The Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce

Our final Chamber Connected of 2024 is here! We're serving insights on... 1. State of The Province 2024 Address Recap | Premier Wab Kinew 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. 2. Our Response to The City's 2025 Preliminary Budget | On December 11, the City of Winnipeg released its 2025 preliminary budget as part of the 2024-2027 multi-year financial plan. Leading up to the budget release, The Chamber had been pressing civic officials on three key priorities for our members. 3. Change Weavers Consulting Member Spotlight | This month, we sat down with Laurie Ringaert MSc.,CPF., Credentialed Evaluator (CES) to explore her entrepreneurial journey and the driving force behind her organization helping nonprofits succeed. Read the full issue here: https://conta.cc/3Bnq9EU Thanks for an incredible year, and Chamber Connected will return in January with more of the education, events, and networking you need to help grow your business in 2025 🥂✨

The Social Entrepreneurship Enclave (SEE), The Winnipeg Foundation, Access Credit Union, and Tapestry Community Capital invite you to Social Acquisitions: From Scarcity to Abundance! On January 15, this event will bring industry leaders from across Canada to discuss the potential of social acquisitions in #Manitoba and explain how social acquisition can support social enterprises, nonprofits, and charities in their journey toward financial independence, while protecting jobs, economic activity, and communities’ vitality. View the agenda or register today to attend the event: https://lnkd.in/gCgjBNd2 #winnipeg #winnipegbusiness

Marty Fisher took a seat at The Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce Small Business Panel last week, sharing the stage with two unstoppable founders: ✨ Cassandra Carreiro, Sharecuterie ⚡ Reanna Khan, Vibes Energy Solar Between his jam-packed schedule (except on no meetings Fridays, of course) and running the agency, Marty still makes time to mentor the next wave of business founders. Why? Because bold ideas need fierce champions—and we’re all about lifting as we climb. What stage should Marty take on next? Hit us with your best ideas👇—we’re already plotting for 2025. #CEO #SmallBusiness #ShowandTellAgency

After the abrupt resignation of Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland, the 2024 Fall Economic Statement was released. Some highlights include: - $150M for Winnipeg’s North End Sewage Treatment Plant (starting 2026)  A pilot to reduce interprovincial trade barriers and harmonize regulations - $300M for an AI Compute Access Fund to support SMEs with AI tools (starting 2025) - $27.8M for a Red Tape Reduction Office to streamline outdated regulations  Investments in foreign credential recognition and border security    While positive steps exist, challenges remain: - For the year ended March 2024, the federal deficit came in at $61.9 billion, or approximately 50% more than was forecasted - Debt servicing costs now expected to rise to $54 billion annually, or almost what the federal government spends annually on the Canada Health Transfer - Labour shortages and rising costs for businesses are inadequately addressed - Housing supply measures fall short of the four (4) million homes needed by 2030 - Mixed signals in tax policies hinder competitiveness “While the 2024 Fall Economic Statement introduces targeted measures to address immediate economic pressures, it lacks the fiscal leadership and transformative vision necessary to enhance productivity and drive sustained economic growth and competitiveness. The Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce believes, Canada needs a robust plan of action to address systemic challenges, including declining productivity, lagging private-sector investment, and the threat of tariffs.” says Loren Remillard, President and CEO, The Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce. Stay connected for more updates, sign up for our newsletters here: https://lnkd.in/gBc2iPwd

Yesterday, the provincial government released the Second Quarter Report for 2024-2025. Highlights include: - Manitoba’s deficit is forecasted to nearly double to $1.3 billion from the 2025 Budget forecast of $795 million, but represents an overall improvement on the $2 billion deficit from last fiscal year. - Forecasted economic growth is now 1.0%, up 0.4%. - Overall employment growth of 21,000 jobs, with private sector employment leading the way with 15,000 jobs. - Corporate income tax revenues up by $56 million. - Retail sales tax revenue up by $14 million. - Manitoba’s net debt-to-GDP ratio is forecasted to drop to 36.4% from 38.5% in the 2025 Budget. - Health spending is projected to be $438 million over budget.   Manitoba’s debt servicing costs are now $2.2 billion (https://lnkd.in/gpRafGns), representing 9% of the province’s overall expenditures. For context, debt servicing costs are $600 million MORE than the province spends COMBINED on Justice, Housing, Homelessness, and Addictions.   Our private sector is doing its part to create jobs and support investments in our province. However, the economic horse is pulling a social cart that is overloaded and in need of major repairs. And, this is all before we know whether we will face a new tariff wall after President-elect Trump’s inauguration.   We will continue to work with the provincial government to craft an economic strategy to drive increased investment and growth, to map a pathway back to a balanced budget, and advise on other areas the province can drive efficiency and impact for all Manitobans. It is imperative that we get back to balance, arrest the ballooning deficit and debt servicing costs, and put Manitoba on a healthy path of economic self-determination. Stay connected for more updates, sign up for our newsletters here: https://lnkd.in/gBc2iPwd #manitoba #budget #winnipegbusiness

It was great to join this year’s Leadership Winnipeg cohort to talk about board governance for a few fun hours! And I was introduced as someone who can answer any governance question (I can) by someone I have immense respect for and who has sat on even more boards than me! Volunteer Manitoba The Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce

The Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce said several businesses have been finding alternatives to Canada Post – be it courier services or delivering parcels themselves. “To not have this period of time where you're able to ship your goods to customers, that could be the difference between businesses keeping their doors open or not.” While it’s welcome news that Canada Post employees could be heading back to work as early as next week, it may be a bit too little too late. “If the strike ended today, that would be welcome, but I don't think it's enough to save Christmas, if you will, for the vast majority of businesses.” https://lnkd.in/gDsmjNmH #canadapost #business #winnipeg #manitoba

“Winnipeg’s economic health hinges on the budget sending a clear message that our city is turning the tide in its financial crisis while staying open for business and investment,” said Loren Remillard, President and CEO, The Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce. “Supporting a healthy and dynamic business community is what enables the city to generate the revenue necessary for essential services and infrastructure. It’s a critical balance, and we’ll continue advocating for policies that sustain and grow our business community, and a thriving, prosperous Winnipeg.” Read our response to the City's 2025 Preliminary Budget here: https://lnkd.in/eYFnT8Kd #winnipeg #winnipegbudget #winnipegbusiness

“The City of Winnipeg’s proposed budget holds several silver linings, but it leaves uncertainty that could impact future growth, The Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce states.” https://lnkd.in/gzFTKXCv #winnipeg #budget #business

The Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce notes, while businesses are always in favour of anything that helps the consumer, the tax break wasn't something they were pushing for. For many businesses, preparing for the change isn't as simple as "pushing a button.” They'll face expenses like staffing costs to adjust point-of-sale systems, and overtime for going through inventory. "The shorter time frame means crunch time for businesses.” Many businesses aren't expecting any increased consumer spending as a result of the change. The Winnipeg Chamber would rather see thoughtful, long-term tax policy for businesses, like business tax reform, instead of short-term tax breaks that play into politics. CBC News story link — https://lnkd.in/eNtFpV85