‘Once-in-a-generation opportunity’ – Winnipeg Free Press

A new report outlines six opportunities Manitoba has to become a global leader in the green economy.

Published by the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce, the 25-page document aims to provide an objective and research-based assessment of high-potential industry opportunities and to guide discussions with stakeholders to agree on and prioritize the best opportunities for the keystone province.

“Manitoba has a once-in-a-generation opportunity to position itself as a green economy powerhouse,” the report states. “Building upon our proud history of clean power, strong work ethic and business innovation, Manitoba brings many advantages to businesses looking to lower emissions and develop green solutions.”

Wind energy, critical minerals and commercial zero-emission vehicles are three opportunities outlined in the report.

Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), a biofuel derived from sustainable sources that can be used in existing planes in place of conventional jet fuel to deliver lower emissions, is also listed. Manitoba has the potential to leverage its in-province production of SAF feedstocks such as canola and soybeans to develop an SAF industry.

Nuclear small modular nuclear reactors — typically less than one third the size of a traditional reactor — are another opportunity, since the continued growth and success of the Manitoba economy will rely on the availability, reliability and affordability of energy to support communities and industries.

The report also lists green hydrogen, which offers a clean and energy-dense fuel to power the industrial industry, as an opportunity. According to the report, green hydrogen holds “transformative power” for decarbonizing hard-to-abate, high-emitting industries like mining, agriculture and transportation in Manitoba.

The report was the focus of a chambers-led forum Tuesday at the Leaf horticultural attraction in Winnipeg. The day-long event drew more than 100 participants.

Its purpose was to discuss and prioritize the opportunities presented in the report, said Christa Rust, director of the chambers’ Manitoba Green Advantage program.

“The goal of today’s forum is both simple and critical,” Rust said during her introductory remarks. “We’ve done our homework, we have the research, we have the economic insights, everything is in hand. Now, it’s go time.”

During guided table discussions, attendees evaluated opportunities with the greatest potential for economic impact, prioritizing those that will drive Manitoba’s transition to a net-zero future while aligning with the key pillars of a green economy: decarbonization potential, resource efficiency and economic reconciliation.

The feedback from the forum will be vital to the next steps for the Manitoba Green Advantage program as it develops an economic road map for the province.

“I think this is Manitoba’s moment,” said Laurel Broten, CEO of Invest in Canada, the federal corporation responsible for attracting foreign direct investment opportunities into the country.

During an armchair discussion hosted by Manitoba chambers president and CEO Chuck Davidson, Broten talked about what the province has to offer the world and stressed the need to prioritize green initiatives in order to attract investment from global companies.

“There’s nobody that has their head in the sand anymore,” Broten said. “Globally, leading companies and CEOs have all leaned into making sure that their company will be here and their product will be here, long into the future.

“And the only way that’s going to happen is if they embrace sustainability.”

Canada needs to green its economy in order to stay ahead of its competitors around the world, she added.

Broten recounted hearing a cabinet minister from the United Kingdom give his value proposition speech recently, and thinking about how similar it sounded to the speech she gives when she’s talking about Canada.

“That should motivate us and encourage folks like the Manitoba chamber and all of you in this room to say, listen — we really need to dig in and lean in to the work that we’re doing so that we can stay ahead and deliver for our kids and generations to come,” Broten said.

Later in the day, a panel discussion explored success stories and opportunities for collaboration to drive Manitoba’s progress in the green economy.

Businesses that want to succeed in the green economy don’t have to go down the path alone, said Colleen Kuruluk, chief executive officer at Efficiency Manitoba.

They can form relationships with other businesses that are focused on the environment and they can reach out to her organization for assistance. They can also hire people who are passionate about a green economy.

“If you can find those folks, they will move mountains to get you to where you need to go,” Kuruluk said.

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Aaron Epp
Reporter

Aaron Epp reports on business for the Free Press. After freelancing for the paper for a decade, he joined the staff full-time in 2024. He was previously the associate editor at Canadian Mennonite. Read more about Aaron.