WHO WE ARE:
The Council membership consists of a diverse group of leaders of companies who have demonstrated a commitment to Manitoba’s economic growth and community development. Collectively they represent the economic engine of Manitoba.
The Council does not seek government funding for its operations. The Council values independence and the freedom to advocate without regard to partisan politics.
WHAT WE DO:
The Council exists to make Manitoba a preferred place to live, work and invest.
The Council advocates innovative, fact-based positions on selected issues that bear directly on the future health of Manitoba society.
The Council engages in discussion with political and business leaders, offering members access to new ideas and to decision makers who can convert those ideas into action.
2023-2024
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
CHAIR
Mike Pyle
PAST CHAIR
Darryl Levy
VICE CHAIR
Rick Duha
VICE CHAIR
Jamie Brown
TREASURER
Barb Gamey
SECRETARY
Kim Ulmer
DIRECTOR
Al Babiuk
DIRECTOR
Brad Peacock
DIRECTOR
Jason Yates
DIRECTOR
Anita Wortzman
DIRECTOR
Shaun Hauser
DIRECTOR
Chad Friesen
DIRECTOR
Tina Jones
DIRECTOR
Ash Modha
HISTORY
Chief Executive Officers of leading Manitoba companies believed there was need for business leaders to speak out on major policy issues facing our province. In 1998, they formed the Business Council of Manitoba. The Council has recruited leaders who have demonstrated a commitment to Manitoba’s economic growth and community development.
The primary purpose of the Business Council of Manitoba is to research and advocate innovative positions on selected issues that bear directly on the future health of Manitoba society. The Council engages in discussion with political and business leaders, offering members access to new ideas and to decision makers who can convert those ideas into action.
FOUNDING BOARD
1998-2001
Kerry Hawkins (Founding Chair)
Hartley Richardson
Sandy Riley
Peter Viner
Art DeFehr
Richard Kroft
Bob Kozminski
Arthur Mauro
James (Jim) Carr
PAST
CHAIRS
Darryl Levy 2021 – 2023
Curt Vossen 2019 – 2021
Mark Chipman 2017 – 2019
Steve Kroft 2016 – 2017
Polly Craik 2015 – 2016
Murray Taylor 2013 – 2015
Doug Harvey 2011 – 2013
Don Streuber 2009 – 2011
Charles Loewen 2007 – 2009
Hartley Richardson 2005 – 2007
Art DeFehr 2003 – 2005
Sandy Riley 2001 – 2003
Kerry Hawkins 1998 – 2001
PRESIDENTS & CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
Bram Strain, 2020 – Present
Donald A. Leitch, 2014 – 2020
James (Jim) Carr, 1998 – 2013*
* Founding President & CEO
FOUNDING MEMBERS & COMPANIES:
| Peter Viner | CanWest Global Communications Corp. |
| Kerry Hawkins | Cargill Limited |
| John Loewen | Comcheq Services Ltd. |
| Richard Kroft | Controlled Environments Limited (Conviron) |
| Arthur V. Mauro | Distinguished Member |
| William (Bill) Watchorn | Ensis Management Inc. |
| Sandy Riley | Investors Group |
| Hartley Richardson | James Richardson & Sons Limited |
| Bob Kozminski | Keystone Ford Sales Ltd. |
| Thomas Stefanson | Manitoba Telecom Services Inc. (BellMTS) |
| Doug Harvey | Mid-Canada Truck Services Ltd. (Maxim Truck & Trailer) |
| Randy Moffat | Moffat Communications |
| Art DeFehr | Palliser Furniture Ltd. |
| Raymond McFeetors | The Great West Life Assurance Company |
| Bob Silver | Western Glove Works Ltd. |
| Robert Lavery | Winpak |