SUMMER 2025, VOL. 26 MANITOBA CHAMBERS
OF COMMERCE jointhechamber.ca
CHUCK DAVIDSON President and CEO Manitoba Chambers of Commerce
President and CEO Chuck Davidson Vice President, Policy and Government Relations Elisabeth Saftiuk Director of Business Development and Member Relations Brent Hutton Marketing and Communications Specialist Sherry Kaniuga
MEETING UNCERTAINTY WITH BOLD ACTION
T here’s no question these are challenging times for businesses across Manitoba. With Canada’s once-stable relationship with the United States on rocky ground and American tariff policies in constant flux, many businesses are feeling under pressure and powerless. This uncertainty isn’t going away anytime soon. As I’ve talked with business leaders across the province over the last few months, it’s become clear that we need to shift our focus and prioritize what we can control: building a stronger, more self-reliant Manitoba economy. It’s time to grow from the inside out, investing in strategies that boost competitiveness, support innovation and strengthen our resilience. That means targeting sectors with the greatest strategic opportunity — from critical minerals and green energy to tourism and development in Manitoba’s north. We must address stagnant productivity growth, support businesses in the adoption of new technologies and create conditions that allow us to retain our skilled young workforce. These are the building blocks of a more sustainable, competitive province. At the same time, the chamber network will continue to advocate
for the removal of interprovincial trade and labour barriers. Business leaders have told us that Canada needs mutual recognition agreements and harmonized policies that allow goods, services and talent to move seamlessly across provincial borders. We’re also urging the federal government to commit to a national energy corridor — infrastructure that can move natural resources like oil, gas, hydrogen and electricity across the country and out through northern ports like Churchill. Domestic procurement is another critical piece: aligning provincial policies to prioritize Canadian content will help reinforce supply chains and create new opportunities for homegrown businesses. Through the collective voice of our network, we’ve presented these priorities to the Manitoba government and joined with chambers across the country to amplify our message with Canada’s premiers and will continue to work on your behalf. This issue of MBiz Magazine highlights the bold steps we need to take — and what each of us can do to support local businesses and showcase the strength, grit and resilience that define our province. ■
THE FREE PRESS winnipegfreepress.com
To advertise, call 204-697-7390 Lindsey Ward Photography Darcy Finley Numerous organizations supplied Design Shakar Hagiev MBiz Magazine is published on Treaty 1 territory and the homeland of the Métis Nation. To advertise, call 204-697-7390 President and CEO Mike Power VP, Revenue and Business Development Michele Prysazniuk Director, FP Features Charlene Adam charlene.adam@freepress.mb.ca Editor Jennifer McFee Writers Erin Debooy Wendy King Janine LeGal Kristin Marand Jennifer McFee Jim Timlick Cover: Manitoba Legislative Building. Photographer: John Woods
3 SUMMER 2025
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