Business Review 2024
High School Apprenticeship
Program connects students with community employers
Portage la Prairie welcomes newcomers
Businesses eagerly look ahead to the rejuvenated Saskatchewan Avenue
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A message from the Executive Director Stefanie Dunn
On behalf of the Portage la Prairie & District Chamber of Commerce, it is my pleasure to extend warm greetings to all the readers of Business in Review magazine.
As we continue to witness the growth and resilience of our business community, I am reminded of the incredible spirit of innovation and collaboration that defines Portage la Prairie. Our local businesses, large and small, are the backbone of our economy, and their success stories are a testament to the hard work and dedication that drive our region forward.
At the Chamber, we are committed to supporting our members by fostering an environment where businesses can thrive. Through advocacy, networking, and various
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initiatives, we strive to create opportunities that empower our members and contribute to the overall prosperity of our district.
As you browse through this edition, I encourage you to take pride in the achievements of our business community. The stories and insights shared here reflect the vibrant and dynamic nature of Portage la Prairie, and we are proud to be part of this journey.
Thank you for your continued support of our local businesses and for being a part of the growth and success of our region.
Warm regards,
Stefanie
A message from the President Adrienne Mekkes
As President of the Portage la Prairie Chamber of Commerce, I am honoured to reflect on the resilience, innovation, and strong community spirit that define our local business landscape. Over the past year, we have seen remarkable growth and adaptability as our businesses have risen to meet the challenges of a changing economy.
Portage la Prairie continues to be a thriving hub of opportunity, not only for our well-established enterprises but also for new ventures eager to make their mark. The Chamber remains dedicated to supporting and advocating for businesses of all sizes. Through a range of networking events, educational workshops, and collaborative initiatives, we strive to foster a vibrant, sustainable business environment.
Looking ahead, we’re excited to build on our successful events and introduce new programs that will strengthen partnerships between local businesses, government, and the community. These initiatives are key to our ongoing mission to champion the success of the business community and ensure that Portage la Prairie remains a place where businesses can thrive and prosper.
I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to our members and board for their unwavering support and commitment.
A message from the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce President and CEO Chuck Davidson
As the umbrella organization for Manitoba’s 64 local chambers of commerce representing nearly 10,000 businesses, we are proud to be the voice of business in Manitoba – and to advocate on behalf of chambers like the Portage la Prairie & District Chamber of Commerce for sustainable growth, vibrant communities, and entrepreneurial success.
Our vast chamber network isn’t just relevant; it’s essential, in both prosperous and challenging times. This is a message we continuously hear loud and clear from our members across the
province, and local chambers including the Portage la Prairie & District Chamber of Commerce serve as vital connectors, linking us to the business needs in every corner of Manitoba.
In my role, I get the opportunity to meet with and tour businesses throughout the province and hear about the world-class companies that call Manitoba home. The challenge, however, is that these success stories often go unheard – by the rest of the world, the rest of the country, and too often even by the rest of the province.
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Since 2018, the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce has been bringing groups of primarily Winnipeg-based business leaders to communities around the province on our Economic Development Tours. These tours not only offer a deep dive into Manitoba’s economic landscape but also provide exceptional networking opportunities with local government, business and community leaders. Delegates gain invaluable insights through meetings that delve into strategic economic initiatives and enjoy firsthand experiences with guided tours of local businesses and attractions.
We were thrilled to include Portage la Prairie on our list of destinations in 2024, giving participants the chance to meet with local decision-makers and visit some of the region’s business and community highlights.
I want to take this opportunity to thank the Portage la Prairie & District Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors for their leadership and Executive Director Stefanie Dunn for her tireless work at the local, provincial, and national levels. Without dedicated chamber leadership, the strength of this network wouldn’t be as powerful as it is today.
Guided by our mission and vision to make Manitoba the best place to live and work, the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce looks forward to the work and changes ahead as we continue to champion sustainable economic growth and greater prosperity for Manitoba’s businesses and communities.
410 Tupper Street North, Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 1X3
Partnering for progress, driving economic development year after year
By Eve O’Leary, Ec.D., TAED, PCED.sk, Director of Economic Development, Portage Regional Economic Development Inc.
