Linkages 2026 The Role of Post Secondary in Economic Growth – Fireside Chat
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Minister Advanced Education and Training
Renée Cable was elected as the MLA for Southdale in 2023. She is a proud Métis mom who is passionate about building stronger, healthier communities.
Prior to becoming an MLA, Cable’s background was in management, HR, advocacy and public policy including working in various staff roles in the Manitoba legislature. She has also served on several child-care, community centre and non-profit boards. Cable holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and diplomas in human resource management and management, all from the University of Winnipeg.
Cable grew up in Brandon and now lives in Windsor Park in the Southdale constituency with her family.
Brandon University
President Christine Bovis-Cnossen brings to Brandon University more than 30 years of leadership experience from universities in Canada and the UK — but she is equally passionate about people, community, and building an inclusive future together.
Her career has taken her across the globe: she has been Acting Vice-Chancellor at the University of East Anglia in England, Interim President at Thompson Rivers University in British Columbia, and Vice President Academic at OCAD University in Toronto. Along the way, she has led major projects to strengthen student success, expand research, and grow international opportunities. At UEA, she helped guide the institution back to financial health and expanded recruitment into new markets. At TRU, she championed open learning, supported Indigenous education, and helped secure accreditation that put the university on the world stage.
Christine is also a sociologist by training, with research focusing on equity, gender, and military service. She has been recognized as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and is a lifelong advocate for transparency and collaboration in academic leadership.
Outside the office, Christine has a love of theatre, film, and art, and is happiest when exploring a new exhibition. She also has a soft spot for classic cars and motorcycles. Whether she’s at a graduation ceremony, walking through campus, or joining a community event, she brings warmth, openness, and a genuine interest in the people around her.
Dean of the Faculty of Business and Economics, University of Winnipeg
Hugh Grant (PhD, Toronto) is a Professor in the Department of Economics and currently serving as the Dean of the Faculty of Business and Economics at The University of Winnipeg. His primary research fields are Canadian economic development, labour economics, and the economics of health care. In addition to his academic publications, he has experience in policy work with the government agencies (Industry Canada, Law Commission of Canada, Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples, Manitoba Housing, Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care) and non-governmental organizations. With respect to the latter, he has done significant work in aboriginal economic development and land claims negotiations. He served for ten years on the Manitoba Public Utilities Board and for five years as a public representative on the Board of the Chartered Professional Accountants of Manitoba (CPA MB).
Dean of the Division of Extended Education, University of Manitoba
An experienced academic leader, Dr. Kothe is known for her collaborative approach, commitment to inclusive learning environments, and strong advocacy for equity, diversity, and accessibility in education. Alongside her administrative leadership, she remains an active faculty member in the Faculty of Science, bringing a research‑informed and learner‑centred perspective to program development and institutional strategy.
Doug Lauvstad
University College of the North
Doug is currently President and Vice Chancellor of University College of the North, a position he has held since August, 2017. This unique institution provides educational and training opportunities on campuses and centres throughout northern Manitoba. Prior to joining UCN, Doug was the Executive Director, of the Northern Manitoba Sector Council, an association of northern Manitoba largest industry sectors (mining, forestry, energy) The focus of Doug’s career is on building and sustaining a skilled, prosperous northern Manitoba.
RRC Polytech
Fred Meier became President and CEO of RRC Polytech – Manitoba’s only polytechnic institution – in 2020, leading the College through transformative academic and institutional growth.
Fred’s vision has guided RRC Polytech in embracing its identity as a polytechnic, launching a bold strategic plan to anticipate industry needs and prepare a workforce for the jobs of tomorrow. Key priorities include delivering industry-aligned programming for over 20,000 students, advancing Truth and Reconciliation, embedding equity, diversity, and inclusion, and deepening industry partnerships in Manitoba and beyond.
Under Fred’s leadership, RRC Polytech surpassed the $60-million target for its largest-ever fundraising campaign in under two years. He also played a pivotal role in establishing the Price Institute of Advanced Manufacturing and Mechatronics and the Schroeder Institute of Entertainment and Media Arts, solidifying the College’s leadership in applied research and work-integrated learning.
Fred emphasizes collaboration and fostering a positive, inclusive work environment, recognizing employee engagement as essential to institutional success. He is also deeply committed to Truth and Reconciliation, seeking guidance and learning from Knowledge Keepers, Elders and Grandmothers in Residence to incorporate Indigenous knowledge into College practices, from policies to the naming of spaces.
Before joining RRC Polytech, Fred held senior leadership roles in Manitoba’s public service, including as Clerk of Executive Council and Secretary to Cabinet. He holds a Master of Science from the University of Manitoba. An avid cyclist, Fred enjoys exploring the outdoors, curling, and spending time with his family.
President & CEO of the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce
Chuck Davidson is the President & CEO of the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce, representing 64 local chambers and nearly 10,000 organizations throughout the province. Under his leadership since 2013, the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce has seen a renewed focus on policy and advocacy as the Voice of Business in Manitoba and is continually recognized as an accredited Chamber of Commerce with distinction. A dedicated community booster and champion of economic development, Chuck is also Chair or Co-Chair of the Rural Manitoba Economic Development Corporation, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce Accreditation Council, the Manitoba Mineral Development Fund and Travel Manitoba’s Provincial Tourism strategy, as well as a Board member of the Community Economic Development Fund.
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