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WINNIPEG – Manitoba Heavy ��������ion Association (MHCA) president and CEO Chris Lorenc and VP Felicia Wiltshire have been named to Premier Wab Kinew’s new Business and Job Council subcommittees.

Lorenc has been appointed to the Trade Diversification – Internal and International Trade subcommittee and Wiltshire has been appointed to the Education, Training and Workforce Development subcommittee. A third subcommittee on tourism was also created by the government.

“As Donald Trump’s tariffs continue to threaten Manitoba’s economy and Canada’s sovereignty, we are drawing on the expertise of local business leaders to help us diversify trade,” said Kinew in a statement. “Our new subcommittee on workforce development brings together the leaders of our post-secondary institutions to make sure Manitobans have the best training for good careers as we face the challenge of the federal government’s recent cuts to post-secondary education across the country. Additionally, our new subcommittee on tourism will help ensure that northern tourism grows alongside the potential Churchill Plus project.”

Since its creation, the Premier’s Business and Jobs Council has provided advice that has helped inform key government initiatives, including Manitoba’s economic development strategy, efforts to strengthen trade relations with China and the U.S., and actions to support clean energy, productivity and job creation, a release reads.

Created in December 2023, the council brings together business, labour and Indigenous leaders.

The council is co-chaired by Ash Modha, CEO, Mondetta Clothing and Kevin Rebeck, president of the Manitoba Federation of Labour.

“From the start, this council has been about bringing business, labour and Indigenous leaders to the same table and having honest conversations about Manitoba’s economy,” said Modha. “Refreshing the council and its subcommittees helps ensure work stays focused on the challenges we’re hearing from employers and workers, and on the opportunities that will move Manitoba forward.”