Chris Minaker
Director, Policy, Planning and External Relations, Prairies Economic Development CanadaChris Minaker is a relationship and partnership builder. With 20 years leadership experience in various roles within and around Manitoba’s public service, Chris excels at moving projects forward and getting things done that make an impact in the broader community.
Some of Chris’s accomplishments include establishing muti-year funding for successful non-profit organizations, increasing core funding for The University of Winnipeg, establishing partnerships between employers and post-secondary that resulted in job creation and opportunities for graduates, setting up the expansion of Indigenous education awards and securing funding for major strategic infrastructure projects that propel Manitoba’s economy forward.
Chris acquired his leadership skills early and in 2003, became the president of the University of Winnipeg Students’ Association. He graduated from the University of Winnipeg with a dual major in business administration and conflict resolution in 2004, and then obtained a master’s degree in conflict analysis and management at Royal Roads University.
Chris worked for the Manitoba government in policy and project management before taking on executive roles at The University of Winnipeg and The Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce. His current work at Prairies Economic Development Canada is focused on bringing policy and people together. His career focus is on building and supporting strong teams and helping to create a culture where everyone’s contributions are valued. Minaker’s sunny disposition and approachable style of leadership is both infectious and gets results.