May 13, 2020
Premier's Economic Opportunities Advisory Board Established to Lead Manitoba's Economic Recovery and Growth
– – –Leaders in Wide Range of Sectors will Identify Opportunities for Unleashing Private-Sector Capital, Creating Jobs in Rebound from Pandemic: Pallister
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The provincial government has established the new Premier’s Economic Opportunities Advisory Board to chart Manitoba’s course for reopening its economy and renewing its growth in order to move the province forward from the COVID-19 pandemic, Premier Brian Pallister announced today.
“This board of leaders in sectors including business, technology, financial services and training will draw on its expertise to provide advice to the government on leading Manitoba’s renewed growth following the public health crisis,” said Pallister. “Its members will work as a team to find opportunities for economic recovery and growth, based on the strengths of Manitobans and the province’s communities and industries so Manitoba emerges stronger and more resilient than ever before.”
The 18-member advisory board also includes leaders in Manitoba in transportation, real estate, agriculture, education and manufacturing, among a range of other sectors. With a mandate of 18 months, it will advise the government on ways to harness private-sector capital and investment to recover and create jobs and economic growth across the province, the premier noted.
The Premier’s Economic Opportunities Advisory Board will examine the potential creation of new growth hubs and economic clusters, in addition to networks in which businesses and communities would collaborate to support investment, trade and job creation. The plan includes identifying opportunities to transform government policies, programs, regulations, and services to support a fast recovery and renewed economic growth, and a further alignment of post-secondary programs and courses with the province’s labour market needs and priorities.
“This team of leaders will provide the best possible direction for unleashing private-sector capital and investment for our province,” said Pallister. “The way forward is to foster entrepreneurship and technological growth toward longer-term economic resilience and sustainability.”
The premier was pleased to announce that Curt Vossen, president and CEO of Richardson International, has agreed to serve as chair of the board.
“I look forward to the prospect of working together to identify and articulate economic opportunities for Manitoba,” said Vossen.
The board will report to the premier, and will be supported by staff of Executive Council, the Economic Development Office and the Office of the Clerk of the Executive Council and Cabinet Secretary to ensure a whole-of-government approach.
A comprehensive list of Manitoba government COVID-19 measures can be found at:
https://manitoba.ca/bg/2020/04/covid19.html.
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BACKGROUND INFORMATION ATTACHED
Backgrounder
Background Information - https://www.gov.mb.ca/asset_library/en/newslinks/2020/05/BG-PEAC_Bios_2-PR.pdf