At Portage Regional Economic Development Inc. (PRED), our goal is to champion partnerships that create unique synergies and sustainable economic development practices, ensuring an environment where success can flourish. This allows our local economy to grow, thrive, and position itself as a region of choice for investment.
We achieve this by providing a unique concierge service that is customized and triaged for each client. PRED supports current businesses looking to expand, grow, or needing support navigating the complex landscape of
running a business. PRED also aids local community organizations by offering an economic development perspective and valuable insights into the local economy. Moreover, we assist new businesses looking to establish themselves, undertake residential development, or attract large industries that bring job opportunities to our community. Through diligent collection, compilation, and analysis of regional data, PRED ensures a quick turnaround on data requests, empowering those making investment and business decisions.
We actively engage with businesses across the region through requests,
referrals, and proactively scheduled visits, ensuring that we remain integrated within the community and attuned to local issues, challenges, and opportunities to foster a supportive environment for success. Additionally, PRED navigates various information requests related to business expansion, new investment policies, and guidance for new, expanding, and projected developments across municipal, provincial, and occasionally federal departments. This approach provides a concierge-like service that streamlines information flow. PRED also serves as a communication hub for the region, keeping residents, businesses, and community stakeholders informed about economic indicators, community profiles, and the impact of development projects.
We proudly showcase the Region of Portage la Prairie as a vibrant place
These changes include investments in new commercial businesses, the construction and renovation of numerous commercial strip malls, and the addition of over 300 housing units, with more than 300 additional units on the way.
open for business, where enterprises can thrive, and the community can achieve an elevated quality of life.
Over the past few years, the region has experienced substantial changes in the economy, reflecting ongoing growth. These changes include investments in new commercial businesses, the construction and renovation of numerous commercial strip malls, and the addition of over 300 housing units, with more than 300 additional units on the way. Significant industrial development has also occurred. For example, Roquette opened the world’s largest pea protein facility in Portage la Prairie, investing over $600 million. Simplot invested over $480 million, doubling their facility and expanding their workforce by 90 positions. Additionally, the construction of a new $455-million, two-storey hospital and the announcement from Azure
Sustainable Fuels Corp, currently in the final stages of their front-end engineering design study for a $1.9 billion investment, are testament to the region’s growth.
Economies are complex, and at PRED, we understand the true value of collaboration. The complexities in this ecosystem require adaptive strategies that respond to emerging industrial needs for utilities and infrastructure, and local businesses benefit from the collective strength of the entire economic development ecosystem. Over the past five years, three key partnership groups have been formalized and strengthened these are:
1. Portage Industrial Stakeholders Group: Established by economic development departments at municipal, provincial, and regional levels, this group facilitates frequent meetings among stakeholder departments,
current industrial stakeholders, and prospective companies.
2. Portage Economic Response Team (PERT): PERT comprises all regional economic development organizations engaged in on-the-ground economic initiatives. This proactive team ensures immediate responses to regional economic challenges and opportunities, streamlining business services and creating a one-stop shop for the region.
3. Portage Regional Tourism Committee (PRTC): This committee promotes the region as a premier Manitoba destination, conducts impact assessments, and develops sustainable tourism strategies with regional tourism stakeholders.
To learn more about Economic Development in the Region of Portage la Prairie, visit investinportage.ca.
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20 Saskatchewan Avenue West, Portage la Prairie, MB 204-239-6698 | info@voimb.ca | www.voimb.ca
2024 Board of Directors –
Portage
la Prairie Chamber of Commerce
PRESIDENT
ADRIENNE MEKKES
VICE
TREASURER
BRENT MICHIE
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
STEFANIE DUNN
PAST PRESIDENT GUY MOFFATT
DIRECTORS
CAITLIN
TRENT TURNER
TODD SCHLIDOWSKY
KASSY BAKER
TYLER DUNN
COLBY ORCHARD
CHELSEA MCDERMID
Key benefits to joining the Portage la Prairie & District Chamber of Commerce
· Networking Opportunities: Connect with local businesses and community leaders.
· Business Exposure: Increase your visibility through Chamber events and promotions.
· Advocacy: Have your voice heard on important business issues at the local, provincial, and federal levels.
· Educational Resources: Access to workshops, seminars, and business development tools.
· Credibility: Enhance your reputation with the Chamber’s endorsement.
· Exclusive Discounts: Enjoy member-only savings on various services and products.
