On March 20^th, 2025, in celebration of the International Day of La Francophonie, 80 municipal leaders convened for a series of strategic meetings aimed at harnessing the full economic potential of Manitoba’s Francophone and bilingual advantage. The event was organized by the Association of Manitoba Bilingual Municipalities (AMBM) under the theme Celebrating Manitoba’s Francophone and Bilingual Economic Advantage. Concurrently, the Manitoba government unveiled its second budget, placing a strong emphasis on infrastructure development.

The event began with the announcement of a groundbreaking multi-year agreement for stable and predictable funding, aimed at gradually implementing the Municipal Maturity Model (3M). This initiative will enhance the delivery of municipal services in both official languages, marking a significant advancement for Manitoba’s bilingual municipalities. Additionally, this agreement underscores and strengthens the municipal-provincial partnership, providing a solid foundation for cooperative efforts in the future.

Several key presentations by the AMBM Group followed, showcasing its extensive capabilities and updating member municipalities on ongoing projects that will significantly impact their future growth planning. The AMBM’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mr. Justin Johnson, provided a comprehensive overview of strategic and priority issues, emphasizing the urgent need for enhanced infrastructure and essential services in numerous communities. He stressed the necessity of applying a dual focus on rural, Francophone, and bilingual aspects in federal and provincial infrastructure funding programs. The provincial government’s Manitoba Growth, Renewal and Opportunities for Municipalities (Manitoba GRO) program serves as a prime example of an infrastructure-enabling fund that acknowledges municipalities committed to Official Language Minority Communities (OLMC) and rural development. These infrastructure projects are poised to substantially elevate the economic capacities and prosperity of the region.

The AMBM’s subsidiary, the Economic Development Council for Manitoba Bilingual Municipalities (Conseil de développement économique des municipalités bilingues du Manitoba, or CDEM), presented encouraging results from the Strengthening the Job Market in Manitoba’s Bilingual Rural Municipalities project. This extensive analysis and data compilation work aims to shape a more locally adapted job market while leveraging the full potential of our two official languages as a development driver for Manitoba’s bilingual rural municipalities. This advantage will be showcased at the 55^th  Global Business Forum of the World Trade Centers Association (WTCA) in Marseille, where CDEM will be present.

Eco-West Canada (EWC), a subsidiary of the AMBM, has been at the forefront of assisting Manitoba municipalities in transitioning towards sustainable development for several years. During a presentation, EWC highlighted its expertise in leveraging funding for green infrastructure projects, in partnership with the federal government and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) through the Green Municipal Fund (GMF). Rural transportation remains a critical priority for communities, directly impacting residents’ quality of life and serving as a key driver of demographic and economic growth. EWC conducted a feasibility study project, the Southeast Regional Transport Initiative (SERTi), providing rural municipalities with a valuable tool to secure federal grants in this domain.

Exclusive roundtable with Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew

No fewer than 15 bilingual municipalities had the opportunity to present their strategic priorities to The Honourable Wab Kinew, Premier of Manitoba, highlighting various issues such as infrastructure, economic development, and essential services:

