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Whether you’re looking to use air, water or road, Winnipeg has the infrastructure and the central location to get your product where it needs to go.

Air

Winnipeg Richardson International Airport operates 24/7 and offers a full range of domestic and international air passenger services. It’s among the top cargo airports in Canada and can operate in all weather conditions. It’s also a certified transshipment point with 24-hour Canada Customs services.

Rail

Winnipeg is the only city on the Canadian prairies that’s served by three continental Class 1 railroads which connect directly with four coasts (the Pacific, the Atlantic, the Gulf of Mexico and Hudson Bay). Shipping by rail has significant cost advantages in Canada.

Road

About 1,200 trucks cross the Manitoba-U.S. border at Emerson every day, which is an hour south of Winnipeg. The second-busiest border crossing west of the Great Lakes is open 24/7 for all commercial traffic. More than 100 million consumers live within a 24-hour drive of Winnipeg, giving the city a significant advantage in last-mile delivery and regional distribution. More than 80 per cent of Manitoba's merchandise trade with the U.S. is transported by truck.

Ports

CentrePort Canada, one of North America’s largest tri-modal inland ports, has many development opportunities and is strategically connected to Winnipeg Richardson International Airport as well as rail and highway networks.

The Port of Churchill is widely expected to play a critical role in getting goods from Manitoba and Canada to foreign markets. Located on Hudson Bay, the Port of Churchill is North America's only deepwater Arctic seaport serviced by train.

You can learn more about our air, road and sea access on our Infrastructure and Access page.

When you operate a business in Winnipeg, you’re going to save money.

This city has a lower cost structure for business operations compared to larger centres in Canada and the U.S., including the lowest utility costs on the continent.

Winnipeg boasts the lowest rental rates for industrial real estate in Canada and the second-lowest rates for office space. The average hourly wage in Manitoba is also business-friendly.

This city also offers a wide array of business incentives, including provincial tax credits and direct funding programs. If you’re investing in a company or growing one, we work closely with federal, provincial and municipal partners so we can help you identify the programs you need. Optional CTA Button Copy (1-2 words): Learn more

Nearly 100 per cent of Manitoba's electricity is generated from reliable, clean and renewable resources. The majority of this energy comes from 16 hydroelectric generating stations located throughout the province, plus wind farms and solar panels.

Compared to other Canadian cities, Winnipeg has the lowest rates for small, medium and large power users.

Manitoba Hydro is a renowned Canadian energy utility that’s compliant with North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) reliability standards.

Winnipeg never has all its economic eggs in a single basket.

Manitoba traditionally boasts one of the most stable GDP growth rates in Canada, a reflection of the many sectors propelling our province’s diverse economy.​

Our 10 key economic sectors are:

• Advanced Manufacturing
• Aerospace
• Agribusiness
• Digital Media & Entertainment
• Environmental Industries
• Finance & Insurance
• Life Sciences
• Technology
• Tourism
• Transportation & Distribution

Winnipeg’s post-secondary institutions – University of Manitoba, The University of Winnipeg, RRC Polytechnic, Université de Saint-Boniface and Canadian Mennonite University – produce a never-ending stream of skilled graduates in their respective fields.

These graduates often find employment in the city right away due to the schools’ ties and relationships with the business community , ensuring a talent pipeline that will help your business grow.

Whether you’re looking for engineers, medical professionals, designers, programmers, business professionals or creative industry types, they’re easy to find in Winnipeg. Our post-secondary institutions will be more than happy to work with your company to become part of this pipeline.

Winnipeg is regularly cited by the Globe & Mail newspaper as one of Canada’s three most liveable cities.

Housing is affordable, the arts scene is second to none and we have some of the best restaurants in the country.

We celebrate all four of our diverse seasons, especially during winter when we make cold weather cool. From one of the world’s longest outdoor skating and recreation trails – featuring wondrous and whacky warming huts – to partying in huge tents among towering snow sculptures during Festival du Voyageur, Western Canada’s largest winter festival, you’ll come to learn that ice is, indeed, nice.

In summer, fill your schedule with iconic music and theatre festivals and relax in one of our many patios, where you can chill under the shade of our tree canopy. The Red, Assiniboine and Seine rivers provide numerous boating and fishing activities, while you can be sitting on a white sand beach on one of the world’s largest lakes just an hour’s drive from downtown Winnipeg.

Indeed, the entire region is stacked with thousands of lakes, gorgeous parks and cottage country.

World-class ballet and theatre, pro sports staged at some of Canada’s best venues, tranquil spas and a culinary scene that continually serves up nationally-celebrated restaurants – there’s always a seat waiting for you to take in some of life’s greatest pleasures.

When you consider we’ve got some of Canada’s shortest commute times and among the lowest cost of living, you’ll have more time, and money, to enjoy these finer things.

And did we also mention we’re routinely rated as one of the top Canadian cities in which to raise a family, too?

It’s little wonder the world comes to Winnipeg and stays here.

Incorporating your business is a key step towards building a solid legal foundation. It creates a separate entity that can own property, obtain bank loans and enter into contracts. Being incorporated generally protects shareholders' personal assets from legal liabilities, reducing financial risk. Corporations also offer legal, tax and financial benefits. It’s possible to incorporate provincially or federally.