· Community Involvement: Be part of initiatives that positively impact the local economy.
· Referrals: Receive referrals from the Chamber and fellow members.
· Collaborative Marketing: Participate in joint marketing efforts and campaigns.
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AFFINITY PROGRAMS AFFINITY PROGRAMS
As a member of the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce and Canadian Chamber of Commerce ourselves, Affinity Programs can be passed down to our members. There is a wide range of services and benefits to help our members in their day to day - and all members get this access.
Businesses like a family farm or one person shop have the same access as a multimillion dollar organization.
Our current partners offering Chamber Members parks & discounts include:
info@portagedistrictchamber.com
Member cost saving programs
Chamber Group Insurance – Canada’s #1 insurance plan for small-to-medium businesses, delivering more benefits for you and your company. The Chambers Plan creates a solid foundation for security, based on a benefit program designed for small business owners. Guaranteed coverage, plan flexibility, rate stability, customer service and more! Contact the Group Insurance Guy, Stuart Olmstead, at 204-834-3193 or thegroupinsuranceguy@mts.net for a quote.
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If you’re looking for a reason to move your payment processing to leverage the Clover system, this could be it! Clover knows that there are a lot of offers out in the marketplace. Sales reps will often walk in the door with an appealing “flash rate” — the first thing that businesses see about any program but not always the most accurate indicator of savings.
Clover offers merchants a wide selection of devices and payment options, so you never have to say “no” to a customer’s preferred payment method. Plus, the MCC has negotiated market-leading rates for our services, which are not open to seasonal price adjustments.
If you have questions on our Clover offer or require additional information on this program to help your business be more competitive, contact Ryan Preston by phone 905-602-3569 or visit https://www.clover.com/ca
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Purolator has developed a tiered courier pricing structure for MCC members that offers the most opportunity for savings, ranging from 25 to 45 per cent off our rates, depending on your organization’s annual volume.
For more information, please contact Tim Hick, Purolator Alliance Partner Program, at 1 (877) 324-0002 for a quote for your business or your chamber.
Rogers for Business – Managed by Vesta Networks, Rogers for Business brings discounts on a variety of products and services such as wireless data, voice, wireline, and Microsoft 365.
Choose a category and on a separate sheet of paper please answer the questions in paragraph or point form corresponding to the award you’re nominating the business for. The more information you can provide about the business or organization you are nominating, the better. Please return form to the Chamber.
Deadline: October 6th
Eligibility
Businesses/Individuals who are eligible meet the following criteria:
- Does not need to be a Portage la Prairie & District Chamber member
- Have not won the same award in the last five years;
- Has to operate the business or organization in Portage la Prairie & District
Outstanding Business of the Year
This award recognizes the business achievements of a business located in Portage & District.
In paragraph or point form describe:
The nature of the business and its products/services.
Key areas that the business has excelled in over the past year. E.g. successes, inclusivity, supporting our community with growth
How are they outstanding and how has it has positively impacted the community. e.g. increased tourism, supporting and boosting our local economy, filling a gap or need in services, providing employment opportunities for minority workers
How the nominee has recognized the opportunity, accepted challenges and taken steps to make the business successful
The nominee’s community involvement. e.g. sponsorship, community donations, partnering with other businesses, organizations and community groups.
Outstanding Not-for-Profit Organization
This award recognizes the achievements of a not-for-profit organization.
In paragraph or point form describe:
The nature of the organization and its services.
Key areas where the organization has excelled over the past year.
How the organization has demonstrated a commitment to volunteers, employees and partners.
Shown a growth in programs or services and/or growth in number of individuals served. How the nominee has demonstrated corporate citizenship and/or community leadership.
Outstanding New Entrepreneur of the Year
Recognizing an entrepreneur that started a business that has been in operation at least one year, but not more than five.
In paragraph or point form describe:
The nature of the business and its products/services that the nominee oversees. What is distinctive about the leadership and vision of the nominee?
How the nominee has recognized the opportunity, accepted challenges and taken steps to make the business, and staff members successful.
The nominee’s community involvement philosophy
Key areas where the organization has excelled over the past year.
Outstanding contribution to the Community by a Business
Recognizing a successful business that has made an exceptional contribution to the well being of the community.
In paragraph or point form describe:
The nature of the business and its products/services.
