By Alexander Lavoie
Why would Manitoba invest millions of dollars in offices and people thousands of kilometres away? Many provinces maintain an international presence as one way to attract investment, support exporters, and strengthen long-term economic relationships.
Recent discussion around Manitoba’s Washington office and the province’s plans to establish a trade office in India has raised questions about whether international offices provide enough value to justify public investment. While scrutiny is reasonable, the experience of other Western provinces suggests these offices can be effective economic development tools when supported by clear objectives and strong accountability.
This is not Manitoba’s first foray into having an international presence. In the early 2000s, Manitoba Trade retained four part-time foreign trade representatives in Chile, China, Europe and Mexico. The initiative was short-lived and ultimately transitioned to relying on federal and organizational partners to fill the role.
Two of Canada’s other western provinces have had a much longer presence in foreign markets. Alberta has operated international offices for more than 50 years and currently has over 23 employees across 18 markets. Saskatchewan’s international office network, on the other hand, has been in operation only since 2010, when its first office opened in Shanghai as part of the New West Partnership agreement with British Columbia and Alberta.
Over the past five years, Saskatchewan has expanded its network by opening eight additional offices, bringing its total to nine offices staffed by more than 31 employees. Each office operates with an annual budget of approximately $1 million and focuses on diversifying export markets, attracting foreign direct investment, supporting exporters, and promoting Saskatchewan’s priority sectors in international markets.
Together, Alberta and Saskatchewan demonstrate that international offices are increasingly being used to support investment attraction, market development, and business-to-business connections beyond major urban centres.
A 2024/25 audit found that Saskatchewan uses CRM systems and macroeconomic indicators to evaluate the performance of its international offices. The audit also recommended improving the accessibility of public reporting . International offices alone do not create economic growth. Their effectiveness depends on strong partnerships with economic development organizations, industry associations, chambers of commerce, communities, and businesses across the province.
What does this mean for rural Manitoba?
For rural economic developers and businesses, international offices represent another pathway to attract investment, promote local assets, and connect local opportunities with global markets. They can help showcase industrial sites, value added agri food products, critical minerals projects, workforce initiatives, and other investment opportunities to international audiences.
They can also support Manitoba businesses that may not have the resources or experience to navigate unfamiliar regulatory and business environments. Combined with strong provincial support structures, representatives in key international markets can help connect prepared rural Manitoba communities and businesses with investors and decision makers who may not have otherwise considered the province.
Ultimately, the question is not whether Manitoba should be active in international markets. The experiences of Alberta, Saskatchewan, and several other provinces show that Manitoba would not be alone in maintaining an international presence. The more important question is what the priorities of Manitoba’s international offices should be and how rural communities and businesses can benefit from that international presence. Like many economic development initiatives, success is rarely immediate. It requires clear priorities, strong partnerships, and sustained effort to build relationships that create long-term economic opportunities.
[1] Intergovernmental Affairs and Trade Annual Report 2004/2005: Accessed July 7, 2026
[1] Alberta’s International Offices: Accessed July 7, 2026
[1] Western Provinces Open Joint Trade and Investment Office in Shanghai: Accessed July 7, 2026
[1] Trade and Export Development – Monitoring International Trade Offices: Accessed July 7, 2026