Manitoba added 3,900 jobs in September, one of only three provinces to see gains last month, with full-time employment rising by 11,100 and average hourly wages up 4.1 per cent.

For Portage la Prairie businesses, Stefanie Dunn, Executive Director of the Portage and District Chamber of Commerce, says the numbers reflect encouraging local momentum, even as challenges remain.

“We are still seeing positive momentum for sure,” she notes. “What we are seeing and hearing the challenges business still face is recruitment and retention, particularly for specialized trades and service roles.”

Dunn adds that continued investment in skills and infrastructure is key to sustaining growth.

“We are still pushing for continued investment in infrastructure, innovation and workforce development, as well as credential recognition across the provinces,” she remarks.

Diversifying the local economy

She continues that job growth across both public and private sectors signals broader economic diversity.

“We’re creating opportunities across industries which will strengthen us as a province, especially as we are in discussions about trade with international partners,” notes Dunn

While the shift toward full-time positions is positive, Dunn mentions that barriers still exist for many workers.

“I definitely think that the shift towards full-time positions is encouraging for families and overall stability of our local economy,” she adds. “I do also believe that a lot of what we’re maybe smoothing over by boasting these numbers is the fact that childcare and transportation still remain huge barriers for those who want to enter or rejoin the workforce.”

She notes the importance of addressing these challenges to help local employers attract and retain talent.

“Trending in the direction of more full-time positions does create those limiting circumstances,” Dunn continues. “We do still need to put a huge focus on childcare, on transportation to remove as many barriers as possible for individuals who want to re-enter the workforce.”

Celebrating local businesses

The Chamber is also turning attention to community growth through its Best Business Awards, with nominations closing recently. Dunn says reviewing submissions highlights the community’s dedication.

The awards ceremony is set to take place on November 6 at the William Glesby Centre.

“Speaking of our community and growth and jobs, I always get so excited when I see all the nominations come in and I get the opportunity to go through them as I’m preparing them for the selection committee,” Dunn adds. “Just the diversity in our community and especially reading about how all of these businesses and organizations literally demonstrate their commitment to our community is quite humbling.”

Finalists for the awards will be announced later this week, showcasing the contribution of local businesses to Manitoba’s strong labour market.

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