The most recent economic forecasts indicate that all provinces will see their economies shrink in 2009. Whereas the brunt of this contraction will be borne by Ontario and Alberta, Manitoba's will be less than one per cent. As well, unemployment is expected to rise across the country, but Manitoba's is projected to be the lowest in Canada at 5.4 per cent. Manitoba is also expected to be one of the two top retail revenue growth provinces.

Manitoba's new-home market has experienced some of its best years ever over the past five years. Demand for new homes was at all-time highs and the construction activity was overwhelming. But the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corp. has projected a 4.6 per cent decline in new-home construction in Manitoba in 2009, still the lowest in Canada.