• Infrastructure and development: The Rural Municipality of Saint-Laurent emphasized the importance of a lagoon to support residential growth. The Rural Municipality of Ellice-Archie underscored the need to repair Highway 41, while the Rural Municipality of Montcalm requested assistance to cover legal fees related to an international drainage dispute. The Rural Municipality of Lorne focused on sustainable development, aiming for infrastructure that supports affordable housing, business growth, population retention, as well as the expansion of lagoon systems, water system improvements, and road enhancements, all while providing new essential services. The Rural Municipality of Piney is aiming to develop a 20-unit independent living center for seniors. However, the project is encountering obstacles due to the subdivision requirements set by the province, which are impacting the feasibility of rural development.
• Community services and health: The Town of Sainte-Anne called for collaboration to strengthen the capacities of the Hôpital Ste-Anne Hospital by granting it a regional designation to provide quality services for a growing population, with support from surrounding bilingual municipalities. The Rural Municipality of Taché supported the Town of Sainte-Anne’s appeal for the regional designation of the Hôpital Ste-Anne Hospital and also raised the issue of rising costs for the construction of the Taché Community Center. The Village of Saint-Pierre-Jolys highlighted a concern regarding their hospital, which serves the region comprising the rural municipalities of Ritchot and De Salaberry. The Rural Municipality of Alexander expressed concerns about the closure of emergency rooms due to staffing shortages. The rural municipalities of Sainte-Anne and Ritchot also emphasized the impact of rapid growth and inflation on community infrastructure.
• Economic development and innovation: The Town of Powerview-Pine Falls presented an ambitious six-phase artificial intelligence center project valued at $1.15 billion, as well as concerns about housing needs. The Rural Municipality of De Salaberry raised the issue of provincial drain maintenance, affecting local farmers directly.
• Heritage and funding: The Rural Municipality of La Broquerie sought support for its membership in the Red-Seine-Rat (RSR) Wastewater Treatment Cooperative and the renovation of a heritage building.
• Public safety: The City of Winnipeg emphasized the importance of public safety to attract economic investments and ensure business prosperity. Winnipeg supports Canada’s bail reform.

These discussions underscored critical issues necessitating provincial government engagement to address local challenges and foster cohesive community development. The Premier provided feedback on these priorities, outlining potential measures and collaborative efforts.

The Premier acknowledged the significance of the issues presented and assured that specific concerns, such as investments in schools and roads, would be addressed in the forthcoming budget. He further committed to relaying the agricultural drainage infrastructure concerns to the appropriate department and promised to follow up on the water issue in North Dakota.

Regarding healthcare staffing, the Premier noted that the Chief Medical Officer of Shared Health is Francophone, which is beneficial for developing services in both official languages. He also acknowledged the limitations of federal infrastructure programs and stressed the need for federal support to mitigate rising project costs, referencing the allocation of funds for the Pembina Valley Water Cooperative as evidence of provincial commitment.

The Premier reaffirmed that economic development remains essential to support social services, particularly health and education.

The Premier underscored the strategic significance of our bilingual advantage, recognizing it as a critical asset in an increasingly competitive landscape. This acknowledgment comes amidst rising economic uncertainties, driven by trade tensions, particularly with the United States. Manitoba’s bilingualism offers a substantial strategic benefit that can enhance the province’s competitiveness and attractiveness, providing unique opportunities to address economic challenges and attract investments.

Leveraging Manitoba’s Francophone and bilingual economic potential

Municipal leaders had the opportunity to hear from two key figures in the development of Manitoba’s Francophone and bilingual economy: Raymond Poirier and Mariette Mulaire.

Both speakers conveyed messages of optimism, underscoring the vital role of Manitoba and its Francophone community in economic development. Raymond Poirier’s solution-oriented vision and collaborative efforts have facilitated the realization of initiatives such as the establishment of the CDEM and the organization of the Forum national des gens d’affaires et des élus municipaux francophones du Canada in Beauce, Québec.

Mariette Mulaire, through her leadership at the Agence nationale et internationale du Manitoba (ANIM), has strategically leveraged numerous opportunities to attract international investments to Manitoba, thereby enhancing the province’s economic landscape.

Following their presentations, Lysiane Romain, Manager of POP Comm’ and Assistant Executive Director of La Liberté, provided an illustrative example of the company successfully leveraging its bilingual advantage to penetrate national and international markets. Similarly, Manitoba’s bilingual municipalities, by promoting both official languages, can capitalize on comparable opportunities to attract investments and expand their economic influence. This strategic approach enhances their competitiveness on provincial, national, and global stages.

Provincial Budget 2025: winning conditions for Manitoba’s bilingual municipalities

Manitoba’s bilingual municipal leadership had the chance to participate in the presentation of the Provincial Budget 2025: Building One Manitoba. The budget focuses primarily on infrastructure to stimulate the economy amid economic uncertainty.

