Rural Manitoba Economic Development (RMED) lauds the Government of Manitoba’s new Economic Development Strategy to set a vision for growth, competitiveness, and collaboration across the province.
The strategy, which was launched on Thursday, lays out priorities to raise wages, boost productivity, keep more young people building their futures in Manitoba, and make life more affordable for families. It also emphasizes stronger market promotion, workforce participation, and ensuring Indigenous, rural, northern, and francophone voices are represented in Manitoba’s economic growth.
RMED sees the strategy as a step forward that recognizes the opportunities and challenges facing communities south of the 53rd parallel. As we learn more about how the strategy will be implemented and how it connects to rural realities, RMED remains open to collaboration in the delivery of services. We look forward to contributing where provincial goals and rural execution align to create meaningful outcomes.
The strategy emphasizes productivity, workforce development, trade, and Indigenous economic reconciliation. These themes align strongly with RMED’s own priorities. Every day, our work supports communities and businesses in building capacity, accessing data and resources, and identifying opportunities that drive rural economic progress.
Rural Manitoba’s Perspective on the Strategy
Rural communities are engines of growth in Manitoba. They are home to industries that feed, power, and supply the province, from agriculture and agri-food to clean energy, manufacturing, and tourism. Yet they also face pressing issues that can hold back growth if left unaddressed.
This is where the provincial strategy and RMED’s work intersect most clearly:
Infrastructure and Connectivity
Investment in trade corridors and broadband is essential. Reliable infrastructure allows businesses to compete and residents to enjoy quality of life that attracts new talent.
Workforce Development
Rural Manitoba needs strong pipelines to retain youth, attract newcomers, and upskill existing workers. The strategy’s focus on labour market participation resonates with RMED’s work in providing data and insights that help leaders make informed decisions. Our Labour Market Information Report is one example of how we are shining a light on rural workforce trends and helping communities plan with evidence-based strategies.
Business Growth and Investment
From local entrepreneurs to regional industries, rural Manitoba businesses need access to markets, data, and partnerships. The strategy’s commitment to competitiveness complements RMED’s toolkits, case studies, and firsthand advisory support. We are also encouraged by the province’s intention to certify and promote investment-ready sites through a coordinated land inventory. This approach can shorten investor timelines, reduce project risk, and bring more site visits directly to rural Manitoba, where local leadership will play a role in preparing sites for investment.
Housing
Communities cannot grow without housing. Rural Manitoba has identified affordable and accessible housing as one of the biggest barriers to attracting and retaining people. RMED has highlighted a successful model in Steinbach that shows what is possible.
Indigenous Economic Reconciliation
RMED recognizes the strategy’s commitment to collaborating with Indigenous communities. Building partnerships and creating space for Indigenous-led development is essential for a shared future.
Market Promotion and Representation
The strategy’s focus on stronger promotion in key markets, including greater participation in trade shows and coordinated efforts with federal and municipal partners, will benefit rural businesses. It is equally important that Indigenous, rural, northern, and francophone voices are visible on these stages, so Manitoba’s diversity and potential are fully represented.
RMED is already building tools and initiatives that directly support the goals of Manitoba’s economic development strategy:
- Advance Rural Manitoba’s Online Regional Profiles: Delivering interactive community and regional data to help municipalities market themselves and attract investment.
- ExecutivePulse CRM: Creating a unified platform for rural economic data that supports coordinated business retention and expansion across communities in rural Manitoba.
- Data-to-Content Solution (with Localintel): Turning raw data into high-impact content that communities can use to tell their story, strengthen investment readiness, attract opportunities, and support local businesses.
- Case Studies and Toolkits: Providing practical, rural-tested solutions on housing, childcare, workforce, and investment attraction that communities can adapt.
The provincial strategy provides a roadmap, and its success will depend on how well communities, Indigenous partners, local businesses, and provincial leaders work together. We commend the province and all partners who contributed to this major step. RMED is committed to supporting collaboration that translates strategic goals into rural progress and ensures Manitoba’s growth reflects the strengths and aspirations of its rural communities.