Manitoba is grappling with numerous economic, social, and environmental challenges that require innovative, community-driven solutions. To foster inclusive economic growth, the province can tap into the power of Community Economic Development (CED) models like social enterprises and cooperatives. These models offer a holistic approach to addressing Manitoba’s complex issues while aligning with broader social, environmental, and economic goals.
Harnessing the Power of Social Economy
Social enterprises are a cornerstone of inclusive economic development. They create sustainable jobs, address social issues, and strengthen local economies. However, the sector has been lacking consistent provincial support since 2018. Manitoba can change this by creating a Manitoba Social Enterprise Strategy, providing multi-year funding, and aligning initiatives with broader workforce and educational development strategies. Supporting the sector’s development will allow social enterprises to scale, create jobs, and contribute to economic reconciliation, particularly in underserved communities.
Strengthening Manitoba’s Cooperatives
Cooperatives are another vital CED model, promoting economic democracy, local ownership, and equitable distribution of profits. By creating jobs and services in communities where they are otherwise scarce, co-operatives play a key role in building resilient local economies. A Manitoba Co-operative Development Strategy, supported by multi-year resources and the restoration of key co-op development roles, will help maximize the impact of this model, particularly in rural, northern, and inner-city communities. This strategy aligns with the provincial government’s inclusive economic development plans, strengthening community wealth and fostering greater economic equity.
Equitable Employment and Community Investments
To truly build an inclusive economy, Manitoba’s 2025 budget should prioritize equitable employment initiatives, addressing systemic inequalities faced by marginalized communities. By incorporating community benefits into procurement policies, the government can prioritize hiring from groups facing barriers, support local economies, and foster climate resilience. Additionally, increasing funding for workforce training and Indigenous-led organizations will help bridge employment gaps, aligning with the Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action #92. Green infrastructure projects, such as energy-efficient housing, can further create jobs while contributing to environmental sustainability.
Enabling Social Finance to Fuel Growth
Social finance is a critical enabler for CED initiatives, and Manitoba can support its growth by expanding the social finance ecosystem. Increasing funding for the Jubilee Fund, the province’s primary social finance intermediary, and enhancing the CED Tax Credit will help attract more private investment into local community-driven enterprises. Strengthening the social finance ecosystem will also support Manitoba’s broader economic development objectives by enabling social enterprises and co-operatives to access the capital they need to grow.
Building Stronger Communities from the Ground Up
To ensure the sustainability of community-led development, Manitoba should increase funding for the From the Ground Up program. By supporting Neighbourhood Renewal Corporations (NRCs) as “anchor institutions,” the government can empower local communities to lead their own revitalization efforts. Expanding this program with multi-year funding and capital support will enable long-term, impactful community development. The focus on affordable housing, social enterprises, and community engagement will directly address issues like rising inequality and affordability, ultimately creating safer, healthier, and more vibrant communities across the province.
Conclusion
Manitoba stands at a crossroads, with the opportunity to build a more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable economy through the Social Economy and CED. By implementing targeted strategies to support social enterprises, co-operatives, social finance, and community-led development, the province can address its pressing economic, social, and environmental challenges. The upcoming 2025 budget should prioritize these investments, fostering a more equitable future for all Manitobans.
As part of the provincial government’s public engagement in budget consultations, CCEDNet submitted this report outlining solutions and models for community economic development.