New data shows Winnipeg economy grew faster than Manitoba and Canadian averages in last three years

Released: May 11, 2026 at 12:12 p.m.
City economy has grown steadily despite trade war and economic uncertainty

New City and Statistics Canada data shows Winnipeg’s economy continued to grow in 2025, despite Trump’s trade war, and broader economic turbulence.

The Winnipeg Economic Region grew by an average of 2.3% annually from 2023 to 2025, compared to 1.8% for Manitoba and 1.9% for Canada, and grew 1.7% last year.

Real GDP Growth Rates – Winnipeg Economic Region

Jurisdiction

2023

2024

2025

3-Yr Average

Winnipeg (w/ Headingley)

3.1%

2.1%

1.7%

2.3%

Manitoba

2.6%

1.5%

1.3%

1.8%

Canada

2.0%

2.0%

1.6%

1.9%

Based on real GDP at basic prices, produced by Statistics Canada and the City of Winnipeg Economic Development and Policy Office.

“Winnipeg is holding steady in a very uncertain economy,” said Mayor Scott Gillingham. “Trump’s trade war has created real challenges, and we have to work hard to compete for investment and grow our tax base. But this data shows Winnipeg’s economy outpaced national and provincial growth over the last three years.” 

Gillingham emphasized that federal and provincial policies were critical to that outcome, as well as the strength of local businesses, workers, and educational institutions.

He will reference the new figures today in a luncheon address to the Assiniboia Chamber of Commerce, as he accelerates his push to grow Winnipeg’s Sky Economy.

“Manufacturing was one of Winnipeg’s strongest growth sectors over this period,” said Gillingham. “With local aerospace companies hiring, new private sector investment, and major federal opportunities in defence and aviation, Winnipeg has a real chance to build on this momentum and to create long-lasting new jobs.”

The new Winnipeg Economic Region data also comes as Manitoba continues to show signs of economic resilience. Statistics Canada reported last week that Manitoba had the lowest unemployment rate in Canada in April 2026, at 5%.

“Trump’s trade aggression is hurting businesses, workers, and families, and we cannot minimize that,” said Gillingham. “But we can fight back by attracting investment and supporting growth to secure more high-wage jobs for Winnipeggers.”

About the data

In 2023, Gillingham asked Senior Economist Paul Beckta to develop a better way to track Winnipeg’s economic growth as a city economy, rather than relying only on Statistics Canada’s Census Metropolitan Area data.

Statistics Canada’s Winnipeg Census Metropolitan Area covers a land area more than 10 times the size of the actual City of Winnipeg. The City’s new model uses Statistics Canada GDP estimates to create a more focused Winnipeg Economic Region, combining the City of Winnipeg and the R.M. of Headingley.

Details and methodological notes are available under “Winnipeg Economic Region and Sub-provincial Manitoba GDP” at: winnipeg.ca/building-development/doing-business-city/economic-resources

Mayor's Office

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