Written by Gwen Black, Policy and Government Relations Manager.
What We Are Watching: Key Trends and Emerging Issues
Province of Manitoba Budget 2025: The Provincial budget is typically released in March or April but public consultations are now open. At The Chamber, we will be watching closely and advocating on behalf of our members to ensure their needs and priorities are represented in the upcoming budget.
Interprovincial Trade Barriers: As Team Canada works to negotiate tariff-free trade with the U.S., there has been a renewed focus to address internal trade barriers. At The Winnipeg Chamber, we have long advocated for the removal of interprovincial trade barriers, and we will be monitoring and participating as discussions evolve.
Liberal Party Leadership Race: On March 9, 2025, the Liberal Party is set to choose a new leader. The contestants for party leader are former Liberal House leader Karina Gould, former Liberal MP Frank Baylis, former Liberal MP Ruby Dhalla, former central bank governor Mark Carney and former deputy prime minister Chrystia Freeland. The outcome will shape Canada’s political landscape, and we will be watching closely.
The Federal Government Returns to Session: In early January, Prime Minister Trudeau announced that he would be stepping down from his position as Prime Minister and Parliament was prorogued until March 24, 2025. With growing speculation about a federal election, The Chamber is preparing to ensure Winnipeg’s business community is well-represented in the national conversation.
Winnipeg Chamber Advocacy in Action: Update
NEW Policy
Our commitment to building a stronger, more vibrant Winnipeg continues with two newly approved policy positions on downtown revitalization and affordable housing. These member-driven policies emphasize the importance of investing in our community and include recommendations for all levels of government and the business sector. Thank you to all members who contributed through working groups and consultations!
Read our approved policy positions below:
Affordable Housing
Our vision: Vibrant, connected neighborhoods with affordable housing, a thriving business community, and efficient transportation.
How can we get there? Read our recommendations click here
Downtown Revitalization
Our vision: A thriving Downtown Winnipeg with diverse businesses, residential spaces, and attractive amenities that bring people together to live, play and work.
How can we get there? Read our recommendations click here
Policy Exchange
We were proud to host the inaugural event in our new series, Policy Exchange, on January 24, 2025. Policy Exchange provides members the opportunity for open conversation with our President and CEO Loren Remillard on our key topics. We focused on top-of-mind issues like the City of Winnipeg’s 2025 Budget and U.S.-Canada trade relations.
Check out our recap here.
2025 Province of Manitoba: Pre-Budget Submission
The Government of Manitoba has begun a pre-consultation period in preparation for their 2025 budget, which will be released between March and April. To advocate on your behalf, our team has prepared a pre-budget submission with key recommendations. This year’s submission focuses on fostering economic development, improving productivity, and reducing Manitoba’s deficit.
On February 12, 2025, we met with Minister Sala to discuss these priorities and advocate for policies that support Winnipeg’s business community.
Click here to read the full submission.
Policy Working Group on Economic Growth and Productivity
On February 6, 2025, The Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce held a productive meeting on our upcoming economic growth and productivity policy. Our discussion highlighted the need for critical infrastructure investments, support for SMEs in adopting AI, and improving government regulations to create a more competitive and productive Winnipeg economy.
Federal Cuts to Manitoba’s Provincial Nominee Program
Recent cuts to the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) have raised concerns about immigration’s role in addressing labor shortages. The Chamber, alongside several organizations, has written to Federal Minister Miller urging policy reconsideration. Click here to read the full letter.
Get Involved!
Want to engage in The Chamber’s policy and advocacy work? Whether you’re interested in attending policy events, joining discussions, or sharing insights, we’d love to hear from you. Please contact our Manager of Policy and Government Relations Gwen Black at [email protected].
