MBiz | Summer 2023

SUMMER 2023, VOL. 22

BOLD Personal Income Tax Measures Major Win for Manitoba Chamber Network

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SUMMER 2023, VOL. 22

MANITOBA CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE jointhechamber.ca

President & CEO Chuck Davidson

NORMAN: Churchill Chamber of Commerce Flin Flon & District Chamber of Commerce Lynn Lake Chamber of Commerce Snow Lake Chamber of Commerce The Pas & District Chamber of Commerce Thompson Chamber of Commerce PARKLAND : Parkland Chamber of Commerce Roblin & District Chamber of Commerce Rossburn & District Chamber of Commerce Russell & District Chamber of Commerce Swan Valley Chamber of Commerce CENTRAL: Carman & Community Chamber of Commerce Chambre de commerce Notre-Dame-De-Lourdes MacGregor & District Chamber of Commerce Oakville & District Chamber of Commerce Portage la Prairie & District Chamber of Commerce Treherne & District Chamber of Commerce CAPITAL: Assiniboia Chamber of Commerce Chambre de commerce francophone de Saint-Boniface Headingley Regional Chamber of Commerce Indigenous Chamber of Commerce La Salle & District Chamber of Commerce Manitoba Southeast Commerce Group Niverville Chamber of Commerce Selkirk Biz Stonewall & District Chamber of Commerce The Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce PEMBINA VALLEY: Altona & District Chamber of Commerce Crystal City & District Chamber of Commerce Morden Chamber of Commerce Morris & District Chamber of Commerce Plum Coulee & District Chamber of Commerce Rosenort & District Chamber of Commerce Winkler & District Chamber of Commerce

EASTERN: Beausejour & District Chamber of Commerce Chambre de commerce de St. Malo & du District Chambre de commerce Saint-Pierre-Jolys Falcon/West Hawk Chamber of Commerce Lac du Bonnet & District Chamber of Commerce Pinawa Chamber of Commerce Piney Regional Chamber of Commerce Springfield Chamber of Commerce Steinbach Chamber of Commerce WESTERN: Boissevain & District Chamber of Commerce Brandon Chamber of Commerce Carberry Chamber of Commerce Deloraine-Winchester Chamber of Commerce Elkhorn District Chamber of Commerce Rapid City & District Chamber of Commerce Souris & Glenwood Chamber of Commerce Virden Community Chamber of Commerce Waskada & Area Chamber of Commerce INTERLAKE: Central Interlake Chamber of Commerce Eriksdale & District Chamber of Commerce Fisher Branch Chamber of Commerce Gimli Chamber of Commerce Teulon & District Chamber of Commerce MIDWEST:

Director of Communications & Marketing Tammy Sawatzky

THE FREE PRESS winnipegfreepress.com

President and CEO Mike Power

Director, Advertising, Lifestyles Publications Charlene Adam charlene.adam@freepress.mb.ca Editor Jennifer McFee Writers Kristin Marand Todd Lewys Judy Owen Jim Bender Jennifer McFee Photography Darcy Finley Numerous organizations supplied Design Tammy Mitchell MBiz Magazine is published on Treaty 1 territory and the homeland of the Métis Nation.

Erickson Chamber of Commerce Hamiota Chamber of Commerce Minnedosa Chamber of Commerce

Neepawa & District Chamber of Commerce Rivers & District Chamber of Commerce Shoal Lake & District Chamber of Commerce Wasagaming Chamber of Commerce

To advertise, call 204-697-7390

3 SUMMER 2023

A MESSAGE FROM THE BOARD CHAIR

T his is a time of innovation and opportunity within Manitoba’s diverse business community. The Chambers of Commerce commitment to being “the voice of business in Manitoba” aligns with my passion for ensuring that all businesses in our province have the opportunity to grow and succeed. Championing equitable access to supports for small businesses, including capital for women entrepreneurs, has been at the heart of my work for the past two decades. Our outgoing board chair, Michelle Kuly, was instrumental in the Chamber signing on to the 50-30 Challenge, which aims to create a more inclusive and competitive Canadian economy. Her

leadership reinforced the importance of encouraging participation of more women, racialized persons, Indigenous people, people with disabilities and members of the LGBTQ2+ community. I thank Michelle for her service, leader- ship and guidance and look forward to continuing this important work. Having been a member of the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce Board for several years, I am honoured to take on the role of chair. I will be guided by the insights and experience of my fellow board members, the Chamber team, our mem- bers and partners. I am very optimistic about the future of our province and am looking forward to a successful year of continued growth and development.

ALISON KIRKLAND Chair, Manitoba Chambers of Commerce, Board of Directors

PROPOSED 2023–2024 MCC BOARD OF DIRECTORS

DIRECTORS Vince Barletta

Harvest Manitoba Stephen Chychota Parkland Chamber of Commerce & CEM Representative Barry Cooper Heritage Co-op & Brandon Chamber of Commerce Jamie Dumont Jamie Dumont Consulting & Indigenous Chamber of Commerce Luis Escobar Stantec James Fehr RBC Royal Bank Josh Girman PCL Constructors Canada Inc. Paul Holden Education Canada Group Kate Loewen Payworks Jordan Ludwig Brandon Business Interiors Sachit Mehra East India Company Pub and Eatery Matt Pilloud MNP LLP Kevin Ploegman Fort Group Chartered Professional Accountants Inc. Karin Pooley People First HR Services Michael Woelcke Arctic Gateway Group

OFFICERS Chair

Alison Kirkland Women’s Enterprise Organizations of Canada

Past Chair Vice-Chair

Michelle Kuly

Blueprint Inc.

