest cautious openness. While 64 per cent of Manitobans are confident the province will have enough electricity to grow the economy over the next decade, only 21 per cent are very confident. Just over half (51 per cent) favour diversifying Manitoba's electricity supply with a mix of sources such as wind, solar and nuclear. On nuclear specifically, 29 per cent support its use to generate electric- ity in Manitoba, while another 34 per cent say they would be open to it with more education or information. Six in 10 Manitobans also see potential for nuclear power to help maintain electricity supply during
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GREEN ENERGY
reliability, environmental impacts and where they can be most effec- tively deployed. “We need to move beyond simply asking, ‘How much more power do we need?’” Duval says. “We should be asking what we need that power for. What industries do we want to grow? What investment do we want to attract? Where can Manitoba companies partici- pate? And how do we ensure Indigenous communities are partners and owners in that growth?” Manitoba's clean electricity has long been a competitive advantage. Preserving and strengthening it will require thoughtful planning, investment, public engagement and a willingness to examine the full range of options available. “We’ve spent a lot of time talking about Manitoba’s green advantage,” Duval says. “Now we need to build the next generation of it.” ■
Andy Beckwith, vice-president of Canadian Nuclear Laboratories' Whiteshell Laboratories Restoration Project, says nuclear technologies can provide dependable power for energy- intensive operations and locations where transmission infrastructure is limited.
But nuclear is not a universal solution. Costs, project scale, workforce requirements, safety,
waste management and community acceptance all influence whether a particular technology makes sense. For Manitoba, the opportunity is to better understand where nuclear might fit, what expertise we already possess and what further research, engagement and planning would be required. From green advantage to growth Manitoba's energy future is not a choice between hydroelectricity and one alternative technology. It is a question of developing an energy system that can reliably and affordably support the province's changing needs while creating opportunities for investment and growth. Wind, hydroelectricity, efficiency, storage, firm generation and poten- tially nuclear technologies each raise different questions about cost,
“We should be asking what we
need that power for. What industries do we want to grow? What investment do we want to attract?” — SARAH DUVAL, PRESIDENT AND CEO OF MEIA
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MANITOBA’S GREEN ADVANTAGE
Building a greener, more competitive Manitoba
opportunities. It provided data-backed confirmation of some of Manitoba’s greatest competitive advantages, including our strengths in clean energy, technology and critical minerals, while also identifying areas where Manitoba needs to focus in both the near and longer term to remain competitive as the economy transitions. Together, the two parts of the Manitoba Green Advantage tell a more complete story. The roadmap identified where Manitoba has opportunities and where we need to focus. The SME pilot demonstrated how businesses can participate in that transition, providing a practical model that combines measurement, planning, support and access to implementation funding. As the Manitoba Green Advantage program concludes, its work leaves behind more than individual projects. It has helped build knowledge, capacity and momentum among Manitoba businesses and strengthened the conversation around what a competitive, sustainable economy can look like. A greener economy is a stronger economy. The progress made through Manitoba Green Advantage demonstrates what is possible when businesses, industry, communities and governments work together toward a shared future; one built on innovation, opportunity, good jobs and long-term prosperity. ■
The pilot demon- strated a best-practice approach by combining measurement, plan- ning, technical support and connections to implementation funding. Businesses gained access to tools and resources to better understand their environmental impact and identify opportuni- ties for improvement. They were supported in measuring greenhouse gas emissions, identify- ing energy and waste saving opportunities, developing sustainability plans and matching with funding opportunities to help move those plans
M anitoba has the building blocks to become a leader in the green economy: near-zero-emission electric- ity, an abundance of critical minerals and a growing network of innovative businesses. Over the past several years, the Manitoba Green Advantage (MGA) has helped turn that potential into practical action. Supported by Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan), the Government of Manitoba, RBC and in partnership with Green Economy Canada, the Manitoba Green Advantage worked alongside Manitoba businesses to reduce emissions, improve efficiency and strengthen long-term competitiveness. Through the MGA Strategic Sustainability Initiative, small and medium-sized businesses partici- pated in a pilot designed to answer an important question: How do we get more SMEs involved in adopting greener business practices?
from paper into action. The results are reflected in the busi- nesses that participated. Companies used the program to better understand their emissions and operations, uncover opportunities to reduce energy use and waste, and develop practical plans for continued improvement. Others took the next step by investing in high-efficiency equipment and carbon-reduction solu- tions that can reduce operating costs while lowering environmental impact. These experiences demonstrated an important lesson: sustainability and competitiveness can go hand in hand. By identifying efficiencies, reducing waste and investing in smarter solutions, Manitoba businesses can strengthen their operations while contributing to a lower-carbon economy. At the same time, the MGA Green Economy Roadmap provided a broader view of Manitoba’s position in the emerging green economy. The roadmap did more than identify potential
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