Ways in which outstanding service has positively impacted the community.
The nominee’s community involvement philosophy.
Describe how the nominee has positively contributed to the Community in the past year.
Nomination Information
Business/Entrepreneur or Not-for-Profit
Nominated:
Name:
Business:
Title:
Telephone:
Nomination submitted by:
Email:
Have you notified the nominee about this nomination? Yes No
PLEASE RETURN FORM TO: INFO@PORTAGEDISTRICTCHAMBER.COM
Thank you for your nomination!!! All awards will be presented at the Chamber’s Business Awards Celebration - Thursday, November 21, 2024
High School Apprenticeship Program a big success
By Lisa Kopochinski
The Manitoba High School Apprenticeship Program has been in existence for several years, but it started in the Portage la Prairie School Division in 2015.
Since its inception, HSAP has annually seen approximately 15 to 20 new students starting apprenticeships with local trades-based businesses, with a similar number of students graduating from the program each June.
“In grades 10 through 12, there are generally 30 to 40 students connected with the apprenticeship program. Over the past 10 years, it’s safe to say that we’ve supported more than 300 students,” says Jason Green, Career Development Coordinator for the Portage la Prairie School Division (PLPSD).
Green says former HSAP Coordinator Blair Hordeski was the first person to be tasked with promoting and managing the program and had been doing so until he retired this past June.
“Being the HSAP Coordinator is the primary responsibility of the PLPSD Career Development Coordinator. The HSAP Coordinator serves as a liaison between high school students, local employers of trades people, and the Manitoba Apprenticeship Branch.”
Green says in his role as Career Development Coordinator, he has now taken on HSAP responsibilities, which includes supporting students and partners with Red River Collegiate Polytechnic (RRC) to promote its Health Care Aide Program.
“We also support Southern Health to create opportunities in the Indigenous Health School Internship Program, and we work with the Portage School Division to offer our Introduction to Educational Assistant Program. We help students earn high school credits for employment and credits for internship, and we create several career learning opportunities by organizing field trips to schools and businesses, or by inviting presenters into our high school.”
Grade 12 student, Susan Maina is apprenticing at Enns Brothers as an Ag. technician.
Grade 12 student, Nathan Burton is apprenticing at genAG as an Ag. technician.
Numerous Benefits
The benefits of HSAP are many and include:
• Earning high school credits toward graduation. For every 110 hours of apprenticeship employment, students can earn one high school credit, up to a maximum of eight credits.
• Earning while you learn. Students employed in the apprenticeship program earn at least minimum wage plus 10 percent.
• Financial support for technical training. After students graduate from high school with apprenticeship credits, they’re eligible to receive financial assistance from Apprenticeship Manitoba to complete their technical training at one of our accredited colleges. Working 220 hours and earning two credits makes students eligible for a year of tuition.
• Intangibles. Be part of a team, work with your hands outside and experience a sense of accomplishment.
“The program has been incredibly successful to date, and it continues to grow in interest and popularity,” Green says.
“While exceptions exist, students must be 16 to enter the program, so we do the bulk of our promotion to grades 9 and 10. We work with Portage Collegiate Institute (PCI) teachers and arrange opportunities to visit classrooms and share information about the apprenticeship program. This mostly involves sharing the benefits of the program and how we can support students getting connected
“ With skilled trades people being in high demand, we can celebrate our role in connecting students with community employers and helping them kickstart their careers.”
with Apprenticeship Manitoba. We have also made ourselves visible at PCI information sessions so that we can speak with parents and share the employment/apprenticeship
opportunities that exist for our students.”
When asked if this program has stimulated the local economy, Green says while it’s difficult to gauge
the economic impact of the high school apprenticeship program, there has been a range of one-third to one-half of graduating students remaining with their employers and continuing technical training through an institution such as Assiniboine Community College (ACC) or RRC.
“With skilled trades people being in high demand, we can celebrate our role in connecting students with community employers and helping them kickstart their careers. By keeping our students in Portage la Prairie as skilled tradespeople, we are likely going to see these new professionals contribute to our local economy and help it thrive.”
Left: Grade 12 student Brandyn Frisch is apprenticing at FFUN Motorsports as a Sports and Marine Mechanic. Above: Grade 11 student, Austin Morrison is apprenticing with AB Plumbing and Heating as a plumber.