Beverlie Stuart Manitoba Institute of Trades and Technology

Vice-Chair

Karly McRae

Lakehouse & Wasagaming Chamber of Commerce Southport Aerospace Centre Inc.c& Portage la Prairie & District Chamber of Commerce Deloitte

Treasurer Secretary

Mike Boucher

Peggy May

Legal

Nicole Smith

Pitblado Law

Counsel

View online at: winnipegfreepress.com/lifestyles

SUMMER 2023

A MESSAGE FROM PRESIDENT & CEO CHUCK DAVIDSON

I n business there is an old adage that if you’re standing still and not continually moving forward, you’re actually moving backwards. The Manitoba Chambers of Commerce is also never content to sit still and believes we need to continue to move the dial in new ways that will lead to greater prosperity for Manitoba businesses. We see that with our members where competitive edges are being discovered and harnessed and innovation is being tapped and resourced. Manitoba is well positioned to elevate its currency on the national and world stage like never before. In fall, Manitobans will go to the polls in the provincial election and we will be looking for political parties to share their economic plat- forms that will help move the dial in grow- ing Manitoba’s economy. The Chamber will continue to be your advocate for sustainable economic growth, leading to business and community prosperity in Manitoba. The Manitoba Chamber of Commerce advo- cacy work continues to move the dial. In April,

the Province of Manitoba announced new tax competitiveness measures that will mark a significant increase to the Provincial Basic Personal Amount. This is something that the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce and the Chamber network has long been advocating for. The province also announced changes to personal income tax brackets and, combined, these measures will help Manitobans keep more money in their pockets, which always benefits business. In May we held our annual general meeting and I want to take this opportunity to thank outgoing board chair Michelle Kuly and mem- bers Paul Provost, Colin Bartlett and Cathy Snelgrove. Thank you for your time, energy and dedication to the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce. I extend a warm welcome to new chair Alison Kirkland and members Vince Barletta, Barry Cooper, Jamie Dumont, Josh Girman, Jordan Ludwig and Michael Woelcke, who are joining the board. We are excited to have you join us as we continue to advocate for business in Manitoba.

CHUCK DAVIDSON President and CEO Manitoba Chambers of Commerce

Featured in this issue:

Blueprint for Immigration 14

Breathtaking Northern Beauty 18

Goldeyes Celebrate 30th Anniversary Season 24

Bold Personal Income Tax Measures

5 SUMMER 2023

MANITOBA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE EVENTS

FEDERAL BUDGET IMPACTS MANITOBA T he Manitoba Chambers was pleased to host the April MBiz Breakfast presented by 6P Market- ing and hear Terry Duguid, member of Parliament for Winnipeg South, talk about Budget 2023 and what it means for Manitoba. Mr. Duguid stepped in last minute for Dan Vandal, minister of Northern Affairs and minister responsi- ble for Prairies Economic Development Canada and Canadian Northern Eco- nomic Development Agency, who was unable to attend due to bad weather. Jennifer Moose introduced Mr. Duguid and shared about her ongoing work as operations co-ordinator for Northern Manitoba Mining Academy, a division of University College of the North. Dou- gald Lamont, member of the Manitoba Legislative Assembly for St. Boniface, responded to Mr. Duguid’s remarks. ■

MCC HOSTS BANK OF CANADA SENIOR DEPUTY GOVERNOR CAROLYN ROGERS T he Manitoba Chambers of Com- merce was honoured to host senior deputy governor Carolyn Rogers for a special luncheon event on March 9 and talk through the bank’s recent decision to pause inter- est rate hikes.

Rogers pointed out that Canada’s economic growth rate has been the strongest among the G7 countries since the beginning of 2022 and the International Monetary Fund expects Canada to have the most robust gross domestic product (GDP) growth in the G7 over 2023 and 2024. However, there are still several hurdles for the economy to over- come to reach the Bank of Canada’s target inflation rate of two per cent. Rogers also pointed out that Canada develops monetary policy to suit the domestic economy and how we might be impacted or navigate ongoing foreign or U.S. rate increases.

