3.5 Minute Read
The Winnipeg Chamber’s Director of Policy, Colin Fast, highlights five things Winnipeg businesses should be aware of this week.
1. Chamber civic election survey
The next civic election will be held on October 26, 2022. To help The Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce develop its policy recommendations for prospective candidates, our latest Quarterly Check-In survey is focused on civic issues. What does the Winnipeg business community think the priorities should be for the next mayor and council?
As an extra incentive to participate, all respondents will be eligible for a draw for one of two $100 Downtown Winnipeg BIZ Gift Cards.
We appreciate you sharing your views, and we ensure you all survey responses will be anonymous. If you have any questions about this survey, please contact Colin Fast, Director of Policy, at [email protected].
2. Unemployment rate hits record low in Canada
Statistics Canada released its latest set of employment data last Friday, showing that Canada hit a record low level of 5.2% unemployment in April. Within Manitoba, the rate dropped to 5%, led by full-time employment gains in the services, professional services, and public administration sectors. For a deeper look at the Manitoba figures, read here.
3. Province targets support for hard hit industries
The province is providing $1 million in funding to support economic recovery in four sectors that have been significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The funding will be split between the restaurant and foodservices, food processing, hotel and supply chain industries. This commitment is consistent with calls from The Winnipeg Chamber to target support at sectors that continue to struggle with pandemic-related challenges. For more information, read here.
4. Funding available for green projects
Funding is available for businesses, non-profit organizations, and educational institutions for projects that will help the province achieve its climate change goals. The Conservation and Climate Fund offers grants up to $150,000 per applicant for projects that deliver on one or more of the following:
- Reducing greenhouse gas emissions;
- Addressing the effects of climate change, including measures to adapt to climate change;
- Promoting sustainable development while ensuring natural resources are managed in a manner that ensures availability for future generations
The application intake is open May 10 until June 17.
5. Looking at inflation in Manitoba
Inflation has been top of mind for months as individuals and businesses adjust to broad price increases that haven’t been seen at this level in many years. The Chamber’s new Policy and Research Analyst, Jamil Ahmed, breaks down the latest inflation data with a specific focus on Manitoba on our news blog.
