Winnipeg, MB – Today, Mayor Brian Bowman announced changes to leadership roles to better position and respond to global challenges affecting our community.
“I’m proud of the way Winnipeggers have responded to the global pandemic,” said Mayor Bowman. “As our city begins to adjust to a new normal, it is important that those in leadership roles are focused on how we can continue to build our city for the future during and after the pandemic has passed.”
The changes to leadership roles being announced today come at a critical time as the City of Winnipeg responds to the provincial government’s reopen and recovery plans.
Going forward, the committees of Council will be making strategic decisions as they work within the recently adopted multi-year balanced budgets in order to respond to the effects of COVID-19.
“I’d like to express my gratitude to each committee chair for the significant leadership efforts that they have demonstrated during this unprecedented time,” said Mayor Bowman. “Much has happened in the last year including the unprecedented weather event in October, the adoption of the first ever multi-year balanced budgets and the COVID-19 global pandemic.”
The committee chairs of each standing policy committee will be as follows:
- Councillor Matt Allard (St. Boniface): Chair of the Standing Policy Committee on Infrastructure Renewal and Public Works
- Councillor Jeff Browaty (North Kildonan): Chair of the Standing Policy Committee on Innovation and Economic Development
- Councillor Scott Gillingham (St. James): Chair of the Standing Policy Committee on Finance
- Councillor Cindy Gilroy (Daniel McIntyre): Chair of the Standing Policy Committee on Property and Development, Heritage, and Downtown Development
- Councillor Brian Mayes (St. Vital): Chair of the Standing Committee on Water and Waste, Riverbank Management and the Environment
- Councillor Sherri Rollins (Fort Rouge - East Fort Garry): Chair of the Standing Policy Committee on Protection, Community Services and Parks
New to the role of Deputy Mayor is Councillor John Orlikow (River Heights-Fort Garry) and continuing in the role of Acting Deputy Mayor is Councillor Vivian Santos (Point Douglas).
"The roles of Deputy Mayor and Acting Deputy Mayor are incredibly important,” said Mayor Bowman. “I want to thank Councillor Chambers for his excellent work in our community during his time as Deputy Mayor. I am pleased to welcome Councillor Orlikow to the role of Deputy Mayor. As one of the longest serving City Councillors, he is well-positioned to provide strong leadership and public service in the role of Deputy Mayor.”
In addition to the duties undertaken by the Deputy Mayor, Councillor Orlikow will now:
- Oversee the Council objectives for responding to the effects of COVID-19;
- Support the goals of the Human Rights Committee of Council; and
- Support the Chair of the Standing Policy Committee on Infrastructure Renewal and Public Works by promoting and improving the Million Tree Challenge through engagement with Trees Winnipeg and other external stakeholders.
Subject to Council ratification, the new Chair of the Winnipeg Police Board will be Councillor Markus Chambers (St. Norbert - Seine River), who has served over the last year as Vice-Chair.
“The Winnipeg Police Board provides civilian oversight of the Winnipeg Police Service. It also works to ensure that the needs and values of the community are reflected in the Winnipeg Police Service. During these challenging times, I appreciate that Councillor Chambers is prepared to provide needed leadership in the position of Chair,” said Mayor Bowman.
Councillor Gillingham will assume responsibility as Council Liaison for Veteran and Military Affairs.
Councillor Mayes will assume responsibility as Council Liaison for School Board and Youth Opportunities.
Mandate letters will be issued and publicly released next week.
All of the above mentioned leadership positions will take effect on June 27, 2020.
"Over the years, Winnipeg has proven that it can weather any storm,” said Mayor Bowman. “We will recover from the COVID-19 crisis and emerge stronger than before.”