New Report Predicts Strong Growth in Manitoba’s Economy

A new report predicts more than 23,000 workers will join the labour force each year between 2017 and 2023, Growth, Enterprise and Trade Minister Blaine Pedersen and Education and Training Minister Ian Wishart announced today.

“The findings this year support the growing sense of optimism that business owners have about our economy and its growth in the years to come,” said Pedersen.  “The Labour Market Occupational Forecasts report looks at a number of factors and provides projections about the future of Manitoba’s economic performance that support economic development planning.”

The unemployment rate is expected to continue to decline over the same time period, while the provincial economy is expected to grow an average of 1.5 per cent per year.

Nearly 54,000 new jobs are expected to be created between 2017 and 2023.  The majority are expected to require at least some post-secondary education and training including university, college or a trade certification.

“This report speaks to the importance of post-secondary training programs that are innovative and aligned with the needs of today’s rapidly evolving labour market,” said Wishart.  “It predicts a bright future in our province for Manitobans who are enrolled in or considering post-secondary training.”

The Labour Market Occupational Forecasts report and a series of regional profiles highlighting economic opportunities, demographics and local infrastructure are available online at www.gov.mb.ca/jec/lmi/forecasts.html and www.gov.mb.ca/jec/rned/index.html.