Thank you to the Asper School of Business Associates for partnering on this event along with presenting sponsor the University of Manitoba and supporters CPA Manitoba and the Manitoba Institute of Trades and Technology. ■

Left to right: Dougald Lamont, Jennifer Moose, Terry Duguid and Chuck Davidson. SUBMITTED PHOTO

SUBMITTED PHOTOS

SUMMER 2023

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INCOME TAX

BOLD PERSONAL INCOME TAX MEASURES Major Win for Manitoba Chamber Network

BY ELISABETH SAFTIUK VICE-PRESIDENT OF POLICY AND GOVERNMENT RELATIONS MANITOBA CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE

To say the last couple of years have not been easy for business would be an understatement. I nflation has increased sharply across the world over the past year. Global supply challenges, elevated commodity prices and the invasion of Ukraine all contributed to inflation in Canada. Global and domestic pressures combined to push inflation to 40-year highs. When prices go up, money can’t buy as much as it used to. This loss of pur- chasing power hurts everyone’s stan- dard of living. When inflation is high,

competitive business environment that government creates a climate that attracts new businesses, that is conducive to new investment, and that enables existing businesses to grow and to thrive. Earlier this year, the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce retained Leger to conduct the fifth annual Manitoba Business Outlook Survey of its members and partners. The primary purpose of this research is to provide the Chamber with statistically reliable feedback from Manitoba businesses about their goals, performance and challenges. This year, only 50 per cent of busi- ness leaders in Manitoba believe that Manitoba’s business climate is com- petitive with other provinces (down from 61 per cent in 2021).

consumers, businesses and investors are uncertain about what their costs will be from one day to the next. High inflation is often unstable and unpre- dictable, and that keeps the economy from performing at its best. Manitobans have felt the impact of high inflation this past year, including having to pay higher prices for grocer- ies, fuel and housing. Inflation is espe- cially challenging for people on fixed incomes — and it’s bad for business. In a post-pandemic era, inflationary pressures have combined with unprec- edented labour shortages, and this pairing of volatile factors has made for an economically challenging time for thousands of Manitoba businesses. It has therefore never been more important than in today’s globally

Competitiveness of Manitoba Business Climate

2022 MANITOBA BUSINESS OUTLOOK SURVEY:

Q17: Do you agree or disagree with the following statement: Manitoba's business climate is competitive with other provinces? Base: All respondents (n=387) ■ Strongly agree ■ Somewhat agree ■ Somewhat disagree ■ Strongly disagree ■ Don't know

7% 14%

13%

IN THE 2021 MANITOBA BUSINESS OUTLOOK SURVEY: • Strongly Agree – 16% • Somewhat Agree – 45% • Somewhat Disagree – 20% • Don't Know – 9%

36%

29%

Total AGREE: 50%

Total DISAGREE: 42%

SUMMER 2023

This year, only 50% of business leaders in Manitoba believe that Manitoba’s business climate is competitive with other provinces (down from 61 per cent in 2021).

lowest tax bracket will now apply to the first $47,000 of income earned (up from $34,431 in 2022). The highest tax bracket will now apply only on income earned over $100,000 (up from $74,417 in 2022). Combined, these personal income tax measures will allow Manitobans to keep more of the money they earn. Most importantly, these measures will help to move the dial on improv- ing Manitoba’s economic competitive position in the country. This is good for Manitobans and it’s good for business. Budget 2023 also increased the pay- roll tax exemption threshold to $2.25 million, eliminating payroll taxes for 150 employers and hinting that elimi- nating the payroll tax might be next. Considered a disincentive to growth, reducing and eventually eliminating the payroll tax has consistently been a pri- ority for business in Manitoba and for the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce. In 2023, with a highly mobile work- force and labour shortages across the country, a competitive economic landscape is intrinsically linked to our ability to compete for talent. We need to keep moving the dial on these critically important issues and we have to continue taking away reasons for people to leave Manitoba. ■

before it is taxed). Perhaps even more problematic from a competitiveness perspective is that our tax brackets have long been out of sync with our provincial neighbours. Businesses make decisions in the same way that people do. Businesses are not restricted by borders, and they will go wherever they can be most suc- cessful. A friendlier tax framework is ab- solutely a part of their decision-making. As the demand for skilled workers grows, Manitoba must take a genera- tional look at how we can compete with other provinces. Alberta, Saskatch- ewan and Ontario have capitalized on areas where they can make the biggest impact on attracting workers, and it has left Manitoba playing catchup. This is why Budget 2023 was so important for Manitoba’s economy. By taking bold swings, the provincial government confirmed a focus on tax competitiveness. The personal taxation measures an- nounced in this year’s budget included an increase to the Provincial Basic Personal Amount, from $10,145 in 2022 to $15,000 in 2023, bringing us in line with the rest of the country. They also took bold swings on personal income taxes, announcing increases to both the lowest and high- est tax brackets beginning in 2024. The

A review of Manitoba’s taxation framework was an initiative that the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce, and Manitoba’s business community, had long been asking for — and one that has had the full support of the Cham- ber Network for years. It is precisely for this reason that the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce has had a long-standing policy asking the provincial government to undertake a review of both personal and corporate taxes, with a focus on tackling econom- ic competitiveness through taxation. When we look at the nationwide economic competition landscape, Manitoba has not kept pace with other provinces for close to 20 years. This is especially so when we consider the way in which we are taxed in Manitoba. Let’s consider a young Manitoban who has recently graduated from a post-secondary institution with a degree, diploma or certificate fresh in hand. When considering their future, they will look at where they can get a job, where they can keep more of the money they earn, and where their qual- ity of life will be best. Manitoba youth are doing their research. When they do this research, they will learn that Manitoba has been at the bottom of the pack on the Basic Per- sonal Amount (the income we can earn

9 SUMMER 2023

Donor Advised Funds: A Powerful Tool for Charitable Giving

By Abundance Canada

Donor Advised Funds (DAFs) have become an increasingly popular way for individuals and families to give to charitable causes. These funds provide donors with a flexible, efficient, and tax-effective way to support the causes they care about most. In this article, we will explore what DAFs are, how they work, and why they are becoming an increasingly popular choice for charitable giving.