Businesses look forward to the new Saskatchewan Avenue
By Paul Adair
The multi-year, $40 million Saskatchewan Avenue Revenue project has delivered significant disruption along Saskatchewan Avenue from 8th Street to Elm Street, with the goal of making the roadway more accessible for vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians, as
well as providing a more modern street design and an improved pedestrian connection to the downtown.
And while some construction continues, the work along Saskatchewan Avenue is slowly drawing to a close and businesses in Portage la Prairie are opening their
doors to – hopefully – soon go back to business as usual.
Located at 1275 Saskatchewan Ave., KFC was one of the first businesses in Portage to be impacted by the project as it closed one side of the road and impeded vehicular traffic into the restaurant. This lack of access meant
that customers were sometimes redirected into the back alley as construction made its way down the street, which definitely made a dent to KFC’s bottom line.
“In addition to the drop in sales and transactions, we also saw a lot of complaints about how hard it was to access our store,” says KFC General Manager, Carvin Angeles. “Fortunately, the project’s developers were nice enough to provide us with signage during the project that helped our customers find their way through our doors.”
This is a story that sounds familiar for many Portage businesses, including Clarity Vision. The local optometrist has been part of the community for more than a decade but moved to its new location at 1760 Saskatchewan Avenue after the renovation project began. During this time, Clarity Vision experienced a significant decrease in walk-in foot traffic as the north side of the street was being worked on.
“The good news was that we were also considered ‘essential’ during construction because we are a medical clinic, and we still had a steady flow of patients booking their eye appointments,” says Kim MacDonald, Eye Care Associate and senior employee with Clarity Vision. “We were also lucky to have parking off 18th Street – we just had to counsel our patients on the alternate routes into that parking lot until the access was restored along Saskatchewan Avenue. We made it work.”
October 1, 2023 — This photo popped up in my Facebook memories today. The 2023 construction we have right now looks far more efficient to keeping businesses open versus what happened back in the ‘80s. I hope someone is taking photos right now of all the changes.
August 25, 2022 — I personally find it exciting that Portage has so many construction projects on the go. Several years ago, it felt like nothing was going on and our town was starting to feel a little worn. All of these great projects are going to improve the city and logistics. Just like any renovation... it always seems to take far too long. In the meanwhile, I get a front row seat from my office window.
and to look like a place people really care about, and these improvements will be part of making us – as a community – look and feel better about ourselves.”
Located at 480 Saskatchewan Avenue West, BDO Canada takes a more enthusiastic stance to the work being done.
“Even though they are a pain, I have always been excited about renovations,” says Anita Janzen-Gemmell, Partner, Accounting & Assurance at BDO Canada. “If this were a house renovation, Saskatchewan Avenue would be like renovating the kitchen – it takes twice as long and costs more than you think it should, but when it’s all done, it’s exciting and the whole house ends up looking better. We need Portage to stay up to date and to look like a place people really care about, and these improvements will be part of making us – as a community – look and feel better about ourselves.”
Communication has been key
One of the challenges faced by BDO was the level of communication from the general contractor, especially at the beginning of the project.
“There was one day at the start when our parking lot was blocked over the noon hour, and then we had all the construction equipment was parked in our parking lot overnight without permission,” says Janzen-Gemmell. “Somebody – like a supervisor – could have popped in to tell us what was happening, but I feel that kind of communication was a bit lacking. But “ We need Portage to stay up to date
it also got better as time went on, and once the complaints started coming in from those being affected.”
Recognizing the impact of the roadway
– Anita Janzen-Gemmell, BDO Canada
renovations had to local businesses, the City of Portage worked with the general contractor behind the scenes to keep people in the loop as much as
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“City officials were fairly responsive to our calls and emails whenever we raised our concerns about things like dropping water pressure or getting additional signage for the restaurant,” says Angeles. “We also became members of the Portage Chamber of Commerce earlier this year, and the information we received from them regarding the construction has greatly helped as well.”
possible, sending out updates about the development or any changes in the construction schedule through the Portage Chamber of Commerce newsletter. This enabled businesses – in most cases – to proactively work around any disruptions caused by construction.
