RMED and Manitoba: Leadership in Rural Growth

Municipal Affairs
7 minutes ago
2 min read

Manitoba’s economic future doesn’t begin in boardrooms or big city towers—it begins in its communities.

Across rural Manitoba, local leaders, businesses, and municipalities are shaping the province’s economic story in real time. From main streets to manufacturing floors, from agricultural innovation to emerging tourism opportunities, the strength of Manitoba’s economy is deeply connected to the strength of its regions.

That’s where the Rural Manitoba Economic Development Corporation—RMED—plays a critical role.

Working in collaboration with Manitoba Economic Development, Investment, Trade and Natural Resources, and alongside partners like Economic Development Winnipeg, RMED helps ensure that communities south of the 53rd parallel—outside the capital region—are not only included in the province’s economic vision, but actively driving it forward.

Their work is focused and practical: helping municipalities build capacity, connecting businesses to opportunities, navigating government programs, and making sure rural voices are part of the broader economic conversation. It’s about creating the conditions for job growth, attracting private investment, expanding trade and export potential, and advancing priorities like diversity and reconciliation.

But perhaps most importantly, RMED is about connection—bringing together stakeholders, data, ideas, and people to reduce barriers and unlock potential across Manitoba’s rural landscape.

So what does that look like on the ground? And what is the economic outlook for municipalities when viewed through a local, regional lens?

Today on Municipal Affairs, we explore those questions.

Joining us is Margot Cathcart, Chief Executive Officer of the Rural Manitoba Economic Development Corporation. A proud rural Manitoban, Margot brings decades of experience across both the private and public sectors—from agriculture and technology to finance and media. Recognized as one of The West 20 for her leadership in economic development across Western Canada, she’s known as a builder—someone who understands how to turn ideas into impact.

Margot joins us to talk about how RMED is working with communities and businesses across Manitoba—and what it will take to build a resilient, competitive, and prosperous future for rural municipalities.

This is Municipal Affairs.

------ Learn More About RMED:

https://rmedcorp.ca/

------

Support The Show Today: https://www.crossborderinterviews.ca/support-the-show

Join The Show: https://www.crossborderinterviews.ca/be-part-of-the-show

------

Listen To The Show:

Apple: https://apple.co/41p5I2I

Spotify: https://bit.ly/3tkvb0E

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/crossborderinterviewswithchrisbrown

------