Past Events
Insights from The Pulse of Rural Manitoba Report
This webinar featured RMED and the Rural Development Institute (RDI) sharing key findings from The Pulse of Rural Manitoba Report, a new resource that examines demographic, economic, housing, and community trends across rural Manitoba.
The session highlighted emerging patterns, community resilience, and how data can support local decision making and planning.
Watch the recording to explore the insights shaping rural Manitoba communities.
From Data to Decisions: How Technology Is Changing Community Economic Development
This webinar featured Dave Parsell, CEO of Localintel, discussing how technology is helping communities turn complex data into clear, usable insight for economic development. The session explored how tools like RMED’s Interactive Regional Profiles can support planning, investment attraction, communication, and decision making.
Watch the recording to learn how communities are using technology and accessible data tools to support more informed economic development decisions.
Community Led Economic Development in Action
This webinar explores two RMED case studies from Dauphin, Manitoba, featuring the Vermillion Growers Greenhouse and Northgate Trails initiatives. The session highlights how community leadership, partnerships, and strategic investment supported the development of a large scale greenhouse operation and a multi use trail network, contributing to job creation, tourism, and local economic growth.
Watch the recording to hear directly from the project leaders and learn practical lessons on advancing economic development initiatives in rural Manitoba.
Infrastructure for Investment Readiness
Presented by Michelle Hall, Client Relations Coordinator at Peer Solutions, this webinar explores how infrastructure planning supports business retention, expansion, and long-term community growth. The session highlights practical approaches for engaging businesses in infrastructure conversations, identifying funding opportunities, and strengthening collaboration between municipalities and the local business community.
Watch the recording to learn how strategic infrastructure planning can support investment readiness and economic development in rural Manitoba.
Exploring Defence Opportunities with PrairiesCan: Pathways for Communities and Businesses
This webinar explores how Manitoba communities and businesses can engage with Canada’s growing defence economy through programs and initiatives led by Prairies Economic Development Canada, PrairiesCan.
Representatives from PrairiesCan outline their regional role in Industrial and Technological Benefits, discuss the Regional Defence Investment Initiative and related programming, and explain emerging opportunities connected to base expansion. The session provides practical insight into defence procurement pathways and how organizations can position themselves to participate.
Watch the recording to learn how these opportunities can support economic development planning, partnerships, and future growth.
Community Growth Strategy Assessment (CGSA): What It Is, How It Works, and What Communities Are Saying
This webinar introduces the Community Growth Strategy Assessment (CGSA), a practical tool designed to help municipalities understand local strengths, identify gaps, and explore opportunities for growth.
RMED Economic Development Advisors walk through how the CGSA works and what the process looks like for communities. The session also features insights from municipalities that have completed the assessment and how the results are being used to support local planning and decision making.
Watch the recording to learn how the CGSA can support strategic conversations, council priorities, and next steps for community growth.
Why Attending the Western Canada Economic Forum Matters and How Creativity Supports Community Development
Presented by Alex Fallon, Founder and Chair of the Western Canada Economic Forum, this webinar shares insight into why the forum is an important gathering for communities and economic development leaders.
The session explores how creative approaches can support community economic development, using real examples to show how ideas and storytelling can open new opportunities for rural communities. It also provides a preview of what participants can expect from the Western Canada Economic Forum.
Watch the recording to learn how creativity and connection can support community development efforts.
CanExport Community Investments: Supporting Community Growth through Federal Funding
Presented by Jamie Forrester of Global Affairs Canada, this webinar introduces communities and economic development organizations to the CanExport Community Investments program. The session explains how the program supports efforts to attract, retain, and expand foreign direct investment through a cost share model that strengthens local capacity.
Jamie outlines eligible activities, shares examples of successful projects from across Canada, and highlights opportunities for communities to refine their investment strategies. The presentation also covers upcoming information sessions, key dates for the next intake, and guidance on preparing a strong application.
Watch the recording to learn how this program can support long term economic development efforts across rural Manitoba.
