Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce CEO Steve McLellan

The Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce (SCC) and Manitoba Chambers of Commerce (MCC) have received funding in the amount of $310,000 from Prairies Economic Development Canada to create and collect real-time business insights in Manitoba and Saskatchewan.

Through InputSask in Saskatchewan and MBPulse in Manitoba, chamber members now have access to an all-in-1 survey platform and community hub. The platform has the combined features of SurveyMonkey and a Facebook group page with the capacity for discussion and focus groups, and communication within the hub.

Members engage and provide their input on subjects like economic landscape, government policy and regulations, and many other concerns or opportunities facing business in Manitoba and Saskatchewan. Data gathered through MBPulse and InputSask is contextualized and shared with government and back to participating Insight Community users. This data also informs the chambers’ advocacy efforts and policy processes.

The SCC and MCC are part of a national coalition made up of provincial chambers from BC to the Atlantic that are all using the same platform. Together, the chamber network has the largest collective business voice in the country.

“Belonging to MBPulse and InputSask allows us to engage with members about topics they care about with respect to business and our provincial economies. We share input back with you so you have a line of sight on the collective perspective in our provinces – intelligence that can help you make data-driven decisions about your business,” said Steve McLellan, CEO of the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce. “We are thankful for Prairies Economic Development Canada’s support in launching these important programs.”

“Since the beginning of the pandemic, businesses have had to adapt and change operations often without notice. We have seen how businesses, Chambers of Commerce and other stakeholders step-up, innovate, and support each other through this unprecedented time. As we recover from the economic challenges of the pandemic, targeted programming to address skill shortages, barriers to recruitment, retention challenges and other issues facing Saskatchewan and Manitoba businesses is required. That is why the Government of Canada is supporting the Chamber with the tools and resources needed to provide businesses and decision-makers with timely information so that they can make evidence-based decisions that support local needs and the strongest opportunity for recovery,” said Honourable Daniel Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs, Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada and Minister responsible for the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency.