Moving to Manitoba

Manitoba’s key immigration program for skilled workers, international graduates and business investors. Nominees are selected to meet provincial labour needs and can apply for permanent residence with Manitoba’s nomination.

Manitoba offers relatively high housing affordability. Rents in Winnipeg are much lower than in Toronto or Vancouver. A 1-bedroom in Winnipeg averages around $1,100 per month.

Utilities in Manitoba are moderately priced. Manitoba Hydro’s electricity rates are among the lowest in Canada, keeping monthly bills around $150 for many apartments.

Transportation costs are moderate. A Winnipeg Transit monthly bus pass is about $104. Owning a car is relatively affordable too (insurance rates are reasonable with public insurance).

Grocery costs in Manitoba are about average for Canada. With local agriculture, food prices for staples are reasonable. A single person spends roughly $300–$350 monthly on groceries.

Entertainment is moderately affordable. For example, a dinner for two at a mid-range Winnipeg restaurant costs around $80, and cultural events and festivals are often reasonably priced.

Healthcare System

Manitoba’s healthcare is delivered via Manitoba Health, which insures medically necessary services for residents at no cost. The province faces challenges in rural healthcare delivery – efforts are ongoing to recruit more physicians and nurses to smaller communities. Overall access is good in cities, but rural wait times can be longer.

Multiculturalism

Manitoba prides itself on cultural diversity and inclusion. Winnipeg hosts Folklorama – one of the world’s largest multicultural festivals – celebrating the province’s many ethnic communities. Newcomers will find cultural associations and a welcoming attitude toward diversity.

Community Life

Community life in Manitoba is strong. People often engage in community events, from local fairs to neighbourhood ice-skating rinks in winter. The friendly Manitoban stereotype holds true – locals are approachable and helpful to newcomers.

Outdoor Activities

Manitobans embrace the outdoors in all seasons. In summer, camping and fishing in the province’s many lakes are popular, while winter brings skating on the frozen rivers and cross-country skiing. Manitoba’s natural beauty offers year-round recreation.

Median Household Income

Median after-tax household income in Manitoba. Incomes are around the national median, supported by stable jobs in government, manufacturing and services.

Employment Rate

The employment rate in Manitoba is about 62%, roughly on par with Canada overall. Manitoba’s steady economy (and many dual-income families) keeps participation and employment relatively high.

Summer

Manitoba summers are warm to hot and generally sunny. Average highs are around 25°C but often reach 30°C+ during July heat waves. Humidity is relatively low (apart from near lakes). Thunderstorms are common in late afternoons, bringing needed rain. Summer is festival season (e.g. Winnipeg Folk Festival), and people head outdoors for camping, fishing, and lake beach trips.

Winter

Winters in Manitoba are very cold and dry. Temperatures in January often range from -20°C to -30°C (night lows can hit -35°C or below). Snowfall is moderate but tends to stay all winter due to the cold. Skies are often clear. Despite harsh conditions, Manitobans embrace winter with outdoor skating trails (like on the Assiniboine River) and festivals such as Festival du Voyageur in Winnipeg.