Engineering Work-Integrated Learning: A Strategic Advantage for Industry and Community Growth
Presented by Rebecca Fleming from the Price Faculty of Engineering, University of Manitoba, this webinar explores how work-integrated learning connects education with industry to strengthen Manitoba’s workforce. The session highlights co-op placements, internships, capstone projects, and operational excellence opportunities available to employers, along with pathways for international engineers and sponsorship options within the faculty.
Watch the recording to learn how industry collaboration and engineering talent drive development across rural Manitoba.
Tackling the Child Care Challenge: What Rural Communities Can Learn from the Town of Carberry, Manitoba
This webinar features Kara Burney, Economic Development Officer for the Town of Carberry in Manitoba, sharing how the community responded to the growing need for child care.
The session outlines Carberry’s approach, from revitalizing Main Street to developing a community-owned child care facility. It highlights funding strategies, municipal involvement, and grassroots support.
A valuable resource for rural municipalities and community leaders seeking practical solutions to local child care challenges.
Watch the recording to explore how Carberry’s experience can inform similar efforts across Manitoba and beyond.
Breaking the AI Barrier: Practical AI Applications for Rural Economic Development
This webinar features Kaitlyn Hebert, an expert in AI governance and privacy, sharing how rural municipalities can adopt AI to improve operations and manage risks.
The session covers data strategy, privacy laws, the Trustworthy AI framework, and practical steps for policy development, staff training, and piloting AI tools.
Watch the recording to learn how municipalities can build AI readiness and integrate AI responsibly in local governance.
Water & Sewer Project Funding: Insights from the Manitoba Water Services Board
This webinar features Travis Parsons, General Manager of the Manitoba Water Services Board (MWSB), discussing funding programs, project management services, and technical assistance available for water and sewer infrastructure projects in rural Manitoba.
The session covers new funding formulas, application processes, cost-sharing agreements, and project approval timelines for the 2025-26 fiscal year. It also explores opportunities for municipalities to access financial and technical support for infrastructure development.
Watch the recording to learn how municipalities can secure funding, streamline project management, and implement cost-effective infrastructure solutions
Connecting Talent & Advancing Indigenous Workforce Initiatives
This RMED webinar explores how employers can connect with skilled talent and leverage Indigenous workforce programs to address labour shortages and enhance workforce diversity. The session highlights the Work in Manitoba Job Portal, which helps businesses recruit workers locally, across Canada, and internationally. It also covers strategies for workforce development and economic reconciliation, including Indigenous Education Awards (IEA) and Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) programs that support Indigenous employment.
Watch the recording to learn how Manitoba businesses can recruit talent, support Indigenous employment, and strengthen workforce development.
Unlocking Opportunities in Manitoba’s Green Economy
This RMED webinar explores how small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can thrive in Manitoba’s green economy by adopting sustainable practices and reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
- Key topics include:
Manitoba’s role in the global green economy - Opportunities in sustainable agriculture, energy efficiency, and green manufacturing
- The growing need for SMEs to report GHG emissions
- SME cohort program to support businesses in setting science-based targets
- Manitoba Chambers’ Green Economy Roadmap and SME support initiatives
Watch the recording to learn how SMEs can seize green economy opportunities and access support programs.
Unlocking Rural Potential: Why Investment Attraction Readiness is a Crucial Step for Economic Leaders
Attracting investment is essential for rural economic growth. This RMED webinar features expert insights on investment attraction readiness, offering practical steps for economic leaders to prepare their communities for sustainable development.
As an introduction to RMED’s Investment Attraction Readiness Program (starting January 2025), this session equips economic development leaders and community champions with strategies to enhance economic potential.
Watch the recording to learn how to position your community for investment success.
Rural Entrepreneurs: Success Stories & Support Systems
As part of Small Business Week, RMED hosted a webinar featuring success stories from rural youth entrepreneurs. Moderated by Noah Wilson from Futurpreneur Canada, the session highlights resources and support systems that have empowered young entrepreneurs in rural Manitoba.
Watch the recording to gain insights on overcoming challenges, accessing support systems, and growing a successful business in rural communities.
Unlock the Power of Data for Rural Economic Growth
In today’s data-driven world, the ability to transform numbers into actionable insights is essential for community development. In this Data Analytics & Visualization for Community Economic Development webinar, Alfred Appiah, Data Scientist & Economist, breaks down how rural communities can leverage data to drive growth.
