Who We Are The Business Council of Manitoba is comprised of over 100 of Manitoba’s leading businesses and their presidents and CEOs who are dedicated to the economic growth and community development of the province. Together, they serve as Manitoba’s economic engine. The Council does not rely on government funding for its operations and stands for independence and the freedom to advocate without being influenced by 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 select issues that directly impact the current and future well-being and prosperity of Manitoba and its people. The Council engages in discussions with political and business leaders to collaborate on policy solutions that support social and economic growth in our province. The Council offers its members a safe, collaborative space to foster new ideas. We bring these ideas to decision-makers who can convert them into actions that are beneficial for all parties. Who We Are The Council membership consists of a diverse and prestigious 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. “Bring good people, with good intentions, with a common purpose together and give them the opportunity to consider alternatives to the current policies and situation — the opportunities are limitless” – Dr. Arthur Mauro LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT The Business Council of Manitoba recognizes that we and our membership are located and conduct business on the lands of the Anishinaabe, Ininiwak, Anishininew, Dakota, and Dene, and the National Homeland of the Red River Métis. We acknowledge that northern Manitoba includes lands that were and are the ancestral lands of the Inuit. The Business Council represents businesses throughout treaty land, and we recognize and honour the treaty territories of the province – Treaties One, Two, Three, Four, and Five. We respect the spirit and intent of treaties and treaty-making, including modern-day treaties. We recognize and honour Shoal Lake 40 First Nation as the source of Winnipeg’s clean drinking water and acknowledge the injustices faced that while the people of Winnipeg were privileged with access to clean drinking water, the people of Shoal Lake 40 First Nation were under a boil water advisory for over two decades. We recognize the privileges we have from conducting our business on this land. We are committed to continued tangible actions toward reconciliation in Manitoba, specifically Truth and Reconciliation Commission Call to Action 92: Business and Reconciliation, which calls upon the corporate sector to ensure Indigenous peoples have equitable access to jobs, training, and education opportunities. The BCM members are collectively contributing to this Call to Action through BCM programs, the Indigenous Education Awards (IEA) and Work-Integrated Learning (WIL). These programs provide Indigenous students in Manitoba with increased financial support for post-secondary and access to work placement and job opportunities. BCM members directly fund the IEA program and provide jobs and work placement opportunities within their companies through the WIL program. The Council is committed to advocating for, enacting, and enabling policies and actions that foster an environment of economic reconciliation within Manitoba. DEI STATEMENT The Council aspires to be reflective of the business community that exists in Manitoba today. We recognize that in the past, our efforts in fostering a diverse and inclusive environment have not met the standards we aspire to. We acknowledge the importance of diversity, equity, inclusion (DEI), and representation in building a healthy business community and province where all individuals feel valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives. We understand that achieving true diversity, equity, and inclusion is an ongoing journey and partnership. While we know we have a lot of work to do in this area, we are willing and committed to listening, learning, and taking meaningful actions to create a more inclusive Council and business community in Manitoba where everyone feels they belong and can succeed.
