CCI's 2026 Pre-Budget Recommendations for the Manitoba Government

These are uncertain times for many Canadian jurisdictions. Labour productivity numbers across the country are at a low, disrupted by emerging technologies and global spillovers. Manitoba has shown leadership by using its 2025 budget to emphasize building economic capacity in industries that will drive 21st-century growth. Commitments to invest in innovation and to refocus procurement policy on domestic purchasing send the right signals.

We hope that momentum continues. Manitoba’s future prosperity depends on strengthening its cornerstone industries, supporting homegrown innovators, and ensuring more bright minds and big ideas stay in the province.

On behalf of Manitoba’s innovation leaders, the Council of Canadian Innovators is putting forward recommendations for the province’s 2026 pre-budget consultations. These steps build on proven strategies from other forward-thinking jurisdictions and align with Manitoba’s ambitions for sustainable growth and competitiveness.

1. Develop and implement a provincial intellectual property framework.
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2. Action a government procurement plan to buy domestic and add value.
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3. Address the province’s skilled labour shortage to improve access to talent for domestic innovators.
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4. Develop clear strategies on Artificial Intelligence with an eye to building more Canadian sovereign compute and data capacity.

These measures are time-tested industrial policies that have worked in other innovative economies. With consistent industry consultation and deliberate execution, Manitoba can secure long-term prosperity, attract and retain talent, and strengthen its role in Canada’s innovation economy.

You can read the full submission HERE: