More than 700 business leaders, chamber representatives and government officials from across the province made valuable connections and heard inspiring observations last week at two of the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce’s most popular annual events.
Exclusive Exchanges: Ministers’ Dinner
The Ministers’ Dinner, our signature members-only event that offers business and community leaders the exclusive opportunity to engage directly with key cabinet ministers and other ranking caucus members, was held Tuesday, June 3 at the Fairmont Winnipeg.
MCC members anxiously await this event each year – along with our Deputy Ministers’ Dinner in the fall, another members-only event – and tickets for this year’s Ministers’ Dinner sold out in a matter of days. The opportunity for face-to-face conversations with officials responsible for executing government policies in Manitoba allows our members to foster stronger ties with key decision-makers.
Members lucky enough to get a ticket to the dinner had the chance to dine with three separate government officials throughout the evening. Guests can request the government representatives they would most like to be seated with, and MCC makes every effort to meet the requests as much as possible. Members are also able to mingle with dignitaries before and after dinner, offering additional opportunities to engage in valuable conversation with Manitoba’s decisionmakers.
Dinner guests heard from keynote speaker Hon. Adrien Sala, Minister of Finance, who shared appreciation for actions they and their organizations have taken to support Manitobans who have been evacuated due to the wildfires, and outlined recent government moves towards advancing Manitoba’s economic potential.
“We are stronger when we partner together,” Minister Sala shared. “Dinners like tonight are an incredible chance for us to renew partnerships and build closer relationships so we can improve Manitoba.”
At the end of the evening, the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce announced a donation to United Way Winnipeg, and thanked the government officials who attended for taking the time to join us and engage with our members. We are sincerely grateful for their participation.
Check out the 2025 Ministers’ Dinner photo gallery
Provincial Priorities: MBiz Breakfast with the Premier
The event that wrapped up a very full events season for the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce was also our largest to date – drawing nearly 500 members of Manitoba’s business community to the RBC Convention Centre Winnipeg bright and early on Friday, June 6.
Our MBiz Breakfast with the Premier offered attendees the opportunity to hear a timely address from The Honourable Wab Kinew, who covered topics from the devastating wildfires forcing 18,000 Manitobans to be evacuated from their homes and communities – creating stories of heroism in addition to the hardship – to the challenges and recent wins surrounding interprovincial trade.
Premier Kinew made several announcements while speaking to the hundreds gathered, including:
- A new Trade MOU (memorandum of understanding) with British Columbia to be signed soon, strengthening economic ties,
- Progress toward Fair Trade Agreements across Canada, with Bill 47 now passed – paving the way for mutual recognition and economic collaboration through reciprocal free trade by Canada Day, and
- The launch of MB Ready, a new centralized emergency preparedness platform to help Manitobans stay informed and safe during wildfires and other natural disasters.
“I just love this cover on the new edition of the magazine, and not just because you can see my office from there,” Kinew said, holding up a copy of our Summer 2025 issue of MBiz Magazine, which features a cover photo of the Manitoba Legislative Building draped in an enormous Canadian flag. “Mainly because of the Canada flag, and the symbol of our province behind it. I think that’s where everyone is at right now. Everyone is a part of Team Canada.”
The Premier highlighted some of his government’s successes since taking office in October 2023, before sitting down with MCC President and CEO Chuck Davidson for a Q&A session. Closing out the event, MCC Board Chair Beverlie Stuart shared that MCC is making a donation to the Red Cross Manitoba Wildfires Appeal, and encouraged guests to do the same.
Check out the 2025 MBiz Breakfast with the Premier photo gallery
Gain Access to Exclusive Events
The quick sell-outs of both the members-only Ministers’ Dinner and our annual MBiz Breakfast with the Premier are testaments to the value our members and the broader business community see in the opportunities MCC provides. Access to exclusive opportunities, and the chance to be the first to hear about our most popular public events – along with special member pricing – is just one of the many benefits of membership.
Members gain a broader voice through our advocacy, access to practical business solutions, affinity programs, complimentary tickets to events around the city and province, partnership opportunities and much more.
If your organization isn’t a member of the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce yet, now is a great time to join, as we look towards a new season of events, engagement and opportunities. For information about membership, please contact Brent Hutton, Director of Business Development & Member Relations, at [email protected]
Thank You to our Sponsors
We would not be able to put on these popular events for our members and the business community without the support of our fantastic sponsors. Thank you to all of our sponsors for your ongoing investment in and support of the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce.
Ministers’ Dinner Sponsors
Presenting Sponsors: Manitoba Heavy Construction Association, Manitoba Pork Council, Manitoba Real Estate Association
Supporting partners: The Canadian National Railway Company, PCL Constructors Canada, TC Energy
Reception Sponsor: RRC Polytechnic
Dinner Sponsor: Manitoba Hotel Association
Beer Sponsor: Beer Canada
Wine Sponsor: Miller Environmental
Dessert Sponsor: Rogers Communications Canada
Table Sponsors: Air Canada, Canada Life, Credit Union Central of Manitoba, Dairy Farmers of Manitoba, Fort Garry Fire Trucks, MITT, Town of Niverville, University College of the North, Vale, Valley Fiber, University of Winnipeg, and the Winnipeg Construction Association
MBiz Breakfast with the Premier Sponsors
Premier Sponsor: Town of Niverville
Supporting Sponsors: CEWIL Canada, Miller Environmental Corp.
Networking Host: Manitoba Egg Farmers
President’s Table Sponsor: CPHR Manitoba
Fastest 2 Minutes in Tourism: Travel Manitoba
Media Sponsor: Winnipeg Free Press
Eco Partner: Canadian Beverage Container Recycling Association (CBCRA)
Exhibitors: Manitoba Hotel Association, World Trade Centre Winnipeg, Manitoba Egg Farmers, Manitoba Restaurant & Food Association
