Remarks by
The Honourable Anita Neville, P.C., O.M.
Lieutenant Governor of Manitoba
LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR’S AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION TO THE COMMUNITY
Government House
Monday, May 12, 2025
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Members and friends of the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce, champions of prosperity and progress, welcome to Government House on this special day for our province.
It is a pleasure to welcome you to this gathering in the heart of Treaty One land and the homeland of the Red River Metis on May 12 – Manitoba Day.
As we commemorate the anniversary of the passage of the Manitoba Act, we acknowledge that our province is located on the treaty territories and ancestral lands of the Anishinaabe, Dakota, Dene and Cree nations and the homeland of the Red River Métis.
We also acknowledge that this province was established as a result of the efforts of Louis Riel and the provisional government to protect the rights of the Indigenous residents of the Red River and beyond.
As we work for prosperity and greater economic opportunity in Manitoba, we remain committed to working in partnership with First Nations, Metis and Inuit people in the spirit of truth, reconciliation and collaboration.
I don’t need to remind an audience like this that we live in a time of considerable economic uncertainty.
From day to day, even from hour to hour, we don’t know what change will come to stock markets and global trade patterns.
And so because of that, we are all looking to our local, provincial and national business communities to innovate and build homegrown economic security.
With that in mind, I can’t think of a better time to bring back the Manitoba Champions Awards to celebrate great accomplishments and leadership by individuals and by businesses.
Past recipients of these awards have created employment to support countless families, expanded the tax base to meet public needs, and given back to the community through philanthropy and volunteer leadership.
The individuals and businesses recognized through these awards have created Canada’s most diversified economy and provided opportunities that have allowed young Manitobans to follow their dreams in their home province.
And in a moment we’ll hear how this year’s recipients – Payworks Canada and Doug Stephen, president of Wow! Hospitality Concepts – have earned the status of Manitoba Champions.
In a year when we need leaders to rise to the occasion to defend our prosperity, values and sovereignty, I thank the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce for supporting business and shining a light on great success stories. And I congratulate this year’s recipients on well-earned recognition and thank them for all they do to enrich our economy and strengthen our communities.
Thank you. Merci. Meegwich. Shalom
