b'ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT REPORT CATALYST FOR BOLD NEW ACTION PLANNew initiatives to grow Manitobas economyBy Naline RampersadThe Government of Manitoba has transportation modes, infrastructure6.Capitalimprove the availability set its sights on creating new economicand market access to help further opportunities in the province. Thefacilitate trade and investment, allof and access to investment capital Economic Growth Action Planof which have direct impacts on thefor businesses and entrepreneurs, outlines new initiatives, partnershipsconstruction industry. and establish a resource for and government structures aimedManitobans launching pilot at fostering accelerated growthThe culmination of the extensiveprograms and projects.and unlocking untapped economicconsultations resulted in sevenGovernancealign policies 7.opportunities.key recommendations: and programming across The new provincial blueprint follows1. government and with other Workforceto be developedlevels of government to improve consultations led by Barb Gamey,in consultation with industry,responsiveness and foster a culture Co-Founder & CEO of Payworks, Inc.,stakeholders and educators,of entrepreneurship inand Dave Angus, President, Johnstonprogramming that tacklesthe province. Group Inc. Consultations began in earlyindustry/post-secondary alignment spring of last year, speaking to 500and training programs. Angus notes that a critical aspect of businesses, economic developmentthe report is the dialogue between agencies, industry, education2.Sector competitivenessdevelop industry and the government. Theinstitutions and stakeholders. Thetargeted sector strategies thatkey will be to keep the engagement co-chairs presented their 16-pageidentify investment opportunities,going, getting constant insight from report, Growing Manitobas Economy,development and workforce needs. industry. A big part of our work wasto government in December. 3. Tradeinvest in new tradeto reach out and get valuable feedback Their report looks at our uniqueprogramming and strategicallyfrom stakeholders, which is criticalstrengths and challenges, and givesinvest in trade-enablingfor ongoing continuous growth,practical suggestions on how toinfrastructure.says Angus.grow Manitobas economy and help businesses to succeed. Stakeholders4.Research and innovation This report lays the groundwork for establishing a modern, reinvigorated expressed the need for greater accessdevelop innovation programmingapproach to help address todays to financial capital, as it is crucial to athat coordinates research andchallenges and unlock untapped companys growth. Participants alsosupports industry needs for the said they were concerned with redintegration of new technologies. economic opportunities in Manitoba. tape, taxation and the regulatoryThe priorities and recommendations environment, which are hindering5.Inclusivenessgeneratein the report consider a broad rangegrowth and competitiveness.opportunities for Indigenousof industries and sectors, including In addition, they spoke of theManitobans throughthe building industry, says provincial critical need for improvements toentrepreneurship and training. spokesperson Kailey McCaffrey.22 BUILD MANITOBAwinnipegconstruction.ca'