The Manitoba government recently co-hosted a business and housing summit to build relationships between sectors to create affordable housing options and reduce chronic homelessness in the province.

“To end chronic homelessness in Manitoba, we need to work together as governments, as community and as business leaders,” said Premier Wab Kinew. “This summit is one part of our plan to instill hope and improve the lives of thousands of Manitobans through the safety and dignity of housing. These are important conversations where we come together and build solutions.”

“To end homelessness, we need to move beyond isolated efforts and build one unified strategy,” said Mayor Scott Gillingham, City of Winnipeg. “This summit is about breaking down silos and driving collaboration – across government, business and community – so we can create lasting, co-ordinated solutions that make a real difference in people’s lives.”

The business and housing summit brought together community leaders from across Manitoba to discuss the resources and tools available for the business sector to create affordable housing solutions. Summit participants included representatives from Indigenous leadership and organizations, business sectors, governments, community organizations and other agencies.

“The Business Council of Manitoba believes our community is strongest when we work together,” said Mike Pyle, board chair, Business Council of Manitoba. “By collaborating across industries, we can share knowledge and lead in our areas of expertise. We all have a role to play in providing safe, affordable housing for Manitobans and the business community is no exception. Collaborative initiatives like the business and housing summit allow us to ensure all voices are heard and all needs are met in our collective effort to make Manitoba a preferred place to live, work and invest.”

The summit took place on October 8 at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights. It was co-hosted by the Manitoba government, the City of Winnipeg and the Business Council of Manitoba and supported by End Homelessness Winnipeg. Other sessions included:

  • an overview of federal, provincial and municipal programs related to housing and homelessness;
  • a panel presenting case studies describing recent partnerships between non-profit housing providers and private sector developers; and
  • an interactive session with business leaders to inform the response to housing and homelessness issues from all levels of government.

To learn more about the Manitoba government’s work related to housing and ending homelessness, visit gov.mb.ca.