Manitoba shouldn't be criticized it's job growth last year was lower than other western provinces.

According to Portage Labour Council president Daren Van den Bussche the province's 0.7% falls behind only Alberta and Saskatchewan which are fuelled by the area's oil industry. He feels Manitoba will eventually catch up, with the oil finds in Virden.

Van den Bussche says Saskatchewan leads Manitoba in job growth only because Alberta's oil industry is spilling over to them.

Locally, construction of an east overpass along with development in the west-end of Portage will ensure steady job opportunities.