DAFs offer donors several benefits, including:

1. Tax Benefits: Donations added to a DAF are eligible for a charitable receipt. This can be a powerful tax planning tool for individuals who are looking to maximize their charitable contributions in a given year and offset capital gains or other taxes owing. 2. Flexibility: Donors can donate a wide range of assets including cash, stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and possibly private company shares. 3. Simplified Giving: DAFs offer donors an easy and efficient way to give to charitable organizations by making one donation with multiple charitable disbursements. 4. Anonymity: Unlike a private foundation, DAFs offer donors greater privacy and anonymity.

What is a Donor Advised Fund?

Think of a DAF like a holding tank. The donor makes a donation to a foundation and receives a charitable receipt for their gift. The foundation manages the donation in a separate fund (DAF), which acts like the holding tank. Additional donations can be made to the DAF at any time and donors can recommend that distributions be made to charity from the DAF. The beauty of a DAF is that it allows donors to plan the best timing of their donation without the added pressure of knowing which causes they want to support and when. The funds in a DAF are typically managed by a community or public foundation, and donors can donate assets including, cash, stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and possibly private company shares. Once the donor makes the donation, the donor no longer owns the assets but can recommend when and where the foundation distributes to charity.

How do I choose the right DAF provider?

It is important to carefully weigh your options when choosing a DAF since providers offer varying rules and restrictions including: • Distribution restrictions to certain times of the year. • Limits on distribution amounts. • Limits on the number of distributions. • Varying costs and investment option limitations. • Varying levels of support and advice. • Different set-up processes and requirements.

Why are DAFs becoming more popular?

Abundance Canada can help!

DAFs have seen significant growth in recent years for several reasons: 1. Convenience: Donors appreciate the ease and convenience of using a DAF. They can donate to the foundation at any time, manage their charitable giving, and receive reports on the fund balance. 2. Philanthropic Planning: DAFs are an excellent tool for donors who want to engage in long-term philanthropic planning. Donors can involve their family members in the giving process and create a legacy of charitable giving. 3. Anonymity: Individuals and private business owners often appreciate the flexibility and privacy of a DAF.

At Abundance Canada, we have extensive experience facilitating all types of donations (publicly traded securities, private company shares, life insurance, and more). In 2022, we issued $48.34 million in donation receipts, distributed $40.4 million to 1,998 recipient charities. Abundance Canada manages nearly $250 million in charitable assets. We can help you identify the most tax efficient way to donate while also creating a customized Generosity Plan™ to achieve your philanthropic goals during your lifetime and beyond. Questions? Abundance Canada is a registered public foundation with a long history of assisting clients with significant and complex charitable gift planning strategies. To learn more about donor advised funds, call 1.800.772.3257 to speak with a gift planning consultant or explore the resources available at abundance.ca.

How do DAFs work?

In Canada, DAFs are offered by community and public foundations, or foundations affiliated with a financial institution. Donors who are considering establishing a DAF should consult with their professional advisors who are familiar with Canadian tax law and charitable gift planning.

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5 Things Businesses Should Consider in a Higher Interest Rate Environment

By Diane Amato

■ While fixed rate loans generally have higher posted rates, they offer the certainty of a known payment, regardless of whether rates rise further. ■ Variable rate loans, meanwhile, will become more expensive to service when interest rates go up — and business owners who have been carrying variable rate debt are feeling the impact of the rate hikes over the past year. While one of these rate types isn’t “better” than the other, there may be a clear option for your business. It’s worth creating different scenarios based on different rate environments to determine how your cash flow may be affected. In the meantime, take a moment to ask yourself a few questions as you assess your borrowing solutions: ■ Can I afford higher payments on a variable rate loan/mortgage if rates rise again? ■ Am I comfortable with the risk that comes with a variable rate product? ■ Am I expecting consistent revenue over the near-term? (If so, a fixed rate loan may offer revenue stability.) Interest rate implications will likely be highest where you do business, as rent or mortgage is typically a business owner’s biggest expense.

2. Focus on what you can control

Today’s interest rate environment is a game-changer for many businesses — on many levels. For highly leveraged businesses, the increased cost of borrowing may put a perceptible squeeze on the operating budget. For those with investable assets, there’s an opportunity for growth. Here are five ways to weather the downside of higher rates and take advantage of the upside where you can find it. 1. Re-think your savings strategy While many business owners parked excess cash in their business bank account to help ride out the pandemic, additional funds may have a better home today. Years of low interest rates have delivered minimal growth for GIC investors; but, as rates have risen, more competitive GIC rates offered by financial institutions mean more attractive returns for a safe, fixed- rate investment. "If you accumulate funds from recent sales and contracts, consider a savings strategy with flexible terms — whether your goal is to earn interest while the funds are sitting in your account in the short term or to actively shore up your savings for future capital equipment or anticipated expenses in the mid- to long-term,” advises Joanne Ironside, Senior Relationship Manager Business Markets at RBC.

