MANITOBA'S WORKFORCE MOMENT
That means better aligning immi- gration with labour market needs, training with industry demand, education with career opportunities, and public policy with the realities of modern work and family life. When these systems work together, they produce a workforce that is not only able to keep up with demand but one that is skilled, adaptable and resilient.
If we want to grow and retain talent, our young people must be able to see a future here. That means early exposure to careers in skilled trades, technology, manufacturing, agriculture and emerg- ing sectors, as well as clear pathways from education to employment. It also means ensuring Manitoba remains competitive with other provinces in attracting and keeping the next gen- eration of workers.
Building a strong provincial work- force is about more than attraction. It requires a dedicated focus on align- ment and retention, particularly as employers point to a growing mis- match between available talent and the skills required in today’s economy. Addressing that gap requires stronger connections between education, train- ing systems and industry demand, while also ensuring Manitobans, par- ticularly young people, are aware of the full range of career opportunities available to them here at home. Despite the breadth of opportunity across Manitoba’s economy, reten- tion remains a persistent challenge. Manitoba has historically experienced a net loss of individuals aged 15 to 35 through interprovincial migra- tion, primarily to Ontario and Alberta. Research from the Canada West Foundation further underscores this trend, showing that, except for the first year of the pandemic, the prov- ince has experienced consistent net out-migration of approximately one per cent of young adults aged 25 to 34 annually since 1986.
At a time when infrastructure projects are expanding and demand for trades is growing, ensuring that training systems are flexible, accessible and aligned with employer needs will be critical to sustaining momentum.
Workforce challenges are commonly framed in terms of shortages, but the more important conversation is about capacity. How will Manitoba build a workforce that supports growth, adapts to change and competes in an increasingly complex global economy? This is not simply a challenge — it is an opportunity. This edition of MBiz explores that opportunity from multiple perspec- tives: how immigration is reshaping Manitoba’s labour pipeline, how apprenticeship and training sys- tems can better align with industry demand, how early exposure and partnerships are preparing the next generation, and how enabling infra- structure like child care can support increased participation across the workforce. Manitoba’s workforce is not only a challenge to manage but also a strate- gic asset to develop. Manitoba’s business community is ready to lead. Supported by the right policies, partnerships and sustained focus, we can build a workforce that supports growth, strengthens com- petitiveness and ensures that young people, families and businesses all see a future of opportunity in this province. The moment is here. The opportu- nity is real. And Manitoba is ready to deliver. ■
Retention is central to sustaining that growth. The same principle applies to workforce participation. Manitoba has seen strong gains in labour force participation in recent years, including among women. That progress reflects both economic necessity and changing workforce dynamics. But participation alone is not enough if the systems that support it are not aligned with how people live and work today. Child care is a clear example. Accessible, reliable childcare options underpin workforce participation, business recruitment and strong communities. When these are not available, options for families are limited and so is the available work- force at a time when employers need it most. Workforce development also depends on training systems keeping pace with demand. In the skilled trades, apprenticeship pathways remain essential to building capacity. At a time when infrastructure projects are expanding and demand for trades is growing, ensuring that train- ing systems are flexible, accessible and aligned with employer needs will be critical to sustaining momentum. The common thread through each of these priorities is alignment.
7 SUMMER 2026
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