SUPPORTING ENTREPRENEURS, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
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“This isn't just about filling labour market shortages. It is an economic- driven program, but for this program to be successful, we want these people to continue to stay in the community,” Harris says. “We want them to continue to benefit our community economically, and that's what we're seeing take place.” Since the Altona and District Chamber of Commerce operates out of the same office as SEED, opportunities exist for collaboration. “Ultimately, when a chamber member or local business has a labour market issue or concern, they are referred to SEED to discuss hiring opportunities through the RNIP program and to see if it is a good fit for their business,” Harris adds. STEINBACH Steinbach is one of the fastest- growing cities in Manitoba, with an equally rapidly growing economy. A leader in agribusiness and serving a trading area population of more than 115,000, Steinbach is seeing increased demand for skilled workers. In addition to positions in agribusiness, Steinbach has opportunities in health care, manufacturing, transportation, hospitality and professional services such as law, accounting and finance. In response, the Steinbach Economic Development Corporation (SED) was recently established. Initiatives are currently being developed to take an active approach to participating in provincial, national and international recruitment missions with organizations such as Rural Manitoba Economic Development and private enterprises. One of SED's core services is workforce development, says Michelle Bezditny, director of economic development for the organization. “SED provides advice, contacts and key resources to assist businesses in filling job vacancies quickly with highly skilled talent. We also work with local and provincial training institutions to skill or upskill workers to meet employer expectations. Participating in overseas recruitment missions and targeting key employment sectors is an initiative for 2024, and we have
begun exploring applications and opportunities,” she says. “Immigrants contribute to our economy by filling gaps in our labour force and spending money on goods and services, housing and so on. Newcomers are committed to sharing and celebrating their culture through business, which creates an authentic, diverse and inclusive economy.” SED is working with the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program and Eastman Immigrant Services to entice newcomers to settle in Steinbach and provide all the support a new resident may need, such as general settlement services, employment services, English as an additional language, preparation for citizenship testing and family services, including integration to the public school system and community. WINKLER-STANLEY Another of the province’s fastest- growing communities, the Rural Municipality of Stanley, encompassing Morden and Winkler, is currently home to more than 34,000 people. The area’s primary industry sectors include agriculture, manufacturing, accounting and retail. The Winkler Stanley Economic Development Corporation’s (WSEDC) Manitoba Immigration Initiative is a three-year pilot program and community-based approach to immigration built around an annual regional labour forecast that identifies jobs in demand for the area. The program has a yearly allotment for 150 families. “The power of this program is its ability to make an economic connection to a region that is not dependent on a job offer or exploratory site visit,” explains Mark Sawatzky, immigration and business development officer for WSEDC. Applications are processed through their website, where an applicant's work experience is reviewed to determine a fit between their expertise or skills and an in-demand job in the area. If an applicant meets the program requirements and an economic need in the region, they are reviewed by a community committee and interviewed
Michelle Bezditny, director of economic development for Steinbach Economic Development Corporation
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WINTER 2023
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