You can’t control interest rates — and trying to predict them isn’t viable either. So, if higher rates are eating into your bottom line, it’s a good idea to try to offset them with lower expenses elsewhere in your business. Here are a few ways to find savings: ■ Reduce your fixed and variable costs. Consider if there are ways to downsize your office space, optimize your inventory or negotiate terms with your suppliers that can boost your cash flow. ■ Assess your business credit cards and loans. Try to save on interest costs by paying your balances on time. At the same time, find ways to maximize your business card’s potential by using rewards points for business essentials. ■ Utilize tax credits and non-repayable government grants. ‘Free money’ can also come through value-added partnerships and no-cost resources available to business owners online. 3. Understand the pros and cons of fixed and variable rates When you’re borrowing for your business — a commercial mortgage, a term loan or a line of credit — you’ll want to understand the type of rate you’re signing off on and what the implications are for your business.

SUMMER 2023

The Bottom Line Higher interest rates have made borrowing more expensive for business owners, but they also offer the potential for savings growth (and a reason to look at operating expenses closely). Knowing the impact of rates on your business and understanding the options and opportunities available can help keep your business financially healthy.

4. Create an emergency fund Business owners are acutely aware that external factors completely out of their control can affect their bottom line. Hence the importance of creating an emergency fund for the future. Aim to save at least three months’ coverage of your fixed costs. If possible, set aside a six- month runway.

5. Build an opportunities fund Once you’ve established an emergency fund and your expenses are accounted for, try to set aside a cash reserve for opportunities, however small that might be. Remember, even the pandemic offered unique opportunities for business owners who found creative ways to build their businesses and meet customer needs. Being prepared to act on new ideas can help your business weather tougher times.

rbc.com/businessadvice

This article originally appeared on RBC’s Discover & Learn portal. discover.rbcroyalbank.com This article is intended as general information only and is not to be relied upon as constituting legal, financial or other professional advice. A professional advisor should be consulted regarding your specific situation. Information presented is believed to be factual and up-to-date but we do not guarantee its accuracy and it should not be regarded as a complete analysis of the subjects discussed. All expressions of opinion reflect the judgment of the authors as of the date of publication and are subject to change. No endorsement of any third parties or their advice, opinions, information, products or services is expressly given or implied by Royal Bank of Canada or any of its affiliates.

® / ™ Trademark(s) of Royal Bank of Canada.

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13 SUMMER 2023

IMMIGRATION

Blueprint for IMMIGRATION

John Reyes, Manitoba’s minister of labour and immigration, showcases the Immigration Advisory Council report at the Manitoba legislature.

PHOTO BY DARCY FINELY

Report’s recommendations address labour shortages

former Canadian foreign affairs minister. It had three mandates: attracting immi- grants to the province, streamlining the MPNP and enhancing settlement services. The consultation process included stakeholders representing business, government, community and immigrants from across the province. Information was gathered through presentations, emailed submissions, online surveys and town hall meetings. Action has already taken place on some of the recommendations, such as targeting the labour shortage in different regions of the province, Reyes says. A pilot project is underway in Winkler and the Rural Municipality of Stanley. Through a partnership with the provincial government and the Winkler Stanley Eco- nomic Development Corp., 150 nominee spots will be allocated for the region for each year of the three-year project. Can- didates will be recruited for in-demand jobs and their applications reviewed by

employed, contributing to our province.” Steps toward achieving more success stories are outlined in the Immigration Advisory Council report. Released in Feb- ruary, the report includes recommenda- tions to improve the province’s immigra- tion policies and programs and to address labour shortages. “The value of the plan is very important because we have 70 recommendations there to improve and enhance the Mani- toba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP),” Reyes says of the immigration program that began in 1998. “With respect to the business com- munity, it’s very, very important because there is a shortage of labour, a shortage of skilled labour, across the province and across the country.” The council was formed in February 2022 with a panel of 20 experts from across the province and was co-chaired by Reyes and Lloyd Axworthy, the chair of the World Refugee & Migration Council and

BY JUDY OWEN Jon Reyes recalls walking his dog one day when a man he didn’t know approached him. It wasn’t a negative encounter. In fact, it was just the opposite for Manitoba’s minister of labour and immigration. “I actually had somebody come up to me and say, ‘Minister, because of the changes that your government has made with regards to the pathways through professional development, I’ve become a full-fledged engineer,’” says Reyes, MLA for Waverley. Hearing about the man’s positive im- migration experience boosted the spirits of Reyes. “I’m very happy to see that these individuals are practising in the professions they should be,” he says. “They’re gainfully

