The Manitoba government has created a steering committee to boost the economy outside the city of Winnipeg.
This morning, agriculture minister Ron Kostyshyn introduced the Rural Economic Development Steering Committee, which will develop a “road map” to bolster Manitoba’s rural regions.
Kostyshyn said Manitoba’s rural economy isn’t struggling or contracting right now, but the committee will look at ways and means to build upon rural strengths and opportunities.
“There are many groups invested in the success and prosperity of rural communities, and they are coming together to create a development plan for our future,” he said.
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The Association of Manitoba Municipalities encouraged the province to initiate the steering committee. Joe Masi, AMM executive director, will co-chair the committee.
“This is an exciting opportunity for stakeholders to collaborate on an economic development strategy for Manitoba,” Masi said in a statement.
“We look forward to developing a strategy that will benefit all Manitoba communities.”
The committee, comprising business leaders and rural experts, will consider issues such as infrastructure, technology, labour skills and housing. After consulting with interested parties, the committee will release a strategy and action plan for rural economic development.
Kostyshyn said, in a telephone press conference that one of the committee’s goals is to set up a “template,” or information hub, to assist new entrepreneurs in rural Manitoba.
“It will provide them (businesspeople) with some kind of guidance and understanding … so they don’t have to go through a (long) journey of discovery. It will be all in front of them,” he said.
“Through (the) Jobs and Economy (department), there are all kinds of programs that are available, whether they are tax incentives or apprenticeship programs…. What we’re saying is the province is prepared to work with any new emerging businesses and maybe there are some new programs that we need to look at.”
robert.arnason@producer.com