• La Francophonie: In addition to the AMBM-specific announcement, several measures were announced to support Manitoba’s Francophone community, including the creation of micro-grants for one-time projects, Manitoba’s candidacy submission to the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie (OIF), a review of the bilingual service center model (in designated bilingual regions), and the creation of a bilingualism strategy for Manitoba. In this context, the AMBM aims to collaborate actively to ensure these initiatives have a concrete impact on the ground. The AMBM commits to being a strategic partner in developing practical solutions to enhance bilingual service accessibility and support the vitality of Francophone and bilingual communities in Manitoba.
• Rural water infrastructure investments: The budget allocates funds to improve rural water supply infrastructure, including $24 million for the Manitoba Water Services Board. The budget specifies that a partnership with municipalities, the Department of Municipal and Northern Relations, and the Manitoba Water Services Board will be established to develop safe, cost-effective, and sustainable water and sanitation infrastructure in rural Manitoba. The rural wastewater treatment infrastructure deficit in Manitoba exceeds $3 billion. These infrastructures play a crucial role in supporting the economic growth of rural municipalities, creating favorable conditions for attracting new businesses, housing construction, and population growth while facilitating the establishment of essential services. This contributes to an environment conducive to economic prosperity, where residents and businesses can thrive in healthy and sustainable living conditions.
• Development of rural municipalities: The budget reevaluates the From the Ground Up – Safe Healthy Communities for ALL program, injecting an additional $1 million to revitalize communities. The Urban/Hometown Green Team program is enhanced by $1.3 million. The One Manitoba Growth Revenue Fund, with a total envelope of $62 million over five years, supported by 4% from provincial gas tax revenue, will distribute $12.4 million this year, based on a per capita formula. The budget also provides for an annual 2% increase in municipal operating grants, raising municipal funding to $155.9 million.
• Development of road and health infrastructure: The budget allocates $809 million to transportation and infrastructure, including a 4% increase in the highways budget; $595 million (a 10.2% increase compared to the 2024 budget), guided by the Blue Ribbon Pannel, to expand and maintain essential infrastructure, including highways, water infrastructure, airports, and general capital projects; and $1.2 billion (a 14.2% increase) for health care, seniors, and long-term care, including $770 million in new funds for the recruitment and retention of healthcare personnel.

The AMBM welcomes the Manitoba government’s commitment to fostering a strong partnership with Manitoba’s municipalities. The 2025 provincial budget encompasses favorable measures crucial for building resilient and robust Francophone and bilingual communities in Manitoba. These communities are poised to tackle local challenges and capitalize on opportunities. The creation of conditions conducive to a strong, bilingual economy will directly benefit the province’s diverse communities.

This collaboration is vital for the successful implementation of large-scale projects and the enhancement of living conditions for Manitoba’s residents. It exemplifies an inclusive strategy, which is essential to effectively address the challenges faced by the province, whether in infrastructure management, economic development, or the provision of bilingual services.

While these investments are indeed positive steps, the AMBM reaffirms its commitment to collaborating on the development of a new municipal funding model that effectively supports all communities. The AMBM pledges to be a strategic partner in the formulation of this new model, ensuring its targeted and measured impact on the Francophone and bilingual communities represented by our members.

Our bilingual advantage: a call to action from the Manitoba government

Mr. Justin Johnson, Chief Executive Officer of the AMBM, addressed the assembly, emphasizing the pivotal role that the AMBM Group can play in harnessing the full economic potential of Manitoba’s Francophone and bilingual communities.

Anchored by the government closest to its residents, the AMBM, CDEM, and Eco-West Canada possess a unique structure that directly addresses municipal priorities. Municipalities are responsible for planning and managing their growth, while the AMBM Group works to provide optimal conditions for them to do so. The AMBM Group distinguishes itself by offering concrete solutions, leveraging bilingualism as a powerful economic tool.

