The Provincial government must seize a historic opportunity by releasing a full assessment of Manitoba’s transportation infrastructure and launching a long-term investment plan, says MHCA President & CEO Chris Lorenc.
This will help fully realize an emerging national effort to diversify our national trade profile and know where best to invest in Manitoba’s highway system including our trade gateways and corridors, Lorenc adds.
In a speech at the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce annual Ministers’ Dinner on June 3, Lorenc emphasized prioritizing economic growth as the top job for every government level.
“Our trade-dependent economy—65% of Canada’s GDP—is vulnerable,” Lorenc said. “The Trump tariff war showed how essential it is to diversify our trade portfolio.”
In response, MHCA and partners outlined a four-pronged economic strategy:
- Eliminate internal trade barriers costing nearly $200 billion annually in lost opportunities.
- Ensure we move our oil, gas, LNG, minerals, related resources and products to markets east, west and north – think Port of Churchill.
- Harness existing free trade agreements and engage with more countries for new markets; and
- To ensure we can move product efficiently, strategically invest in Canada’s trade gateways and corridors, as called for by the Premiers in 2023.
Lorenc noted recent government actions that show progress:
- Manitoba-Ontario MOU to reduce trade barriers
- Premier Kinew’s call for federal support for nation-building projects
- Prime Minister Mark Carney’s focus on economic growth in mandates
- Western premiers committing to new economic corridors
- All party passage of the Fair Trade in Canada Act, removing interprovincial barriers
“These are good first steps,” Lorenc said. “But Manitoba can’t make wise investments without a full picture of our transportation system’s condition and long-term needs.”
Lorenc challenged the province to be the first to publish such an assessment and strategy to guide smart investment and unlock economic potential.
It’s estimated that more than $9 billion is needed to restore and expand Manitoba’s highways and bridges. Lorenc said transparency is key to understanding the challenge and opportunity.
“This government didn’t create the problem, but it can solve it,” Lorenc said. “Be the first to lay out a real, strategic plan. That’s how we grow the economy.”
MHCA board members, including Lorenc, attended the Ministers’ Dinner, connecting with the Deputy Premier, Ministers and senior staff to discuss key business issues.
The MHCA is a founding sponsor of the event.