“City officials were fairly responsive to our calls and emails whenever we raised our concerns about things like dropping water pressure or getting
additional signage for the restaurant,” says Angeles. “We also became members of the Portage Chamber of Commerce earlier this year, and the information we received from them regarding the construction has greatly helped as well.”
MacDonald agrees.
“The Chamber was great for providing us updates whenever they received new information. We were really happy with how the Chamber was able to support
us , even when the news we got wasn’t always great.”
The road ahead
While there have been challenges for residents and local businesses alike over the last two years of this project, there is the expectation that the gain will be well worth any pain.
“As a local business, we welcome any community improvement and, now that the work is ending, we are starting to see the benefits – such as
safer streets and additional access off of Saskatchewan Avenue,” says MacDonald. “And having more parking is always nice.”
For KFC, 2024 has already a more lucrative year compared to last now that construction is winding down. With all the heavy construction equipment out of the way, business has normalized, and foot traffic is returning to the restaurant – along with new opportunities.
“While we may have lost some parking, the revitalization project has definitely brought more lighting to Saskatchewan Avenue, which we see as a chance to maybe extend our operating hours – even outside the summer months – because the streets are so much brighter,” Angeles says.
Janzen-Gemmell agrees, adding, “Sure, it’s taken a while to finish but this renovation project was also a long time coming for the City of Portage. This is a great opportunity for us to really freshen up the city and make us look a little more professional and livable. Overall, I truly believe this going to be such a great thing for the future of our community.”
Owner / Manager Portage Pharmasave #456 308 Saskatchewan Ave E Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 0K8 Phone: 204-239-6923 Fax: 204-239-7014 portagepharmasave@gmail.com
Portage la Prairie welcomes newcomers Newcomers to Portage la Prairie come from around the world
By Lisa Kopochinski
Moving to a new country can be challenging for many, especially if the language spoken is not one’s first language.
For those individuals and families who choose to immigrate to Canada—and Portage la Prairie specifically—there is a great deal of help available in easing this transition.
The Manitoba Association of Newcomer Serving Organizations (MANSO) is a non-profit organization that acts as an umbrella organization for settlement service providers in Manitoba. It was formed through an amalgamation of two organizations, the Manitoba Immigrant and Refugee Settlement Sector Association (MIRSSA, est. 2007) and the Manitoba English as an Additional Language Organizations (MEALO, est. 2012)
MANSO also acts as a voice for the Manitoba settlement and integration sector, as well as supporting its members through communication, networking, and professional development activities.
“Immigration to Portage la Prairie and all of rural Manitoba brings so many benefits,” says Don Boddy, MANSO Small Centre Support Manager.
“We are much more diverse in our neighbourhoods and schools, we have
PCRC Local Immigration Partnership Coordinator Mitch Tilk helps newcomers to the area through its many different programs. Photo: PCRC
a strong workforce, and we’re learning what it means to be better communities together. And these are only a few of the attributes that demonstrate the positive impacts of immigration. As part of the host community, when we learn more about what it means to be welcoming communities, to celebrate diversity, to create spaces where all residents have a voice, the richer and healthier we will be.”
Mitch Tilk can certainly relate to this.
As the Local Immigration Partnership coordinator at the Portage la Prairie Community Revitalization Corp. (PCRC), he helps newcomers to the area through its many different programs.
“My work focuses on ensuring that newcomers feel welcome and can integrate smoothly into our community. By organizing community events, creating programs, and building
partnerships, we help newcomers connect with the resources they need to thrive. This not only supports the newcomers themselves, but also strengthens our local economy by fostering a more inclusive and active community.”
Newcomers to Portage la Prairie come from a diverse range of countries, including the Philippines, India, Ukraine, Nigeria, and various nations in
PLLC plays a significant role in welcoming newcomers to Portage la Prairie by offering a variety of services and programs for both adults and children. Photo: PLLC
Latin America and the Middle East.
“This diversity enriches our community culturally and economically, bringing fresh perspectives and new skills to our local workforce,” says Tilk.
The PCRC assists newcomers by providing a digital resource hub where they can access information about local resources, including employment opportunities, public services, and basic details about the area, such as weather, culture, and transportation. By making this information easily accessible, this helps newcomers adapt quickly and get involved in the community.
The PCRC focuses on helping newcomers establish their own ethnocultural organizations, which
can provide mutual support and bring additional resources to the community through grants and funding.