SUMMER 2023

IMMIGRATION

HELPING THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY The provincial Immigration Advisory Council came out with a report this year highlighting 70 recommendations to improve immigration policies and programs and to address labour shortages. Recommendations aimed at labour market needs and business investment include: • Align nominations of skilled workers and business inves- tors through the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) with strategic industry growth areas for Manitoba. • Encourage businesses to help with recruitment and integration of international skilled workers. Providing a subsidy to employers would help develop those programs. When developing these programs, consider the needs of smaller organizations without human resources capacities or departments. • Establish a single-source recruitment portal for Manitoba employers and global talent to connect. • Increase sector-specific nominee draws. Work with regions to ensure MPNP’s expression-of-interest draws will ad- dress their unique local labour market. • Create a list of trusted employers to facilitate an expe- dited process to fill labour market needs. • Encourage international entrepreneurs to invest in com- munities outside the capital region by creating new busi- nesses and purchasing existing businesses. • Reduce or remove the language requirement for the busi- ness investor stream and explore ways of providing inter- pretation services as needed to business investors. • Create virtual options for potential business investors. Al- though exploratory research trips are not mandatory, they can be beneficial. When issuing letters of advice to apply, the MPNP could include a preliminary virtual submission to move the process forward. Manitoba Minister of Labour and Immigration Jon Reyes says recommendations are being prioritized, but some are already underway such as special draws targeting occupations and a “work-in-Manito- ba portal” for employers and potential employees.

a regional committee. If the candidate passes the review, an endorsement letter will be sent to the province recommending the person be nominated through the MPNP. “I’m hoping it’ll be a positive pilot project and it’ll be a permanent program we can have in other parts of the province to address the labour shortage,” Reyes says. The nominee program also began sector-specific draws based on federal and provincial data, he says. For example, there have been draws this year for truck drivers, retail sales and service supervisors, technical trades and transportation officers and controllers. The council’s report pointed to the Manitoba La- bour Market Outlook, which predicted the province will need 15,500 more workers per year due to retire- ments and deaths. “Addressing the labour shortage, we can do it domestically; we can do it through graduates from post-secondary education, but immigration is also a key component to addressing that labour shortage as well,” Reyes says. As part of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s multi-year allocation plan, Manitoba had its nominee program’s spaces boosted to 9,500 for this year, an increase of 3,175 from last year. “If we are going to get a significant number of al- locations, we must communicate and work together with the federal government to ensure that we have the support systems in place,” Reyes says, citing housing and health care as examples. More than 21,000 immigrants and their families land- ed in Manitoba last year, with 13,915 arriving through the nominee program. Other individuals came through federal immigration categories, such as federal-spon- sored family, federal skilled workers and government- assisted and privately sponsored refugees. The federal government announced last November a plan to bring 500,000 newcomers to Canada in 2025, up from the 465,000 expected this year and 485,000 next year. “What I can tell the business community is that my (department) is working hard with a sense of urgency so that we can ensure that we address labour needs, through immigration in this case — and by doing that, we have to streamline the process,” Reyes says. “(We have) 70 recommendations, really good recommendations, from our Immigration Advisory Council members. My door is always open to other suggestions on ways that we can improve the pro- gram we created here in Manitoba.” ■

15 SUMMER 2023

BECOME A MEMBER

AMPLIFY YOUR BUSINESS : BECOME A MEMBER “I joined the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce during the height of the pandemic because I could see the difference the organization was making for businesses like mine. As a restaurant owner, I was gravely affected by operating restrictions, and I was looking for support for my industry,” says Sachit Mehra, co-owner and general manager of East India Company. “The Manitoba Chambers of Commerce emerged as a guiding light during the pandemic and truly listened to my concerns about the issues facing hospitality, such as the impact of lockdowns, wage inflation, supply chain challenges and more.” Amplify your business impact by becoming a member of the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce. BEING A MEMBER: • expands your network; • grants access to high-quality events; • obtains preferred pricing on essential business services; and • supports strategic initiatives, advocacy and effective government relations. Help us build prosperity for all Manitobans by becoming a member of the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce. To learn more about membership, email Brent Hutton, director of business development and member relations, at bhutton@mbchamber. mb.ca or call 204-948-0105.

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Sachit Mehra, co-owner and general manager of East India Company

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SUMMER 2023

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT TOURS

Fall 2023 tours are planned for Flin Flon and Steinbach. See more upcoming locations, dates and registration at MBCHAMBER.MB.CA

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT TOURS ARE BACK

“Our economic development tour of Churchill gave us a glimpse of the many opportunities

Interested in learning about rural and northern Manitoba’s home field advantage? Economic Development Tours (EDT) are two- day delegations packed with meetings hosted by local chamber and economic development leaders, connecting tour participants with elected officials and Indigenous leaders. Del- egates also enjoy tours of local businesses and attractions, as well as opportunities to network with decision-makers.

there are with delegates and community members. Not only did we create strong business contacts for expanding our services, we were able to check off one of our ‘bucket list’ global destinations.” – Elba Haid, president and CEO of Realcare Inc.

ai16802903185_FWS_Celebrates70_7.125x4.875”.pdf 1 3/31/2023 2:18:40 PM

YEARS 1953-2023

CELEBRATES 70 YEARS! FWS has transformed the construction industry over the past 70 years through its integrated approach and focus on efficiency and client satisfaction. As we celebrate this milestone, we look forward to continuing to innovate and improve the industry for the next 70 years.

