Manitoba Chambers of Commerce, November 8, 2021

The Manitoba government is partnering with Economic Development Winnipeg and the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce to launch Retrain Manitoba, a $12.5 million workforce skills development grant program that will help Manitoba to move to the next stage of economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We recognize that many businesses had to shift quickly during the pandemic and many have made, or will need to make, significant investments in training for their employees,” said Honourable Jon Reyes, Minister of Economic Development & Jobs at the launch event. “This grant program will reimburse employers who are investing in retraining for their staff, both retroactively and for courses starting in the months ahead.”

Employers can apply for reimbursement up to $2,500 per employee up to a maximum of $75,000. Companies can be reimbursed for a range of in-person and online industry-recognized training courses provided by a third-party trainer, both inside and outside of Manitoba. Employers who have already paid for courses with start dates from April 1, 2021, to Aug. 31, 2022, will be eligible to apply for the grants.

Manitoba Advanced Education, Skills and Immigration Minister Wayne Ewasko noted today’s announcement supports the implementation of the province’s Skills, Talent and Knowledge Strategy, which provides a vision for and sets out critical actions to be taken in the short and long term to strengthen the educational, training and immigration systems.

“The economic disruptions businesses have faced during the COVID-19 pandemic will have lasting effects on the local, national and global economies,” said Ewasko. “This investment will go a long way to helping businesses support employees who are looking to expand their skills so they can diversify and grow our economy.”

Reyes noted the program will be led by Economic Development Winnipeg. Any Manitoba-based business, not-for-profit or charity of any size that has a valid business number and is in good standing with the Manitoba Companies Office is eligible to apply.

“We know the way forward past this pandemic is giving businesses the tools they need to stay competitive, and it starts with equipping their staff with the skills they need now,” said Dayna Spiring, president and CEO, Economic Development Winnipeg. “We are grateful for the support of the

Province of Manitoba and the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce and the positive impact the program will have on companies of all sizes.”

“In virtually every conversation we have with Manitoba’s business leaders, we hear about the variety of workforce challenges they’re facing,” said Chuck Davidson, president and CEO, Manitoba Chambers of Commerce. “We’re pleased to be able to fund this grant program through the Province of Manitoba’s $50 million long-term recovery fund, as we know this is precisely the type of practical, accessible support local employers need to upskill or reskill team members and invest in their future.”

Applications for the program will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis until March 31, 2022, or until the funds have been allocated.

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Elisabeth Saftiuk, RPP MCIP, Director of Policy, Manitoba Chambers of Commerce, November 23, 2021

Last Tuesday (November 23, 2021) was a busy day in Canadian politics. Governor General Mary Simon unveiled the Liberal Government’s priorities in the Speech from the Throne, which opened the First Session of the 44th Parliament of Canada. The speech focused on bringing the pandemic to an end, fighting climate change, addressing the affordability of housing and childcare, and walking the path towards reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples. The speech was delivered in English, French, and Inuktitut.

Here at home, Lieutenant-Governor Janice Filmon unveiled the Manitoba Government’s priorities for the coming year in Premier Stefanson’s first Speech from the Throne, which opened the Fourth Session of the 42nd Legislature. The speech contained several promises to consult Manitobans more often and focused on improving healthcare, offering more support to those affected by COVID-19, and economic recovery. The Government also affirmed its commitment to working with Indigenous Peoples to advance shared goals and to promote truth and reconciliation.  

Canadian Chamber of Commerce, November 26, 2021

The indication in the latest CSBC data was that the long, slow road to a private sector-led recovery continues after nearly two years of challenges.

Rising input costs remain the number one concern for Canadian businesses, with 43% identifying them as the biggest near-term obstacle. At the same time, the vast majority of businesses (87%) don’t expect their profitability to improve in the next six months, with one-third expecting their profitability to fall into the new year. These results suggest a significant part of private sector businesses will be standing still or even sliding backwards in the months ahead.     

Participating in the First Impressions event provides each employer representative with the opportunity to conduct up to 23 x 10-minute interviews with students from the Applied Commerce & Management Education and Applied Computer Education programs including Applied Accounting, Business Administration, Commerce Industry Sales and Marketing, Business Information Technology, Business Technology Management. Information Security.

Join us February 16, 2022! Deadline to register is December 17, 2021.

For rates and registration information visit First Impressions – Information for Employers.

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