THE VOICE OF MANITOBA BUSINESS
WINTER 2025, VOL. 27 MANITOBA CHAMBERS
OF COMMERCE jointhechamber.ca President and CEO Chuck Davidson Vice-President, Policy and Government Relations Elisabeth Saftiuk Director of Business Development and Member Relations Brent Hutton Director of Marketing and Communications Clara Buelow Program Director Kay Gardiner
CHUCK DAVIDSON President and CEO Manitoba Chambers of Commerce
CHARTING MANITOBA’S COURSE TO GROWTH AND PRODUCTIVITY IN THE AI ERA
W hen business leaders talk about artificial intelligence, their reactions range from excitement to uncertainty. One thing is clear: AI is here, and it’s already reshaping how we work, trade and compete in the global economy. AI is often described as the biggest shift of our time. But at its core, it is a tool — much like the steam engine or the internet in their early days. Its impact depends on how we choose to use it. For Manitoba businesses, that means seeing AI not as a threat but as a chance to boost productivity and sharpen our competitive edge. AI opens doors to new ways of working. But progress comes with responsibility. Beyond questions of ethics and security, we face challenges of talent, infrastructure and technological sovereignty. Rising to these challenges will determine how fully Manitoba can seize the future. This issue of MBiz explores AI’s impact across industries. From agriculture to finance to global trade, Manitoba businesses are already using AI to compete, boost productivity and reach markets faster. At the same time, important questions around regulation, intellectual property and workforce skills remain front and centre. Through the government’s Innovation and Productivity
Task Force, where our marketing and communications director Clara Buelow represents the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce (MCC), we’re helping ensure that business voices are heard as our province lays the foundation for a future where innovation and responsibility go hand in hand. The MCC will continue to play its role — advocating for businesses at the policy table and delivering practical tools through our chamber network. With the provincial government’s $2-million investment, MCC, in partnership with The Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce and the chamber network, is bringing AI training and resources directly to small- and medium-sized enterprises across Manitoba, helping them build confidence and capacity in this fast-changing landscape. AI is powerful, but it is people who shape the future. By combining innovation with responsibility and productivity with purpose, Manitoba can move forward with confidence. The MCC will be there every step of the way to ensure businesses across this province are ready. ■
1355 Mountain Avenue Winnipeg, MB
winnipegfreepress.com President and CEO Mike Power VP, Revenue and Business Development Michele Prysazniuk Director, FP Features Charlene Adam Editor Jennifer McFee Creative Steve Hatch, Creative Services Manager Shakar Hagiev, Tammy Mitchell, Karen Spence, Ken Waterman Advertising Myles O’Reilly, Sales Manager Amy Anders, Nelson De La Cruz, Joel d'Eschambault, Rebecca Fitzpatrick, Gustavo Luy, Sydnee Pham, Rob Waite For advertising inquiries, please call 204-697-7390. © 2025 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 The opinions expressed by the authors, advertisers and/or editorial sources contained in MBiz magazine 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.
Cover: tonstock - stock.adobe.com
3 WINTER 2025
Powered by FlippingBook