About Manitoba

Take this opportunity to learn about the Canadian province of Manitoba.

The Basics

Manitoba Economy and Employment

The unemployment rate in Manitoba is presently 4.8%, and well below the Canadian average of 6.8%. The economy is expected to continue its recent growth trend by approximately 3% a year. While this should provide robust job creation, the Government of Manitoba also provides programs to connect immigrants with jobs in the province. Among these are free English as an Additional Language (EAL) classes, job preparation programs, and mentoring with Canadians in your profession.

Manitoba Standard of Living

One of the most appealing aspects of living Manitoba is the low cost of living, making it possible to enjoy a very comfortable life. Housing, energy, insurance and post-secondary education in Manitoba are all among the least expensive in Canada. With a lower share of income dedicated to these costs, Manitobans have more money left over to spend on other things. One such example is a cottage/vacation home, as Manitobans have the highest rate of vacation home ownership in Canada. Residents of the province also golf more than anywhere else in Canada. 

To pay for such luxuries, Manitoba has the 4th highest mandatory minimum wage in Canada at $7.25. Manitoba also has the fourth lowest marginal personal income tax rate in the country.  In 2003 , Median earnings for males were $27,200 and $18,100 for females.The average family income is $50,600 in 2006, 4th among the provinces.

Not to be underestimated, the friendly nature of Manitobans also contributes to the quality of life in the province. Manitobans volunteer at a higher rate than any other Canadian province, and they also give the highest proportion of their incomes to charity. This generous spirit helps to create supportive communities that can help new Canadians get off to a good start in the province.

Manitoba Residential Housing

The low cost of housing is one of the major draw factors about living in Manitoba. The province’s residential housing market is very competitive and affordable housing is readily available. The average house price in Winnipeg is just below $122,000, the second lowest average of any city in Canada. The average percentage of household income taken up by ownership costs varies between 15-30%. New homes are also being built at a strong rate, with housing starts increasing by 85% over the past 5 years.

Another benefit of the housing market is that without too much urban sprawl, one does not have to go too far outside the city to find a good place to live. Winnipeg has the shortest average distance to commute to work of any Canadian city over 500 000 people, with an average under six kilometres. The shorter commute means more time available to spend at home with the family.

Manitoba History

Manitoba has an extensively documented aboriginal history, including settlement by Cree, Ojibwa and Sioux peoples. The influence of these peoples remains in the province today, including its name which is thought to come from the Cree word for “strait of the Manitou spirit”. The territory was acquired by the Hudson’s Bay Company in the 1600’s and was traveled in the fur trade. The province of Manitoba joined Canadian confederation in 1870, just three years after the establishment of the country. Shortly afterwards there was a rebellion by the Metis people, a community who trace their heritage to both French and aboriginal lineage. The Metis were upset that they were not given land that they were promised by the Canadian government.

At the time the province entered Canada, Manitoba was only a fraction of its current size. The province reached its current size and shape in steps which culminated in 1912. One famous event in the province at this point in history was the Winnipeg General Strike of 1919. The strong labour movement of the time managed to shut down commerce for 6 weeks while striking for improved working conditions. The battle between workers and managers is a crucial point in the history of Canada’s labour movement.

While Manitoba fell behind some other Canadian provinces in growth for a period, today the province is forging ahead into the future with growing industry and new businesses. While some of the more rural farming culture remains in the province, Winnipeg is a modern city that is home to some major Canadian corporations such as Great-West Life (a financial and insurance conglomerate) and CanWest Global (a major media company). The province is growing at a healthy rate and looking to increase immigration to help fuel this growth.

Manitoba Culture

Manitoba has long been a very unique blend of different cultures brought together by immigration. Multiculturalism, which is a policy throughout Canada, has been embraced very strongly by Manitobans.  Manitoba celebrates dozens of different ethnic festivals each year, highlighting the strength of the various cultural communities in the province.

Manitobans have a reputation for being open, friendly and generous people. The province has very high rates of volunteerism and generosity towards charitable causes. Visitors and newcomers consistently report supportive and friendly people eager to help.

Winnipeg has also long been a home for the arts. The city hosted the first Royal ballet company in the British Commonwealth, and has an internationally recognized symphony orchestra. In the provincial capital one can find a burgeoning independent music, art and comedy scene.

Manitoba Demographics

Today Manitoba’s population is approximately 1.2 million people, making it the fifth-largest province in Canada. As the natural population increase has slowed significantly, the province is encouraging increased immigration. With approximately 630 000 people, Winnipeg residents account for over half of the province’s population. The rest of the province’s population generally resides in smaller towns, as after Brandon (approximately 40 000 residents) no other city in the province counts over 15 000 residents.

Built on immigration, Manitoba counts among its residents people who claim heritage from every region of the world. Over 100 languages are spoken by people residing in the province, as residents are able to retain their cultural heritage while becoming Canadian. Immigration to the province has generally come in waves, each dominated by people from a small number of countries or regions. Today people of British, German, Irish, Ukranian, Dutch and Polish account for the largest communities in the province. Manitoba is also home to a large population of Metis and First Nations peoples, accounting together for nearly 15% of the province’s population.

Manitoba Immigration

Manitoba has targeted an annual rate of immigration of at least 10 000 people as its industries continue to grow. In turn, many immigrants to Canada are choosing to settle in Manitoba thanks to its low cost of living, good quality of life, and friendly communities. Recently employers in Manitoba have made great use of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program as a temporary solution while they encourage greater immigration for permanent residency. Individuals with skills and resources to contribute to Manitoba’s development may also immigrate to Canada sooner under Manitoba’s Provincial Nomination Program.

Manitoba Government

Canada’s government works on a federal system, with control over certain affairs belonging to the national government in Ottawa, and others under the control of the provincial governments. The province of Manitoba has its own democratically-elected parliament (known as the Manitoba Legislative Assembly) which is found in the provincial capital of Winnipeg. 57 representatives are elected to represent regional districts in general elections. The current government of the province is led by the New Democratic Party of Manitoba, headed by Premier Gary Doer. The Premier has held the post since 1999 and received a second mandate in 2003. Manitoba will head to the polls for a general election in 2007.

Manitoba Major City

The capital of Manitoba and home to over half of its residents, Winnipeg is located very close to the geographic center of North America. As the provincial capital and Canada’s 8th largest city, the city is home to both government administration and major commercial offices. With several post-secondary institutions in the area, Winnipeg is a major research and development center for the region, a factor which helps draw such companies as Boeing and Bristol Aerospace to locate offices there.

Winnipeg is also known for its long and cold winters, which have earned it the nickname “Winterpeg”. The upside however is that summers in Winnipeg are quite warm. During the warmer seasons, Winnipeggers take advantage of the abundant recreational opportunities provided by the red river and nearby lakes. The summer is a time of many festivals in Winnipeg, celebrating the arts and cultural communities.

The city is home to a thriving artistic community. For the more traditional arts, one can enjoy the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, the Winnipeg Art Gallery, or the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra. The city is also home to the Winnipeg Fringe Theatre Festival, the second largest in North America (the largest is found in Edmonton, Alberta) as well as popular jazz and folk music festivals.

Also found in Winnipeg:
- The Royal Canadian Mint
- Canada’s National Microbiology Laboratory
- Canada’s Human Rights Museum

Links and Resources

Government of Manitoba
Manitoba’s Provincial Nomination Program
Top Ten Reasons to Live and Work in Manitoba
Manitoba Ministry of Immigration
Investing in Manitoba