Provincial Incorporation (Manitoba): If your business will operate in Manitoba only, it makes sense to incorporate under the Manitoba Corporations Act.

Federal Incorporation: For businesses operating in multiple provinces or territories, federal incorporation under the Canada Business Corporations Act is ideal. It provides national name protection and requires registration in each province or territory where your company does business.

How to incorporate

First, once you’ve decided on your corporation's name, check to see if it’s available. y. If you don't choose a name, your corporation will be assigned a number and it will become a “numbered company.” Provincial incorporation is done through the Manitoba Companies Office, while federal incorporation is handled by Corporations Canada.

Winnipeg Economic Development & Tourism can refer you to the Manitoba Companies Office for assistance with your incorporation process.

After incorporating your business, opening a business bank account is crucial for a strong financial foundation.

Choosing the right financial institution

Consider fees, services, convenience and reputation before making your decision. Major Canadian banks and local credit unions offer business solutions, including digital tools for bill payments and transaction management. Winnipeg Economic Development & Tourism can introduce you to reputable financial partners.

Types of business bank accounts

• Business Bank Account: Ideal for managing deposits, withdrawals and credit lines. These accounts can have multiple signatories and offer tailored services.
• Foreign Currency Account: Saves on foreign exchange costs by accepting payments in other currencies.

Specific notes

• Foreign Exchange Services: Make and receive payments in USD without a U.S. account.
• International Transactions: Handle payments in multiple currencies using Canadian accounts. Report international transactions over $10,000 CAD within 24 hours and keep accurate records for tax purposes.

The provincial and federal governments offer tax incentives and financial support to drive economic growth and create jobs through new businesses or the expansion of existing ones.

Incentives include tax rebates, subsidies and other financial benefits, either automatic or discretionary. Priority is given to businesses that create jobs, invest in employee training or develop new facilities.

Key areas of financial support:

• Business loans and capital investment
• Equipment purchase
• Export support
• Green energy investment
• New product innovation
• Research and development
• Workforce training and development

Venture capital, private equity and industry-specific tax credits also provide financing solutions.

For more details, contact Winnipeg Economic Development & Tourism.

Corporate tax rates

Corporations can benefit from a variety of Manitoba and federal tax incentives and programs designed to support business growth:

• Canadian-controlled private corporations (CCPCs): Reduced federal tax rate of nine per cent on the first $500,000 of active business income. Provincial rate is zero on the first $500,000.
• Businesses with income above $500,000 CAD: Federal rate of 15 per cent and a provincial rate of 12 per cent, for a total of 27 per cent.

Employer tax obligations

• Canada Pension Plan (CPP): 5.95 per cent of employees’ gross wages
• Employment Insurance (EI): 2.28 per cent of employees’ gross wages )
• Health and post-secondary education tax levy for employer with a total yearly payroll:
• CAD $2.25M to $4.5M: On excess
• Over CAD $4.5M: 2.15 per cent
• CAD $2.25M or less: Exempt

Sales taxes

• Manitoba Retail/Provincial Sales Tax (RST/PST): 7 per cent
• Goods and Services Tax (GST): 5 per cent

Businesses earning more than CAD $30,000 annually must register for GST and RST/PST.

For specific tax questions, Winnipeg Economic Development & Tourism can connect you with lawyers, accountants and other professionals.

Employers in Manitoba must follow employment standards for payroll, benefits and working conditions.

Key employment legislation

• The Employment Standards Code: Covers minimum wage, working hours, overtime, vacation and leaves.
• Income Tax Legislation (payroll deductions): Register with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) to withhold and remit income taxes, CPP and EI from wages.
• Workplace Health and Safety Legislation: Ensures a safe working environment.
• Human Rights Legislation: Prohibits discrimination based on race, gender, age, disability, etc.
• Workers Compensation Legislation: Provides insurance for workplace injuries, workplace disability and occupational diseases.

Employee benefits

Consider offering benefits, such as health and dental insurance, life insurance, disability insurance, retirement plans (e.g., employer-matched RRSPs), and flexible work arrangements.

For questions, Winnipeg Economic Development & Tourism can connect you with lawyers, accountants and other professionals to support your needs.

Winnipeg boasts a skilled and diverse workforce, driven by post-secondary institutions such as University of Manitoba, The University of Winnipeg and RRC Polytech, ensuring a steady stream of talent in technology, engineering, life sciences, business and other sectors.

Recruiting talent

• Use Work in Manitoba and other job boards
• Leverage co-op placements and internships
• Connect with industry associations for networking

Workforce development programs

• Canada-Manitoba Job Grant for training
• Apprenticeship programs for technical fields
• Co-op opportunities with universities

Immigration programs for employers

• Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) (requires a Labor Market Impact Assessment)
• International Mobility Program (IMP): (no Labor Market Impact Assessment required)
• Express Entry: Federal skilled programs for permanent residency
• Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): For skilled workers to immigrate to Manitoba and become permanent residents.

Winnipeg Economic Development & Tourism's Talent and Workforce Development team is ready to help you in find and develop your workforce.