The latest job creation numbers were released last week by Statistics Canada, and the numbers were less than flattering to Manitoba. Last year, Manitoba’s economy created only 3,900 jobs, the majority of which were created in the public sector. While 3,900 jobs may be a lot of jobs to some, it is but a drop in the bucket when we compare the job creation numbers of our neighboring provinces. During the same period of time, Alberta’s economy created 108,500 jobs, British Columbia economy created 51,300 jobs and even Saskatchewan’s economy created 23,000 jobs. The number of jobs grew across the country by 2.1% in 2006, but in Manitoba, the number of jobs grew by a paltry 7/10 of one percent, well below the national average. In comparison, the number of jobs grew by 6% in Alberta, and British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and even Newfoundland had job growth rates higher than the national average.

If Manitoba keeps posting low job growth numbers, we will remain a “have not” province for a very, very long time. If our economy keeps faltering and if we cannot keep up with our neighbors, both East and West, we will continue to lose more and more young Manitobans to British Columbia, Alberta, and even Saskatchewan. The NDP has run out of steam. It has no new ideas on how to grow our economy, and as a result we will continue to lose our children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews who are tired of waiting for hope and opportunity in Manitoba.