“This helps newcomers settle in and build networks, which in turn makes them more likely to stay and invest in the local economy,” Tilk explains.
“Additionally, we advocate for policies that support newcomers, such as improving public transportation and access to affordable childcare –both of which are crucial for helping newcomers find and maintain employment, which directly benefits local businesses.”
The Portage Learning and Literacy Centre (PLLC) plays a significant role in welcoming newcomers to Portage la
Prairie by offering a variety of services and programs aimed at easing their transition into the community.
“These include English as a Second Language (ESL) classes, settlement services, and community events like the ‘Portage Celebrates Diversity’ festival, which provide opportunities for newcomers to connect with others and learn about local cultures,” notes PLLC Settlement Coordinator Miriam Ghitale.
There are also settlement services that include:
• Getting IDs
• Accessing benefits (GST, CCB, CCR, etc.).
PLLC helps newcomers get involved in the community through services such as Settlement Partners. Photo: PLLC
“The greatest satisfaction I get from this work is seeing someone come from a challenging situation and knowing that our program was able to assist them.
—Miriam Ghitale
• Notary and Commissioner for Oaths services.
• Accessing essential information for immigration purposes.
• Interpretation
• Settlement Workers in Schools who work with the children, the schools, and the families for the success of the children.
• Information sessions with topics such as Renting a House, Laws in Canada, Driving in the Winter, Orange Shirt Day, and other topics that provide information essential for settlement in Canada.
“The greatest satisfaction I get from this work is seeing someone come from a challenging situation and knowing that our program was able to assist them in overcoming those obstacles to improve their life,” says Ghitale.
Overcoming Barriers
One the main challenges the PCRC faces in helping newcomers overcome barriers is transportation. Without reliable transportation, Tilk says it’s difficult for newcomers to access employment, which limits their ability to contribute economically.
“They make it work, but it’s hard for people. Similarly, another significant challenge we face is the long waitlist for childcare, which can be up to two years. This makes it incredibly difficult for newcomers to plan, as they often don’t realize they need to be on a waitlist for childcare in our community
before they’ve even considered moving here. Without access to childcare, it’s challenging for newcomers, especially those with young children, to enter the workforce and contribute economically.”
Another challenge involves the mismatch between what the federal government considers to be skilled workers and the criteria set by selfregulated professions in Manitoba. Newcomers might be invited to come to Canada based on their skills, such as being a social worker, but when they arrive, they find out they don’t meet the local licensing requirements.
“For example, to become a member of the College of Social Workers in Manitoba, they might need to spend a year upgrading their education,” explains Tilk. “This can be a frustrating and unexpected hurdle for newcomers who were led to believe they could start working in their field right away.”
Ghitale adds that the PLLC makes it a priority to help newcomers with services such as résumé and cover letter writing assistance, and interview skills practice.
“We have work experience programs such as one for those aged 15 to 30 years old, who have some sort of barrier
“ When we support newcomers in building strong, vibrant communities, we also support the local economy.”
— Mitch Tilk
to employment. Another program is for anyone who has a disability (whether self-declared or diagnosed). Both programs have an employment training component, as well as a job placement component.”
PLLC’s Computers 4 Life program also provides computer training for individuals with low to no computer literacy. At the end of the program, the students receive a refurbished computer.
Sense of Community
Ghitale says that while there are challenges in making this transition as smooth as possible, “PLLC helps newcomers get involved in the community through services such as Settlement Partners, which are volunteers paired with newcomers with the purpose of building friendships, practicing English, and learning more about the community. We also
collaborate with other organizations to host events such as the DiverseCity Festival, WinterFest, Anti-Racism Week, and National Indigenous Peoples Day, ensuring our clients are engaged with the wider community throughout the year.”
Tilk adds that great satisfaction comes from the sense of community and togetherness that is present at every ethnocultural event the PCRC helps to support.
“When we support newcomers in building strong, vibrant communities, we also support the local economy. Seeing people come together to share their cultures and build connections not only fosters a sense of belonging, but also demonstrates how investing in newcomers is truly an investment in the entire community. If we could all extend just a fraction of that warmth and inclusiveness to the broader community, we would create a truly welcoming environment—one where newcomers feel they truly belong. In fact, if we achieve that, I might just be out of a job!”
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