CMY

www.FWSgroup.com

17 SUMMER 2023

FRONTIERS NORTH ADVENTURES

BREATHTAKING NORTHERN BEAUTY BY JENNIFER MCFEE The breathtaking beauty of the North seems to saturate the soul. T hat’s certainly the case when you visit Churchill, named by Time mag- azine as one of the World’s Greatest tion, especially for our northern lights season, which is perfect timing with an upcoming solar peak in 2025.”

Frontiers North Adventures is a Certi- fied B Corporation tour operator and in- ternationally recognized leader in sus- tainable adventures in Canada’s North, she adds. The company hosts guests pri- marily in Churchill to dine beneath the northern lights, sing alongside beluga whales and lock eyes with polar bears. In addition, the bustling business offers meaningfully designed programs for wildlife and culture enthusiasts, pho- tographers and experiential travellers.

Places of 2023. “It is exciting to see Churchill recog- nized, especially since there was a fo- cus on the northern lights and beluga whale viewing experiences in Churchill, which are lesser known but equally ex- ceptional as polar bear viewing,” says Alex Cupeiro, marketing and communi- cations co-ordinator for Frontiers North Adventures. “There has been an increase in interest in travel to Churchill since the designa-

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SUMMER 2023

MCC Members Receive 15% OFF BOOK WITH PROMO CODE: MBCHAMBER

BOOK NOW

To Book: 1-800-839-2256

www.Calmair.com

19 SUMMER 2023

FRONTIERS NORTH ADVENTURES

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No matter the season, Churchill of- fers an astounding experience for visi- tors — whether they’re venturing north for the first time or they’ve returned many times. “Churchill is a spectacular place of- fering three distinct and all incredible seasons, from northern lights in the winter months of February and March, beluga whales in the summer months of July and August, and polar bears in the autumn months of October and November,” Cupeiro says. “We often see guests returning to travel for another season after their first visit. The North has a way of cap- tivating people — and once you start exploring, you won’t want to stop.” Since Churchill is located in a remote northern community, Cupeiro says guests can enjoy pristine landscapes, uncrowded views and a range of flora and fauna. “Summer in Churchill is amazing, with beluga whales, stunning land- scapes and a wide variety of wildlife,” she adds. “It offers an excellent opportunity for Manitobans to come up and experience their own backyard in the North.” ■ To learn more about Frontiers North Adventures, visit www.frontiersnorth.com or call 204-949-2050 (or 1-800-663-9832 toll-free in North America).

“Guests travel from all over the world to come to Churchill to experi- ence the incredible wildlife and witness the dancing aurora borealis. I think people have a perception of the North being barren but have their expecta- tions blown away once they experience how beautiful the subarctic landscape and surrounding area is,” Cupeiro says. “My own expectations were blown out of the water the first time I went up in the winter to see the aurora borealis in Churchill. The northern lights view- ing in Churchill was unlike anything I have experienced at the Winnipeg latitude and blew me away. There is nothing like looking up and watching the northern lights dancing and weav- ing through the night sky like ribbons right above you.” While the northern Manitoba com- munity attracts visitors from around the globe, Churchill is also a must-see destination for travellers within our own province. “We see many Manitobans venturing to Churchill to visit this extraordinary place in their province. Churchill is a top destination in the world — and for us here in Manitoba, it is right in our backyards,” Cupeiro says. “I strongly encourage and invite Manitobans to come and explore this piece of their province that draws attention from all around the world that is right at their fingertips.”

“Guests travel from all over the world to come to Churchill to experience the incredible wildlife and witness the dancing aurora borealis. I think people have a perception of the North being barren but have their expectations blown away once they experience how beautiful the subarctic landscape and surrounding area is.” – Alex Cupeiro, Marketing and communications co-ordinator for Frontiers North Adventures.

SUMMER 2023

Training You Can Trust

CUSTOMIZED TRAINING SOLUTIONS FROM MANITOBA’S TRUSTED PROVIDER

Red River College Polytechnic helps meet the needs of Manitoba’s employers – while also helping to grow the local economy – by working closely with organizations like yours to provide in-demand, practical skills through customized training that will help you stay ahead during times of change and give you a competitive edge.

• 370 custom and contract training solutions developed • 61 organizations trained • Proven approach that aligns with our new way of working • Micro-credential courses to quickly upskill your team • Eligible for government training grants

LEARN MORE rrc.ca /industry

21 SUMMER 2023

TRAVEL MANITOBA

(L–R) OODENA AT THE FORKS / CANADIAN MUSEUM FOR HUMAN RIGHTS / COUNTRYFEST

CONNECTING TRAVELLERS’ HEARTS WITH MANITOBA

Travel Manitoba’s refreshed brand harnesses the emotional impact of our most awe-inspiring tourism assets, connecting travellers’ hearts with the places they visit. Manitoba’s tourism brand has evolved to meet changing visitor expectations and to be competitive in the new travel landscape. Drawing on the power of our refreshed brand and new heart-stirring tagline, our marketing con- nects with visitors’ desire to experience something more when they travel. So when their heart needs quiet or when it needs to race, sing or reflect, Canada’s Heart is Calling. We need a bold vision for the tourism industry as we aim to double visitor spending by 2030. The Manitoba

Tourism Strategy recognizes Manitoba as a must-vis- it four season destination with world-class attractions like the Leaf - Canada’s Diversity Gardens, Qaumajuq and the Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada. Re- newed attractions like the Manitoba Museum solidify Manitoba’s reputation as a distinctive presence in the tourism marketplace. The Manitoba Tourism Strategy also identifies the growth opportunities that can get us to our goal. Key pillars such as authentic Indigenous and Francophone experiences, as well as winter and water-based activities are the foundations for destination development to build upon.

