An event that many call their “favourite of the year” lived up to expectations as more than 200 Manitoba Chambers of Commerce (MCC) members gathered for an evening of face-to-face conversations with the action drivers of the Manitoba government. Our Deputy Ministers’ Dinner, held on November 12, brought together business and community leaders to dine and connect directly with Deputy Ministers and senior public servants for an informal opportunity to exchange ideas, concerns, and opinions.
This dinner, along with our signature Ministers’ Dinner in the spring, are exclusive members-only events designed to deliver coordinated networking with high-ranking government officials who shape policy in government. Our guests enjoyed lively conversation with three government representatives who rotated tables throughout the evening, and also had a chance to mingle with attendees before and after dinner. We deeply appreciate the government representatives’ commitment to participating openly and transparently.
This exclusive annual event is so popular with MCC’s members that it sold out in less than 48 hours this year, President & CEO Chuck Davidson shared.
“We always receive great feedback on this event because it’s so valuable to our members. They let us know which civil service leaders they would most like to connect with, and we intentionally seat them with those whose departments align with their organization’s purpose,” Chuck said. “This gives our members a chance to address and advance their own key priorities for their business in a less formal environment, helping them drive positive action for their own interests and for those of the broader business community.”
The evening featured a keynote address from Sarah Thiele, Clerk of the Executive Council, whose role includes Deputy Minister to the Premier, Cabinet Secretary, and senior Deputy Minister and Head of Manitoba’s Public Service. Thiele talked about the report on Manitoba youth out-migration MCC worked on with the Canada West Foundation and released this fall, which she called “an enlightening view into young people’s motivations when deciding to move to, stay in or leave Manitoba.”
Thiele shared her own story of why she chose to return to Manitoba to build her career here, after attending Brandon University then moving to Montreal for graduate studies, and challenged everyone in the room to think and talk about the next generation with compassion and understanding, and to listen to what matters to them.
“Manitoba youth are progressive. They want to see positive, inclusive change. They want to work across communities. They want to give back,” she told the evening’s guests. “How can we do a better job of sharing with them, all of the amazing opportunities Manitoba has to offer right now? How can we work together across the public and private sectors to celebrate this amazing province that we will continue to build together?”
Thiele also asked the evening’s guests to consider their own reasons for staying in Manitoba, suggesting the topic as a conversation starter.
“To amplify the conclusions of the report, I agree that Manitobans collectively can work together to change our narrative. We can come together to form the solutions that will work best, from a deep understanding of our communities and our personal stories. So, reflect on your why, share with your table, and think about how we can collectively change that narrative and grow Manitoba together.
At the end of the evening, Davidson shared his hope that attendees were left with valuable connections.
“Maybe you’ve advanced an important issue in the right direction, met a new contact, or opened a door to a next-level discussion about something that matters to you personally, professionally or to our community.”
Davidson then announced that in honour of the recent passing of Hon. Murray Sinclair, and of his legacy of public service and deep commitment to truth, fairness and dignity for all people, MCC will be donating portions of the event’s proceeds to the Murray Sinclair Memorial Foundation, and to the National Indigenous Residential School Museum in Portage la Prairie.
The evening of course would not have been possible without our valued event sponsors, who we thank for their continued support:
- Presenting sponsors: Manitoba Heavy Construction Association, Miller Environmental, and University of Manitoba
- Supporting sponsor: Manitoba Real Estate Association, Tundra Oil & Gas, and Vale Base Metals
- Reception sponsor: RRC Polytechnic
- Hospitality sponsor: PCL Constructors Canada
- Entrée sponsor: Manitoba Pork Council
- Wine sponsor: TC Energy
- Dessert sponsor: Rogers Communications Canada
- Table sponsors: Air Canada, Canadian Beverage Container Recycling Association, Credit Union Central of Manitoba, Dairy Farmers of Manitoba, Deloitte, Manitoba Hotel Association, Manitoba Institute of Trades & Technology, Rural Manitoba Economic Development Corp., Southport Aerospace Centre, University College of the North, Valley Fiber, Western Retail Lumber Association
We are truly grateful to all of these sponsors.
Photo gallery coming soon!
