Manitoba Delegation at the 2025 WTCA Global Business Forum
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Manitoba, Canada
Manitoba is a province with a diverse and resilient economy, underpinned by strong sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and energy. The province boasts one of the most stable economies in Canada, with consistent growth and low unemployment rates. Its strategic central location in North America makes it an ideal hub for trade and commerce, connecting businesses to markets across Canada, the United States, and beyond.
The province’s economic stability is further supported by a favorable business environment, including competitive tax rates and a highly skilled workforce. Manitoba’s government actively supports business development through various incentives and funding programs, making it an attractive destination for investment and trade.
Meet the Manitoba Delegation at GBF 2025:
Listed in alphabetical order:
- C2 Custom Furnishings
- CentrePort Canada
- Economic Development Council for Manitoba Bilingual Municipalities (CDEM)
- Economic Development Winnipeg (EDW)
- FaAllure
- Manitoba Environmental Industries Association (MEIA)
- Rural Manitoba Economic Development Corporation (RMED)
- World Trade Centre Winnipeg
- WSP Canada Inc.
C2 Custom Furnishings
C2 Custom Furnishings Inc. designs and manufactures high-quality commercial furniture and innovative bed bug solutions, solving critical challenges in healthcare, hospitality, and the non-profit sector. Our commitment to innovation and client satisfaction drives our global expansion opportunities.
Carla Coyle
President & CEO
CentrePort Canada
CentrePort Canada is one of North America’s largest trimodal inland ports and Foreign Trade Zones – situated in the heart of the continent, just one hour north of the United States.
Located in Winnipeg and Rosser, Manitoba, CentrePort’s strategic location at the junction of multiple transportation corridors, along with access to affordable, skilled labour; low taxes and energy rates; fast-tracked land-development approvals; and, an affordable lifestyle, makes it an attractive investment location.
With links to global trade markets – including a consumer population of 100 million people living within a 24-hour drive – the inland port’s 20,000-acre footprint offers on-site access to world class rail, truck and air cargo operations, ideal for companies engaged in global supply chain activities.
CentrePort Canada Inc., the corporation, is responsible for the planning and development of the site; business development and investment attraction; and, marketing and promotions efforts.
Jill Chapman
Executive Director, Investment Attraction & Partnerships
Economic Development Council for Manitoba Bilingual Municipalities (CDEM)
Since 1996, the Economic Development Council for Manitoba Bilingual Municipalities (CDEM) has been the driving force behind economic development in 15 bilingual communities of Manitoba. We work in the following sectors: employability and immigration, business services, community economic development, tourism, youth and communications.
At Economic Development Council for Manitoba Bilingual Municipalities (CDEM), your success is our business! Whether you are an entrepreneur, a job seeker, a community or an organization with economic or tourism development projects, a teacher or if you want to immigrate to Manitoba, we are here to help you.
Madeleine Arbez
Executive Director
Joel Lemoine, B.Comm, Ec.D.
Director of Business Services
Economic Development Winnipeg
EDW leverages robust strategic partnerships, collaborating with industry leaders, government officials, and community stakeholders to create a supportive, interconnected ecosystem that empowers local businesses to succeed. Their tailored business support is central to their mission, offering critical resources such as in-depth market intelligence, valuable business connections, and specialized services to help companies navigate challenges, seize emerging opportunities, and achieve sustainable growth.
The tangible impact of EDW’s initiatives is evident in Winnipeg’s recent record population growth and increased economic activity. These milestones underscore the city’s rising prominence as an attractive destination to live, work, and invest. Recognized as a trusted advisor and catalyst for positive change, EDW plays an instrumental role in shaping Winnipeg’s economic landscape, driving innovation, and ensuring the city remains competitive and resilient in an ever-evolving global marketplace.
Pahul Gill
FDI Manager
FaAllure
Founded by Fatima Thiam, Fa Allure is a company that promotes Manitoban and African textiles based on the know-how of artisans.
Fa Allure combines tradition and modernity to offer unique creations, a different style with a confirmed elegant look.
The main products offered come from African and Canadian artisans, namely woven loincloth, threads, textiles, shoes, coats, mittens and beads, to encourage local consumption and above all to showcase the know-how of artisans by exporting their talents and skills on a global scale.
FA Allure offers clothing and accessories for men, women and children.
Fatima Thiam
Founder & CEO
The Manitoba Environmental Industries Association (MEIA) serves as an information and opportunity hub, equipping members with the information they need to stay current on governmental policy and legislation, increase their knowledge of environmental practices, and gain business development knowledge. Through learning sessions, training programs, conferences, special events, e-news, and project partnerships, members can find the solutions they need to very real environmental challenges.
Patrick Campbell
President (Manitoba Environmental Industries Association
Vice President, Manitoba Market Leader (WSP Canada Inc.)
Rural Manitoba Economic Development Corporation
We are one of the world’s top professional services firms, bringing together some of the brightest engineers, advisors and scientists from across the globe.
We exist to shape communities to advance humanity. We see the world through a Future Ready® lens, fuelled by a shared commitment to making a positive impact—one project and community at a time.
We empower our clients to dream big and carve new paths, tackling the real-world challenges that matter most.
Rural Manitoba Economic Development Corporation (RMED) is a Canadian economic development agency that advances growth, investment, and opportunity across southern rural Manitoba. RMED supports economic development by equipping communities and businesses with strategic insights, data, tools, and connections to strengthen local economies and attract investment.
RMED collaborates with governments, industry associations, and stakeholders to position rural Manitoba as a competitive destination for business, trade, and innovation. Key sectors include manufacturing, clean energy, tourism, technology, biosciences, aerospace, agriculture, and agricultural sciences.
Community-level economic data is showcased on Advance Rural Manitoba at www.advanceruralmanitoba.ca, RMED’s specialized platform designed to support informed decision-making for investors.
Margot Cathcart
Chief Executive Officer, Rural Manitoba Economic Development Corp (RMED)
World Trade Centre Winnipeg
Established in 2013, World Trade Centre Winnipeg originally had a mandate to showcase Manitoba’s bilingualism as an asset on the international stage. Today it has evolved to focus on promoting entrepreneurship and trade in the province, as well as supporting companies to be ready for trade within the province, the country and globally.
As the strategic partner for trade to the Province of Manitoba, World Trade Centre Winnipeg achieves its objectives through providing entrepreneurship and trade-focused services to Manitoba businesses, as well as facilitating events that support and grow the Manitoba business community.
André Brin
Chief Executive Officer
Natalie Courcelles Beaudry
Chief Operating Officer
Paul Keefe
Director of Client Engagement
Eric Chaput
Business Advisor
Ignacio Ledesma
Senior Trade Advisor
Helga Van Iderstine K.C.
Chair, WTC Winnipeg Board of Directors
Partner, MLT Aikins LLP
Ken Chartrand
Vice Chair, WTC Winnipeg Board of Directors
CEO, Encore Business Solutions
WSP Canada Inc.
WSP is one of the world’s top professional services firms, bringing together some of the brightest engineers, advisors and scientists from across the globe.
We exist to shape communities to advance humanity. We see the world through a Future Ready® lens, fuelled by a shared commitment to making a positive impact—one project and community at a time.
We empower our clients to dream big and carve new paths, tackling the real-world challenges that matter most.
Patrick Campbell
Vice President, Manitoba Market Leader (WSP Canada Inc.)
President (Manitoba Environmental Industries Association