Your city needs more immigrants
Morning from the Automobile City — here's what's growing in Steinbach.
You know, sometimes I feel like Winnipeg media just doesn't get it. They'll run stories about housing affordability in West Broadway or the challenges of drug-related deaths in the city, and it's all important, don't get me wrong. But then you see stories like Manitoba's immigration minister going to Ottawa, pushing for more immigrants, and you just know it's because places like Steinbach are driving the province's real growth. We’re not just sitting back; we’re actively looking for people to build our community.
### Why This Matters for Steinbach
It’s frustrating to see Ottawa rebuffing our province on immigration numbers. We know, firsthand, the impact new families have here. Steinbach grew 11% in five years, and a huge part of that is due to the incredible diversity of newcomers choosing to make their home along the Highway 12 corridor. Our businesses, from Loewen Windows to Barkman Concrete and every auto dealership on Main Street, are hungry for skilled workers. The Steinbach Credit Union isn't just growing its assets; it's growing its membership because people are moving here, working here, and building here.
* Our unemployment rate hovers around 3.5%, significantly lower than the provincial average. * We have 480 Chamber members in a city of 22,000, all needing talent. * New Canadians are opening businesses and contributing to our vibrant economy.
This isn't just about filling jobs; it's about building a stronger, more dynamic community. Our Mennonite heritage taught us the value of hard work and community, and new immigrants embody that spirit every day. When Ottawa says no, it slows down our momentum, and frankly, it just doesn't make sense when you look at the numbers right here in Steinbach. We need more people, and we have the capacity and the welcome to offer.
That's the buzz from the Automobile City. If you want to dive deeper into why this matters for our growth, I’m talking about it with the crew bright and early — catch it live at mornings.live.