During three pivotal days of advocacy in Ottawa, the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) provided the Association of Manitoba Bilingual Municipalities (AMBM) with a vital platform to urgently advance the economic and infrastructure priorities of its members. The time for waiting is over: Manitoba’s bilingual municipalities need decisive action and a strengthened partnership with the federal government. Without strong leadership capable of uniting and mobilizing around shared goals—such as safeguarding local economic vitality and building a sustainable future for bilingual communities in Manitoba and across the country—current efforts and development opportunities will remain out of reach.
The Association of Manitoba Bilingual Municipalities (AMBM) was in Ottawa for the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) Advocacy Days, held from October 28th to 30th, 2025.
This strategic presence reflects AMBM’s ongoing commitment to ensuring the voice of Manitoba’s bilingual municipalities is heard on the national stage. In these times of commercial and economic challenges and uncertainty, the AMBM underscores that Manitoba’s bilingual municipalities are key partners in fostering resilience and driving sustainable development in local communities.
During these advocacy days, the AMBM held 12 strategic meetings with key partners and federal decision-makers. Discussions focused on economic priorities, local infrastructure, and the importance of leveraging our bilingual advantage as a driver of development.
“Manitoba’s bilingual municipalities are key partners in Canada’s economic development and prosperity. Their adaptability, innovative spirit, and commitment to linguistic duality make them powerful development partners for the entire country,” said Mr. Ivan Normandeau, AMBM President.
Bilingual municipalities in Manitoba are experiencing unprecedented growth. Together, they account for nearly 60% of Manitoba’s population and close to 80% of the province’s Francophone and bilingual residents. This reality underscores their reach and capacity for action, equipped with the tools to turn national priorities into tangible results for their communities.
A pressing need for essential infrastructure
We join our voice with that of the FCM in advocating for essential and sustainable infrastructure to support community development and strengthen Canada’s economic resilience.
As AMBM’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Justin Johnson, emphasized: “Our bilingual municipalities demonstrate every day that investing in modern, sustainable infrastructure is vital to stimulate local economies and support residential growth. We are ready to work with the federal government because core infrastructure projects form the foundation on which sustainable development and community prosperity rest.”
A recent survey conducted in partnership with the Association of Manitoba Municipalities (AMM) revealed that 83% of Manitobans strongly or somewhat agree that Ottawa should fund essential projects such as treatment plants, sewer networks, and wastewater basins.
Turnkey projects like the Red-Seine-Rat (RSR) Wastewater Cooperative exemplify this potential. This initiative brings together seven rural municipalities, including four bilingual municipalities (La Broquerie, De Salaberry, Ritchot, and Taché), and represents a strategic lever for sustainable development.
Thanks to advocacy efforts, this project has been brought to the attention of the Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Infrastructure and Housing, and the Honourable Buckley Bélanger, Secretary of State for Rural Development. It is currently under review within the Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund (CHIF). This major project could enable the construction of more than 20,000 new homes, create 3,400 jobs, and generate $1.9 billion in economic benefits, strengthening the industrial base and contributing to Canada’s overall prosperity.
Other rural bilingual communities are also striving to secure the necessary infrastructure, as wastewater treatment needs remain pressing. Strengthening these systems is crucial to support residential growth and boost housing development in Manitoba’s bilingual municipalities. When families move into a new home, they expect basic services to work. That’s why wastewater treatment infrastructure is essential—it is the engine of municipal growth.
The AMBM looks forward to the release of the next federal budget on November 4th, anticipating that national priorities for municipal development and essential infrastructure will translate into concrete investments in Manitoba’s bilingual municipalities. The AMBM also reiterates its commitment to working closely with governments and partners to build stronger, more inclusive, and prosperous communities. Together, Manitoba’s bilingual municipalities demonstrate that economic resilience depends on intergovernmental cooperation.
About the AMBM
The AMBM is the voice of bilingual municipal leadership in the province of Manitoba. It represents 16 municipal governments committed to offering services in both official languages to their residents. Together, these municipalities represent the majority of Manitoba’s population. Manitoba’s bilingual municipal leadership also leads the AMBM Group, a consortium of three organizations with complementary mandates: the AMBM, the Economic Development Council for Manitoba Bilingual Municipalities (Conseil de développement économique des municipalités bilingues du Manitoba, or CDEM) and Eco-West Canada (EWC), which specializes in the green economy. Complementing each other, these three organizations actively contribute to the development, vitality and sustainability of the province’s Official Language Minority Communities (OLMC) and the province as a whole.
Information: Office of the Chief Executive Officer (O-CEO), 204-289-4077, bcdd-oceo@ambm.ca.
