The Manitoba government is putting $500,000 toward interprovincial trade missions aimed at helping local businesses break into more Canadian markets. The funding, announced today by Finance Minister Adrien Sala and Business, Mining, Trade and Job Creation Minister Jamie Moses, is part of Budget 2026 and is designed to strengthen Manitoba’s economic footprint across the country.
Sala said the investment comes at a time when Manitoba companies are looking to grow but face barriers when trying to expand beyond provincial borders. “By investing in interprovincial trade missions, we’re helping local companies reach new customers, strengthen supply chains and keep more economic activity in Canada,” he said, adding that the goal is to build a more resilient and self‑reliant provincial economy.
The funding will support the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce (MCC) as it leads trade missions in partnership with chambers in Alberta and Saskatchewan. These missions will help Manitoba businesses connect with new partners, navigate regulatory differences, and reduce long‑standing barriers to interprovincial trade.
Moses said Manitoba’s small‑ and medium‑sized businesses have “incredible potential” to expand into new markets. “These trade missions will connect Manitoba companies with new partners and opportunities across the country, making it easier to grow, create jobs and compete,” he said. “By working with our provincial partners, we’re also cutting red tape and making interprovincial trade more seamless than ever.”
The province estimates that roughly 120 Manitoba businesses will benefit from the initiative, gaining support to increase interprovincial sales, diversify revenue streams, and reduce reliance on U.S. markets. Officials say the missions will also help with job retention and creation, particularly for export‑ready firms looking to scale up.
MCC president and CEO Chuck Davidson said the organization has been running trade missions within Manitoba since 2018, but this new funding allows them to expand that work nationally. He called the initiative “outcome‑driven,” focused on targeted opportunities and long‑term business growth through trusted chamber networks.
The investment builds on Manitoba’s recent efforts to reduce internal trade barriers. The province has passed the Fair Trade in Canada Act and signed agreements with several provinces to streamline procurement and regulatory processes. As of the latest fiscal update, Manitoba has reduced procurement from the United States by nearly 30 per cent.
