WINNIPEG - October 23, 2008 – Committed to focusing on the priorities of Winnipeggers and addressing long term issues, Mayor Sam Katz today announced his leadership team including the addition of new responsibilities and two new councillors to Executive Policy Committee (EPC).

“As Mayor, I have had the opportunity to work with 12 different city councillors as members of EPC,” said Mayor Katz. “With today’s changes, we have added some fresh perspectives and have provided focus on major initiatives. We are embarking on many exciting projects that require the cooperation of all levels of government. During these exciting times, this leadership team will focus on making sure we seize opportunity and continue to grow our city.”

The Executive Policy Committee will be composed of the following six members:

Councillor Bill Clement (Charleswood – Tuxedo) – Chair of Infrastructure Renewal and Public Works

Councillor Scott Fielding (St. James - Brooklands) – Chair of Property & Development

Councillor Mike Pagtakhan (Point Douglas) – Chair of Downtown Development, and Chair of the Winnipeg Housing Steering Committee

Councillor Gord Steeves (St. Vital) – Chair of Protection and Community Services, Secretary of Intergovernmental Affairs, and Acting Deputy Mayor

Councillor Justin Swandel (St. Norbert) – Deputy Mayor, Chair of Finance, Chair of Alternate Service Delivery (ASD)

Councillor Russ Wyatt (Transcona) – Secretary of Strategic Infrastructure Renewal

In addition to the EPC appointments, other members of Council will oversee the following responsibilities:

Councillor Jeff Browaty (North Kildonan) - Youth Ambassador, councillor responsible for the Kansas City Economic Partnership

Councillor Jenny Gerbasi (Fort Rouge – East Fort Garry) - Chair of the Mayor’s Environmental Advisory Committee

Councillor Grant Nordman (St. Charles) – Chair of the Seniors Advisory Committee, councillor responsible for Assiniboine Park governance, councillor responsible for Corporate Sponsorship

Mayor Sam Katz - Secretary of Urban Aboriginal Opportunities

“I want to thank Deputy Mayor Leipsic for her passion and commitment to improving our City.  My thoughts and prayers continue to be with her.  I look forward to welcoming her passion and commitment back to City Hall in the near future,” said Katz. “I also want to thank Councillor Mike O’Shaughnessy who has delivered three budgets that have focused on improving public safety, addressing our crumbling infrastructure, and ensuring the City remains fiscally responsible and sustainable.”

The membership of all Standing Policy Committees will be finalized during the November 5th organizational meeting of City Council.