Various levels of government, agencies and service providers offer a range of business support programs. The Deloitte report found significant overlap, limited coordination and a lack of clearly defined outcomes. As a result, they recommended a comprehensive strategy, with clearly stated goals, objectives and outcomes, to align economic development efforts focused on a common vision.

When answering this question, you may want to consider:

• How would a common economic vision and strategy benefit your business, organization or sector?
• What specifically would you like to see included in the strategy?
• It is the year 2022. How has Manitoba's economy changed and grown?

The global economy is also evolving at a tremendous pace with many opportunities and threats to Manitoba's growth. In order to compete, Manitoba will require a bold and modern strategy that is agile, collaborative and builds on our unique strengths.

When answering this question, you may want to consider:

• Where do you see Manitoba's greatest potential for growth?
• What specific challenges and opportunities are impacting your business or sector?
• Should Manitoba assume a broad approach in pursuing an economic development sector strategy or focus on a small number of specific sectors? What is government's role in supporting priority sectors?
• Do you consider Manitoba to have a healthy investment climate? Why or why not? How could it be improved?

Many factors contribute to achieving economic and business success. Those factors must be aligned, effectively and efficiently, in order to create the best possible environment for business and industry to succeed and prosper. Lack of alignment can result in barriers that stagnate competitiveness and growth.

When answering this question, you may want to consider:

• What barriers are currently preventing your business or organization from growing?
• What are your ideas for reducing or eliminating those barriers?
• How would your business or organization be impacted if these barriers were eliminated?
• How might Manitoba businesses and organizations partner with Indigenous and newcomer communities to create greater economic opportunities?

There are many agencies offering programs and services to help businesses succeed. Some companies have said that the way programs are delivered can be confusing and that they can't find the support they need or that very similar programs are offered by multiple organizations.

When answering this question, you may want to consider:

• Have you used business support programs from government or agencies in the past? If so, how did the program assist your business?
• Are there gaps in the programs currently offered? What are they, how would they result in economic growth and who could or should deliver them?
• What should government's role be in supporting economic growth?

The Deloitte report states that the government needs a dedicated arms-length economic development agency to deliver its new economic growth strategy. The mandate of the agency could take on specific roles including acting as a coordination and collaboration hub for economic development stakeholders. It could also be tasked with delivering specific economic development programs and services.

When answering this question, you may want to consider:

• What should the mandate of a dedicated economic development agency be?
• How can regional economic development best be supported through such an agency?