Written by Gwen Black, Policy and Government Relations Manager.
On December 3, 2024, Premier Wab Kinew delivered his second State of the Province Address to a sold-out room of approximately 1,200 business leaders at the RBC Convention Centre.
In his speech, the Premier highlighted his government’s commitment to driving economic growth and delivering on its promises. He emphasized priorities such as strengthening the Canadian armed forces and investing in Manitoba’s key sectors — critical minerals, energy, agriculture, and manufacturing — to boost trade with the United States of America. He also spoke about a forthcoming economic strategy focused on enhancing productivity that will be introduced to support these priority efforts.
In light of potential new U.S. tariffs on Canadian imports, the Premier stressed the importance of our trade relationship with the U.S. and announced his commitment to re-establish Manitoba’s trade office in Washington, DC. This recommendation came from the Premier’s Business and Jobs Council, on which The Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce President and CEO, Loren Remillard serves.
“You can’t expect your friends and allies to always know your position, understand and be receptive, if you’re not there physically,” Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Loren Remillard
Our Fireside Chat with Premier Kinew
After Premier Kinew’s speech, our Board Chair and Founder of Little Brown Jug Brewing Company Kevin Selch sat down with him for a fireside chat. Kevin began the discussion by posing a question about how Manitoba could grow its prosperity in light of potential U.S. tariffs, highlighting that reports estimate interprovincial trade barriers cost Canada $100 billion in economic growth annually. Premier Kinew responded by acknowledging provincial trade barriers were part of the equation and emphasizing the importance of fostering a strong domestic economy. He noted it was important that businesses have access to markets in every direction east, west, north, and south.
The conversation then shifted to productivity. Premier Kinew shared that productivity serves as the foundation for their economic strategy, uniting three key pillars: strengthening Manitoba’s key sectors, investing in a low-carbon economy through the development of clean energy and critical mineral strategy, and workforce development.
Premier Wab Kinew’s Engagement with Winnipeg Chamber Board
Prior to his State of the Province Address, Premier Kinew met with The Winnipeg Chamber Board of Directors, engaging in an open and transparent dialogue about economic development, downtown crime and safety, civic-provincial relations, U.S. trade relations, and Indigenous procurement.
Premier Wab Kinew sits with The Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors during The Chamber’s board meeting on December 3, 2024.
At the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce, we look forward to a new economic development strategy that will drive progress for our province and we were happy to hear the Premier’s continued focus on creating economic growth in Manitoba.
Catch a few of our Chamber’s reactions to the speech at:
If you would like to be involved in The Chambers advocacy efforts, please contact Gwen Black our Policy and Government Relations Manager.