From understanding key data trends to mastering the art of visual storytelling, this session equips you with the tools to make data-driven decisions that benefit your community. Whether you’re a municipal leader, economic development professional, or community stakeholder, you’ll leave with practical strategies to empower your decisions and create lasting impact.
Ready to take your community to the next level? Watch the webinar replay and start making data work for you.
Explore Immigration’s Role in Rural Economic Development
Watch our ‘Pathways & Perspectives on Rural Immigration’ webinar replay to see how rural immigration fosters economic development. Experts and economic development officers from rural Manitoba share strategies, challenges, and success stories. Learn about the critical impact of immigration on revitalizing rural areas, and receive practical advice tailored for policymakers and community stakeholders. Discover how you can contribute to your community’s prosperity through rural immigration.
Unlock the Potential of Your Community with RMED Toolkits!
Join industry experts and content creators of the RMED Toolkits, Ruth Mealy, Greg Dandewich, and Mark Baxter, as they unveil the Community Economic Development Toolkits. These comprehensive resources are designed to empower economic development officers, community leaders, and enthusiasts, serving as your gateway to fostering significant community economic growth.
Cultivating Careers Webinar
Discover insights into career development in rural Manitoba with this webinar recording featuring Rhonda Taylor, a renowned expert in career planning and development. ‘Cultivating Careers: Aligning Rural Manitoba’s Potential with Industry Trends’ provides a deep dive into the unique opportunities and challenges of the rural Manitoba job market.
Investment Readiness Webinar | RMED Connection Zone | Western Region
In this comprehensive webinar recording, we delve into the critical concept of ‘Investment Readiness’ and its importance for community growth. The session, tailored for a diverse group of stakeholders—including economic development staff, municipal and Indigenous community personnel, elected officials, Chamber of Commerce members, and Community Development Corporation representatives—offers a deeper understanding of preparing communities for investment opportunities. Viewers will learn from real-world economic success stories and gain insights into RMED’s specialized toolkits that support development professionals.
Thriving and Creative Indigenous Businesses, Moderated by Noah Wilson
This inspirational session moderated by Noah Wilson, speak with Meg Poirier, Lacey Marshall, and Skylar Sanderson.
You will learn about the milestones encountered on their journeys, the incorporation and promotion of their indigenous heritage within their businesses, and how overcoming significant and unique challenges have attributed to their successes.
Community Engagement 101, with Lindsay Dandeneau
This session highlights how Community Engagement 101 Community engagement is a two-way conversation between government and community. Community members have a say in decisions that impact them, and government organizations can make better-informed decisions. During this interactive online seminar, you will learn how community engagement can help build trust between government and community and lead to better outcomes for communities.
Welcome Back with Margot Cathcart
This session explores how RMED is breaking barriers to unlock Manitoba’s RURAL potential! CEO, Margot Cathcart shares highlights and future initiatives, including our upcoming Connection Zones, toolkits, and Data Services – Powered by LocalIntel.
Webinar: RMED’s New Market Intelligence Tool : Data Services – Powered by Localintel
This session explores the crucial role data plays in empowering communities and driving informed decision-making.
RMED identified the priority and need for community profiles, and we are please to announce the launch of our new market intelligence tool, Data Services – powered by Local Intel.
These profiles offer valuable insights for market research, community development, and targeted outreach. Vital for investment attraction and future planning.
Webinar: Business Succession, with Darrell Goertzen
This session will highlight the unique space Venture Connect occupies within the business buy and sell marketplace, supporting rural based buyers and sellers in successful transitions. Darrell Goertzen will walk through the process of planning for a successful sale, share expertise and resources currently available to support rural business succession.
Webinar: Developing Alongside Manitoba’s Highways, with Karen Toews
This session will provide useful insight and tools to local infrastructure planning. The Manitoba Transportation & Infrastructure Department Transportation and Infrastructure is responsible for the development of transportation policy and legislation, and for the management of the province’s vast infrastructure network. To meet these responsibilities, the department delivers a wide range of programs and services that play a critical role in sustaining the contributions of the transportation sector to Manitoba’s economic growth.