Manitoba is one of the most immigrant-friendly provinces in Canada. It is one of the first provinces to institute a Provincial Nominee Program of its own. Often noted for its low cost of living, warm locals, & affordable housing, Manitoba has a dry climate that can feature sharp weather changes depending on the season. Most people moving to Manitoba will go to one of the province’s two major cities, i.e., Winnipeg or Brandon. Here’s all you need to know before moving to Manitoba. 

Housing 

Manitoba offers some of the most affordable housing options in the nation, both for buying & renting. However, the province’s two biggest cities offer a variety of housing alternatives, including condo apartments, detached homes, duplexes, etc. 

The affordability is attributed not only to lower municipal property taxes & utility costs but also to the extensive housing program in Manitoba. These programs offer various subsidized housing alternatives to eligible residents. In order to qualify for these programs, residents should: 

  • Be in core housing need
  • Provide a rental history 
  • Either pay off any outstanding debt owed to the program or enter into an approved payment plan 
  • Have a total adjusted household income that falls at or below the rental PILs 

It is vital to note that this housing program is not available to international students/ PRs who obtained their status through family class sponsorship. 

In July 2023, the Manitoba government committed to investing CAD 67 million to support 89 capital housing across the province. 

Commuting 

Much of Manitoba’s public transit system is in the province’s capital, Winnipeg. City residents have access to two primary forms of public transport, i.e., the city metro & public bus transit. The metro system, named ‘BLUE Rapid Transit Line,’ offers routes between downtown Winnipeg, the University of Manitoba, & St. Norbert, with numerous stations in between. 

The public bus system in Winnipeg provides fixed-route bus services that operate year-round & during late-night hours. Moreover, some buses offer limited routes from Winnipeg to other cities in Manitoba. Both these systems operate with a fare card called a ‘peggo’, which commuters can use to pay for their trip. 

Employment 

Manitoba has historically had a strong demand for skilled workers. The MPNP was created to address this demand by selecting skilled workers from across the world & nominating them for PR in Canada. Manitoba traditionally has a low unemployment rate & a high rate of labor force participation. 

The province’s largest employment sectors are wholesale & retail trade, healthcare, manufacturing, & social assistance. The minimum wage in Manitoba is CAD 15.30 per hour. Some of the largest employers in Manitoba include the Manitoba Health Services Insurance Plan, Canada Life Insurance, Bell MTS, IGM Financial, etc. 

Education 

Before moving to Manitoba, education is another aspect you must know. Manitoba offers a wide range of educational opportunities for K-12 students. Both public & private schools operate within the province, specifically in Winnipeg. Students generally begin kindergarten at age five & complete high school at seventeen or eighteen. 

The education system in Manitoba covers a broad range of subjects, like English, French, arts, science, health, social studies, etc. Moreover, programs & resources are also available to support students with diverse learning needs. The education system in Manitoba emphasizes active learning experiences, including field trips & outdoor activities. Indigenous perspectives & traditions are also integrated into the curriculum. 

Parents, teachers, & students can find detailed information about the curriculum & policies on the government’s education website. Resources are also available to help students learn what to expect from school & how to transition smoothly between different levels of schooling. 

In addition, post-secondary education in Manitoba is offered by universities & colleges, providing a range of programs from practical training to theoretical degrees. These institutions provide certificate & diploma courses. Also, undergraduate & postgraduate degree programs in numerous disciplines are available. International students seeking to study in Canada should enroll at a DLI school – the only school in Canada able to accept international students. 

Taxation 

In Manitoba, the income tax rates vary from 1.08% to 17.4%. The total tax burden can range from 25.8% to 50.4% when combined with federal tax. Instead of having a single harmonized consumption tax on goods & services, Manitoba has separate taxes for goods & services. The GST is 7% nationally, while the PST is also 7% for Manitoba. It’s vital to note that PST is applied to the product’s original price before GST is calculated on top. 

Newcomer Services 

The last aspect to know before moving to Manitoba is Newcomer services. 

Newcomer settlement services run at the municipal, federal, & provincial levels for immigrants/ newcomers to Canada. Note that depending upon both your legal status & where you reside, you might or might not be eligible for these services. While most services are available for permanent residents & some temporary residents, it is recommended to contact a specific service provider you wish to visit to clarify eligibility. 

The Manitoba government categorizes its settlement services into subsequent categories: 

  • Heal & family supports
  • Newcomer arrival & settlement services
  • Neighborhood immigrant settlement workers
  • Employment supports
  • Adult language training programs 
  • Hospitals
  • College & Universities 
  • Libraries
  • Other government services 
  • French support services