By: Staff Writer I Winnipeg Tribune
Winnipeg, December 12, 2023 - The NDP government terminated the current Board of Directors for the Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries Corporation. The NDP did the same to board members for Manitoba Public Insurance and Manitoba Hydro since taking office in October.
Sport, Culture, Heritage, and Tourism Minister Glen Simard, who oversees the Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries Corporation, unveiled the new board members. "This new team is up to the challenge of making sure that Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries can serve Manitobans as a successful, publicly owned Crown corporation," stated Simard. He underscored the necessity of repairing past setbacks, aiming to ensure that the corporation remains a significant contributor to the province.
The appointed board comprises individuals with diverse expertise spanning technology, entrepreneurship, private enterprise, public service, and labor. Minister Simard highlighted the board's crucial role in revitalizing the corporation, outlining plans to invest in staff and capacity while fostering collaboration with Indigenous communities on gaming-related matters.
Leading the charge as chairperson is Jeff Traegar, a distinguished figure serving as president of UFCW Canada Local 832 and holding key positions within the UFCW International Union. The vice-chair, Tim Comack, brings a wealth of experience in development and stewardship, having served on various boards including the Urban Development Institute of Manitoba and the Clearwater Bay Stewardship Foundation.
Other notable appointees include Michelle Cameron, founder of Dreamcatcher Promotions, a nationally recognized Indigenous promotions company, and Sarah Pinsent-Bardarson, a dedicated mental health counselor advocating for families in the Interlake region.
Christine Van Cauwenberghe, with a background in financial planning and governance, returns to the board, along with Tannis Mindell, a former deputy minister in the Manitoba government. Also joining the team are Josiane Kroll, a prominent figure in education and women's empowerment, Doug Ramsey, an instructor specializing in rural development, and Sara Penner, a seasoned finance executive with experience at Ducks Unlimited Canada.
Expressing gratitude to the outgoing members for their dedicated service, Minister Simard conveyed his confidence in the newly appointed board's ability to chart a prosperous course for Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries Corporation. Their collective vision, expertise, and commitment are poised to shape a reinvigorated future for the corporation, ensuring it remains a cornerstone in the lives of Manitobans for years to come.