The Honorable Glen Simard, Minister of Municipal and Northern Relations and Minister responsible for Francophone Affairs, then articulated his vision for a truly bilingual Manitoba. He referenced several announcements made earlier in support of Manitoba’s Francophone community to underscore the provincial government’s commitment to official languages issues. During his address, Minister Simard issued a call to action for collaborative efforts to shape a future where bilingualism is a cornerstone of Manitoba’s character and identity.

The AMBM warmly welcomes Minister Simard’s call to action. As a key partner of the provincial government on official languages matters, the AMBM reaffirms its dedication to actively collaborating to fortify bilingualism within Manitoba’s Francophone and bilingual communities. Leveraging its expertise and municipal network, the AMBM is poised to play a pivotal role in implementing concrete initiatives aimed at promoting and enhancing official languages, thereby contributing to the province’s economic vitality.

This discussion continued with a panel featuring Minister Glen Simard, AMBM Chief Executive Officer Justin Johnson, AMBM and CDEM founder Raymond Poirier, World Trade Centers Association Board Chair Mariette Mulaire, and POP Comm’ Manager Lysiane Romain, moderated by co-hosts Annie Girard and Brigitte Léger.

The panelists presented compelling arguments on the strategic importance of fully leveraging the economic potential of Manitoba’s Francophone and bilingual communities. They underscored how bilingualism serves as a competitive advantage in both national and international markets and emphasized the essential resources and conditions required to achieve these goals.

Several strategic avenues for consideration were discussed during the panel:

• Provincial recognition of the CDEM as a major partner would enhance its impact, highlighting its strategic role and ability to mobilize and coordinate resources that benefit not only Manitoba’s bilingual municipalities but also the entire Francophone community and the province. The CDEM is the leader of Manitoba’s Francophone economy and derives its strength from its direct connection with Manitoba’s bilingual municipalities responsible for development and land use planning. Such recognition would also amplify strategic collaborations with key partners.
• Developing strategic bilateral agreements with other provinces, municipalities, and international partners would maximize the full economic potential of Manitoba’s Francophone community. Strengthening economic ties with Quebec and Ontario, Manitoba could integrate a Francophone and bilingual economic corridor, promoting trade and mobility of qualified bilingual labour. Complementary partnerships between Manitoba’s bilingual municipalities and those in other provinces would stimulate interprovincial trade, create supply networks, facilitate the sharing of best practices in economic innovation, and increase the competitiveness of bilingual businesses across the Canadian market. Internationally, partnerships with Francophone markets, notably in Europe and Africa, would boost exports and attract foreign investments. By involving bilingual municipalities and Francophone economic organizations, these agreements would ensure effective and locally adapted implementation, positioning Manitoba as a key player in bilingual trade and economic development in Canada.
• Implementing a regionalization approach for projects would maximize the economic potential of Manitoba’s Francophone community by strengthening collaboration between local actors, businesses, and institutions, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in rural areas, and ensuring more efficient management of public funds. Regionalizing projects would also develop bilingual infrastructure and services, creating sustainable economic opportunities and enhancing Manitoba’s attractiveness as an economic hub for Francophones.
• Implementing entrepreneurship programs in partnership with the CDEM in high schools, particularly in French and immersion schools, could directly address Manitoba’s economic needs. This initiative would train a new generation of bilingual youth with innovation skills and adaptability to labour market realities. By integrating entrepreneurship at the high school level, students would develop key competencies – leadership, critical thinking, project management – that would open opportunities both as business creators and highly qualified employees. Strengthening ties with local entrepreneurs and economic institutions through CDEM’s field expertise would cement Manitoba’s Francophone community’s role in the entrepreneurial ecosystem, stimulating its full economic potential. Entrepreneurial education would become a vitality driver for Francophone communities, ensuring their prosperity and influence in a truly bilingual Manitoba.

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, [email protected].