The Manitoba Tourism Strategy is a collaboration of the Government of Manitoba, the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce and Travel Manitoba, which targets growth in visitor spending by 50 per cent to reach $2.5 billion by 2030.

Learn more at travelmanitoba.com.

SUMMER 2023

58.7679° N, 94.1696° W |

CHURCHILL

23 SUMMER 2023

WINNIPEG GOLDEYES

GOLDEYES CELEBRATE 30TH ANNIVERSARY SEASON

SUMMER 2023

WINNIPEG GOLDEYES

Over the past 30 years, the Winnipeg Goldeyes have been the benchmark for other professional baseball franchises. Not only have they survived, they’ve thrived since returning to the Northern League in 1994.

BY TODD LEWYS

In the world of professional baseball, franchises come and go. So much so that as one franchise is starting up, another one (or two) might well be shutting down at the very same time. Suffice it to say when a professional franchise celebrates three decades in operation, it’s a rarity. Over the past 30 years, the Winnipeg Goldeyes have been the benchmark for other professional baseball franchises. Not only have they survived, they’ve thrived since returning to the Northern League in 1994. Andrew Collier, the Goldeyes’ general manager, says sound business practices have served as the foundation of the club’s staying power. “It all starts at the top,” says Collier, who’s served as the Goldeyes’ GM since 2002 and has been with the team since early in the 1994 season. “Our owner, Sam Katz, has a simple philosophy: he hires good people and then lets them do their job.” If any one quality defines the Gold- eyes, it’s continuity. Over their proud 30-year history, they’ve had two general managers (John Hindle and Collier) and just four managers: Doug Simunic (1995-95), Hal Lanier (1996-2005), Rick Forney (2006- 22) and now Greg Tagert, the former longtime manager of the Gary South- Shore RailCats.

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WINNIPEG GOLDEYES

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There hasn’t been much turnover in staff either, he adds. “Not only have we had outstanding man- agers, but we’ve enjoyed great continuity in the office, with many people having been with us for over 20 years. That’s a real plus.” The next ingredient in the Goldeyes’ recipe for success has been a commitment to providing patrons with a quality product. “We’re well aware that people are spending their hard-earned money with us, so we strive to not only provide the best possible on-field product, but we also want to provide on-field entertainment, and food and beverages at a reasonable price,” Collier says. “We want to provide people with fun, affordable family entertainment.” That said, the whole experience starts with the on-field product. After all, people won’t come out to watch if a team isn’t competitive and fun to watch. Consequently, the field managers have always worked tirelessly to source the best players available, whether playing in the Northern League (1994-2010) or American Association (2011-present). “As the years have gone by, things have changed dramatically — it’s become more challenging to source good players. Back in the early days, players might have got- ten five calls to play for different teams. Now, they might get 100, so it’s a tough job for us and our field managers to field a good team.” Yet, the Goldeyes — who won the Northern League championship in 1994 and captured the American Association championship in 2012, 2016 and 2017 — do that pretty much every year. Collier says there are two reasons why the club has been able to field a competi- tive squad year after year. “As much as we look for good play- ers, we look for players who are also good people,” he says. “A great example of that is Reggie Abercrombie, whose number we’ll be retiring as part of our 30th anniversary celebrations on Aug. 11. Not only was he great on the field, but he never said no to an appearance, signing autographs or running a baseball camp.

Andrew Collier, the Goldeyes’ general manager.

PHOTO BY DARCY FINLEY

days, players want to play in a place where winning, not development, is important.” Goldeyes fans appreciate that major league mindset, says Collier. “Our fans know the priority here is to win. And who knows — they could be see- ing the next Jeff Zimmerman, George Sher- rill or Brian Myrow. You never know. You might see a player you watched here play in Fenway Park someday.” Most importantly, the Goldeyes always strive to keep things fresh and give back to the community. “We always have new and exciting pro- mos and even did a rebrand last year with the team logo and uniforms,” he says. “We also have the Field of Dreams Foundation, which has distributed close to $3 million to children’s charities since 1995. Our goal is to always listen to our fans, look after them and provide them with the best entertain- ment experience possible.” ■

He knew people bought the tickets and he wanted to give back.” At the same time, Goldeyes’ manage- ment also does everything in their power to make players comfortable. “As much as we look for good players, we look for players who are also good people.” – Andrew Collier, the Goldeyes’ general manager “They are often coming to a new country or, at the very least, a new city. We help players with paperwork, find them places to live and help them get familiarized with the city. We do that so the only thing they need to worry about is playing good base- ball and winning championships. These

SUMMER 2023

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