Written by Gwen Black, Policy & Government Relations Manager, The Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce
On April 29, Canada’s Liberal Party led Prime Minister Mark Carney was declared winner of the 2025 federal election. Now, PM Carney and his government will have the responsibility of navigating Canada through choppy international waters, especially when it comes to our southern neighbours.
With a new government, ongoing trade conflicts, and an evolving economy, bold leadership and innovative thinking are essential to secure Canada’s long-term prosperity and resilience.
“Canada’s economy is at a pivotal moment.
As global trade tensions rise and productivity rates decline, we need a leader with the vision to secure our position on the global stage leveraging our local assets and strengths. A leader with the ability to energize private sector innovation and investment, exercise fiscal responsibility across government, and hold accountable those who create and uphold barriers hindering Canadians’ confidence, prosperity, and economic outlook.
The Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce congratulates Prime Minister Carney and all Members of Parliament across the country who have won the honour to represent Canadians. We look forward to working with the Prime Minister and his team, not only to create winning conditions but stand together as partners on the podium.”
Loren Remillard, President and CEO, The Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce
So, What’s Next for Winnipeg?
The same day Canada’s federal leadership returned to office in Ottawa, The Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce hosted our first economic summit in partnership with City of Winnipeg ECONx: The Future of Winnipeg.
This event is dedicated to create winning conditions in Winnipeg as a response to Mayor Scott Gillingham’s call to action last year, when he asked The Chamber to bring together business and community leaders to shape a stronger economic future.
Industry experts from across Canada joined over 200 of our city’s business and community leaders for a day focused on four urgent, high-potential drivers of Winnipeg’s economic growth, as informed by Chamber member surveying and working groups. Split into four interactive sessions, ECONx attendees identified what’s holding Winnipeggers back, and practical steps to get us where we want to be.
Key Takeaways from ECONx: The Future of Winnipeg
Here are a few quick takeaways our members identified in each session:
Winnipeg as a Leader in the Future of Work and Innovation
- AI adoption is a cultural challenge, not just a technical one.
- Education and industry must close the gap together.
- Small businesses want to innovate but they need time, tools, and training.
Winnipeg as Leader in Equitable Economic Growth
- Move from consultation to co-leadership.
- Equity needs to be designed in, not added on.
- Small steps matter – and business has a role.
Winnipeg as a Prime Trade and Investment Destination
- Winnipeg doesn’t compete against other cities, but rather against mega-regions with multiple cities.
- Winnipeg’s trade infrastructure needs greater targeted investment.
- Winnipeg must differentiate itself in the global market using our niche strengths.
Winnipeg as a Leader in Sustainable Growth
- Sustainable growth requires a long-term plan and a mindset shift.
- Build sustainable cities by aligning incentives and changing the narrative.
Now, in partnership with Probe Research, we’re developing a full recap of the data and insights from ECONx we’ll share with our members as a single action plan to create a unified push toward economic progress for Winnipeg.
Subscribe and Stay Up to Date on the future of Winnipeg!
Be among the first to see our ECONx results by signing up for our email communication here.
Get Involved and Have Your Voice Heard:
In April, the Province of Manitoba opened public consultation on its Economic Development Strategy. To learn more and provide your feedback click here. Winnipeg Chamber leadership has been invited by the provincial government to engage in further direct consultations on the strategy, in addition to the public consultations.
Join our policy team at our upcoming Policy Exchange on May 9 to discuss Manitoba’s Economic Development Strategy, the results of the federal election and more! Click here to register.
