October 31, 2021
Province Announces New Clerk Of Executive Council: Don Leitch, Long Time Civil Servant to Serve in Key Role
Premier Kelvin Goertzen announced today the appointment of Don Leitch as clerk of the executive council and secretary to cabinet following the departure of David McLaughlin.
“Mr. Leitch has extensive executive experience in both the public and private sectors including having served as the clerk of the executive council and deputy minister to the Premier in Manitoba for over eleven years previously,” said Goertzen. “Manitobans will benefit tremendously from his capable leadership and experience as we move Manitoba forward post pandemic.”
Leitch has served on numerous boards, commissions, and task forces provincially and nationally, including the boards of the Forks-North Portage Development Corporation, the International Institute for Sustainable Development, The Multiple Sclerosis Society, and the Poverty Reduction Council at the United Way of Winnipeg.
He served as a Deputy Minister in British Columbia with responsibility for economic development, international investment and trade, small business, and tourism. He also led the initiative to establish Travel Alberta as a Crown Corporation and was its first CEO.
For over a decade Leitch has been on the International Advisory Committee of the Royal Winnipeg Ballet. In June 2017, Leitch was elected Chair of the Board of Directors of the RWB and most recently, he served as President and CEO of the Business Council of Manitoba from 2014-2020.
Leitch was awarded the 2000 Lieutenant Governor’s Gold Medal for Excellence in Public Administration (Manitoba), and the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal.
Goertzen thanked David McLaughlin for his public service and dedication to Manitobans during his tenure as clerk of the executive council.
Leitch takes up his new duties effective Monday, Nov. 1.
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