Manitoba Launches a New Youth Employment Strategy

During the Manitoba Chamber of Commerce breakfast on June 9 2026, Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew announced a new program: the Youth Job Strategy. 

CDEM present at the announcement of the Youth Employment Strategy 

As a proud member of the Manitoba Chamber of Commerce and the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce, as well as a partner of the Chambre de commerce francophone de Saint‑Boniface and other chambers and economic development agencies in bilingual municipalities, CDEM was honoured to take part in this event and witness this announcement in real time. 

This program, with a total funding of $4.3 million, aims to support youth as they enter the labour market and help them maintain stable employment. Mr. Kinew stated:
“Our government will ensure today’s youth have every opportunity so they can succeed in our province and help build a better Manitoba for everyone.” 

NextMB 

NextMB is delivering a $3.5 million investment to support youth aged 18 to 29 through two streams: 

• The first targets youth currently enrolled in post-secondary education, apprenticeship programs, or recent graduates. 

• The second focuses on youth who are not in education, employment, or training (NEET).  

• This stream includes two groups:  

• youth who are unemployed and not actively seeking work; 

• youth who are unemployed but actively seeking employment. 

This program will be administered by the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce and will offer a range of services, including: 

• career guidance 

• development of in-demand skills 

• connections with employers 

• mentorship and networking opportunities 

• as well as employment support services 

Dreambuilders 

The Dreambuilders program will provide $800,000 in funding to support youth aged 16 to 29 who face multiple barriers to employment, helping them secure and maintain meaningful, long-term jobs. 

This program will provide support services to youth, particularly those at higher risk, to help them integrate into the workforce and contribute to safer communities and a stronger economy. 

Conclusion 

These two initiatives align with the Manitoba government’s broader economic strategy, which aims to improve youth retention in the labour market and facilitate smoother transitions into employment. 

They will help develop a skilled workforce and support long-term economic growth in the province. 

As a key player in economic development in bilingual communities, CDEM is fully in line with this dynamic by offering employability services that complement these new government programs. 

Through its employment coaching, labour market preparation and support services for Francophone and bilingual job seekers, CDEM makes a concrete contribution to the success of young people and the strengthening of Manitoba’s workforce. Together, these initiatives and CDEM’s employability services are an important lever for building a more prosperous, inclusive and forward-looking Manitoba.

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