Tourism Winnipeg

SkipTheDishes, one of Canada's largest online food-delivery companies, was formed in Saskatchewan but founders, Josh and Chris Simair, moved the company's operations to Winnipeg where its rapid expansion made international headlines. It is no surprise that SkipTheDishes had success relocating to a city where the tech sector has seen significant growth and become an ideal destination for industry professionals. "We helped hire and relocate 120 developers who moved from Brazil to Winnipeg for SkipTheDishes," said Meghan Watchorn, head of growth at VanHack, a tech talent recruiting company. "Global tech talents are attracted to move to Canada." Tech careers, from entry level to executive, are in high demand in Winnipeg. "We are seeing the continued migration to digital platforms and use of mobile tools," said Linda Chammartin, Vice-President, Professional and Management Recruitment at People First HR. "This is translating to increasing needs for IT strategy, management and support which has prompted the need for organizations to increase the size and depth of their IT teams." "Tech talent in Winnipeg is strong and innovative, it is wonderful to see local talent filling these expanding needs and to see associations such as Tech Manitoba support this talent and collaborate with the community to continue to strengthen our tech sector." Watchorn said there is an appeal for international talent with families to consider a city such as her hometown. "Winnipeg does an amazing job of supporting families," said Watchorn. "It's Friendly Manitoba. Winnipeg is a great place to thrive and raise a family. People are exceptionally friendly and engaging, wherein some of the larger cities, I don't think people from elsewhere necessarily feel that community feel that you get in Winnipeg." It is that inclusion that draws people to Winnipeg from all walks of life… and keeps them here. The business community is very open to diversity in Winnipeg— they embrace it." Sherman Kong, CEO of AMIK "This is such a multicultural city and employers are very open to inclusion in the workplace," said Sherman Kong, CEO of AMIK, an organization that provides Indigenous workforce engagement and training services. "Companies partner with us on pilot projects that are specifically built and designed for the Indigenous workforce. They are committed to accelerating Indigenous economic participation. The business community is very open to diversity in Winnipeg—they embrace it." AMIK works closely with a diverse range of companies like CN Rail, Rio Tinto, Assiniboine Credit Union, Johnston Group and Indigenous peoples and their communities to strengthen the socio-economic fabric of the province and country. "We have some of the highest numbers of Indigenous people living here," said Kong. "In Winnipeg, there are service providers like AMIK that help companies with Indigenous recruitment, retention, soft skills training and cultural awareness training. Many companies are looking to get onboard with that because inclusion is what many workers want and is a very important issue for job seekers." Indeed, the success of a company is in the strength of its people. "We have companies here that are doing such amazing things," said Cefali. "They're landing big, national contracts and people don't even realize that these gems are right here in our city. And it's happening because we are so accomplished. The talent pool is incredible. You can't go wrong in terms of finding what you need—whether it's people, places or opportunities, you're going to find it here." Courtesy of Legacy Bowes 57 YES! WINNIPEG REAL TALENT

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