{"id":5522,"date":"2026-05-07T09:37:21","date_gmt":"2026-05-07T14:37:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vvgut0abxs.wpdns.site\/?p=5522"},"modified":"2026-06-05T08:23:42","modified_gmt":"2026-06-05T13:23:42","slug":"2026-census-driving-the-future-of-manitobas-bilingual-municipalities","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ambm.ca\/en\/2026-census-driving-the-future-of-manitobas-bilingual-municipalities\/","title":{"rendered":"2026 Census: Driving the Future of Manitoba\u2019s Bilingual Municipalities"},"content":{"rendered":"

With the 2026 Census underway, the Mayors and Reeves of Manitoba\u2019s 16 bilingual municipalities\u2014representing vibrant rural and urban communities across the province\u2014are coming together with a shared message: take part, be counted, and help shape the future of our communities:<\/h1>\n

The census is far more than a routine exercise.<\/a> It is a cornerstone of our collective future. It provides the reliable, representative data municipalities need to make informed decisions, plan effectively, and respond to the realities of a growing and evolving population. Strong participation doesn\u2019t just inform\u2014it empowers communities to grow stronger, more resilient, and more prosperous, today and for generations to come.<\/p>\n

Participation also has a direct and tangible impact. Census results influence municipal funding and determine our ability to invest in infrastructure, enhance services, and meet the expectations of our residents. These data are recognized and relied upon by all levels of government, forming the backbone of program eligibility and long-term community planning.<\/p>\n

That is why we are calling on every resident of Manitoba\u2019s bilingual municipalities to take part. The census is simple, quick, secure, and confidential, yet its impact is profound. It helps shape priorities and guides decision-making across municipal, provincial, and federal governments. As Mayors and Reeves, we are proud to support the federal campaign, \u201cYour Census. Your Community. Our Future.\u201d<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

As outlined in the Prosperity Framework for Manitoba\u2019s Bilingual Municipalities<\/em><\/a>, lasting prosperity is built on a foundation of strong data, disciplined strategic planning, and meaningful intergovernmental collaboration.<\/p>\n

And the momentum is real. Our municipalities are growing. The 2021 Census showed an 8% population increase across Manitoba\u2019s bilingual municipalities\u2014outpacing the provincial growth rate of 5%.<\/p>\n

With growth comes both rising demands and extraordinary opportunity. The outlook is clear and encouraging: 90% of residents report a high quality of life, and nearly 60% believe the best days of their community are still ahead, according to a recent Probe Research survey<\/a>. Together, we have the opportunity\u2014and the responsibility\u2014to build on this strength and continue shaping communities that are vibrant, sustainable, and full of promise.<\/p>\n

Our <\/em><\/strong>Bilingual Advantage<\/strong><\/p>\n

Bilingualism is at the heart of our municipalities. Both official languages play a central role in how services are planned, delivered, and experienced.<\/p>\n

The 2026 Census plays a critical supporting role in this effort\u2014particularly through the Municipal Maturity Model (3M)<\/a>\u2014by providing the data needed to better understand the needs of residents in both English and French.<\/p>\n

These insights allow municipalities to accurately reflect their linguistic reality, make informed decisions, and strengthen service delivery. They help us fully leverage our bilingual advantage and translate it into concrete, meaningful actions that benefit every resident.<\/p>\n

Simply put: when residents complete their census accurately, our municipalities gain the tools they need to demonstrate real needs, advocate effectively, and deliver results\u2014building stronger, more sustainable, and more prosperous bilingual communities for all.<\/p>\n

Signatories \u2013 Mayors and Reeves of Manitoba\u2019s Bilingual Municipalities<\/strong><\/p>\n