True North Strong and Free (Trade)

April 29, 2021

In partnership with the Government of Manitoba, the WTC Winnipeg helped organize a highly successful B2B delegation to the True North Free Trade Forum (March 25-31, 2021). Over 60 delegates from Manitoba were able to participate in this unique opportunity. 

Aimed at strengthening business ties across Canada to support economic recovery, build domestic supply chains, and provide business opportunities to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the forum brought together over 900 participants to exchange ideas and explore new business.

 The event put a spotlight on the energy, life sciences, healthcare, and food and beverage industries to highlight emerging and important topics such as technology, supply chain, logistics and transportation.

 The forum featured two days of live streamed events and webinars focused on the interprovincial and regional trade issues and opportunities. It also offered B2B opportunities via curated buyer-seller meetings in the highlighted sectors.

Growing interprovincial trade is an important domestic opportunity and steppingstone for Manitoba companies as they grow towards international trade. “The Manitoba government was pleased to partner with our provincial colleagues and the business community to offer an innovative approach to trade development during the global pandemic,” said Ralph Eichler, Minister of Economic Development and Jobs. “Our interprovincial trade relationships are more important now than ever. These types of activities that highlight our domestic strengths are essential as we recover from the impacts of COVID-19 and position Manitoba and Canada for economic success.”

“As the Strategic Partner for Trade for the Province of Manitoba, we were delighted to be able to participate and support this important initiative, which a was greatly appreciated by the participating companies,” recounted Mariette Mulaire, WTC Winnipeg President & CEO.

More News

WTC Winnipeg Updates Leadership Team

January 14, 2025 - Winnipeg, Manitoba – January 2025 – The World Trade Centre Winnipeg (WTC Winnipeg) is thrilled to announce changes to the Leadership Team, that took effect on January 1, 2025. Three team members’ roles within the team have increased, reflective of both these individuals’ accomplishments in previous capacities, as well as the organization’s evolution over the last three years. World Trade Centre Winnipeg underwent a significant restructuring in March, 2022, and upon the recent conclusion of a strategic planning process, Chief Executive Officer André Brin announced three internal promotions that will increase the leadership team from three to five individuals, while supporting the organization’s efforts to best serve the Manitoba’s economic growth and local businesses looking to launch, grow and expand. Natalie Courcelles Beaudry, the Director of Operations with the organization since March 2022, has been promoted to Chief Operating Officer. Paul Keefe, a Business Advisor since August 2022 becomes Director of Client Engagement, while Boutaïna Berrado, the Manager of Marketing and Communications becomes Director of Awareness and Partnerships. Boutaïna has been with the World Trade Centre Winnipeg since November 2021. Paul and Boutaïna have joined a Leadership Team, that also includes Natalie, Chief Executive Officer André Brin, and Director of Business Operations Vivian Gosselin. “This is an exciting time for the entire team at World Trade Centre Winnipeg,” said André Brin. “With our strategic planning process moving forward, we are excited to bring increased value to the Manitoba economic development ecosystem, and directly to Manitoba businesses. I look forward to working with Natalie, Vivian, Paul and Boutaïna on leading the execution of this strategy, and increasing economic activity in Manitoba, notably through international trade.” Natalie Courcelles Beaudry has worked closely with CEO André Brin and the leadership team to enhance client services and programming and will support more in the government and stakeholder relations space in her new role. With over 20 years of experience in both public and private sectors, Natalie’s background spans government, politics, health, education, finance, tourism, and economic development. FULL BIO HERE Paul Keefe has been a trusted resource for entrepreneurs and small businesses, helping them set and achieve their goals. In his new role, Paul will work with the advisors on staff to ensure a positive and productive experience for every business that engages with the organization’s services. His background includes experience as a personal trainer, business owner, and consultant, which has honed his ability to build strong relationships and provide tailored guidance to clients. FULL BIO HERE Boutaina Berrado now leads a newly structured department that merges marketing, communications and partnerships after leading marketing and communications at World Trade Centre Winnipeg for over three years. Boutaina has successfully raised awareness about WTC Winnipeg’s services, events, and programs to both existing and potential clients and partners. She brings extensive international marketing and business experience to the role, including working for multi-national companies based in Africa and Europe, prior to moving to Canada. FULL BIO HERE About the World Trade Centre Winnipeg: The World Trade Centre Winnipeg is a non-profit bilingual organization committed to supporting businesses in Manitoba by providing trade-related services, business consultations, educational programming, and resources to help companies succeed locally and internationally. As part of the World Trade Centers Association, comprised of 319 World Trade Centers in 88 countries, WTC Winnipeg connects Manitoba businesses to a global network of opportunities. For media inquiries, please contact Boutaina Berrado at bberrado@wtcwinnipeg.com Read More

WORLD TRADE CENTRE WINNIPEG NAMES INTERIM CEO

March 3, 2022 - Wednesday, March 2, 2022 – WINNIPEG, MANITOBA – The World Trade Centre Winnipeg Board of Directors has named André Brin as Interim Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective March 1, 2022. The announcement comes as the World Trade Centre Winnipeg embarks on an enhanced partnership with The Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce, and a restructuring that included Mariette Mulaire stepping down as CEO earlier this month. Madame Mulaire will remain as President through April 29, 2022 to support the transition. André Brin joined World Trade Centre Winnipeg as Director of Communications in September 2021. Over the past two decades, André occupied various leadership roles at both Hockey Canada and with the NHL’s Edmonton Oilers, also serving as executive director of the 2005 Canadian Francophone Games, held in Winnipeg. A graduate of the Université de Saint-Boniface, André also worked in the media, as a reporter and announcer at Radio-Canada (CBWFT, CKSB) as well as at French language newspaper La Liberté, and community radio station Envol91 FM. From 1994 through 1999, he served as executive director of the Conseil jeunesse provincial du Manitoba. “The board of directors is very excited to work with André on growing World Trade Centre Winnipeg and continuing to support Manitoba companies and the provincial economy,” said Fiona Webster-Mourant, Chair of the WTC Winnipeg board and President, Manrex Limited. “André is a great choice to take the World Trade Centre Winnipeg forward,” said Mariette Mulaire, President of the World Trade Centre Winnipeg. “In his time here, he has demonstrated great organizational and communications skills. André will bring energy and an innovative perspective to this position, as we embark on our second decade as a World Trade Centre in Winnipeg.” “I am honoured and proud to be entrusted with this great opportunity by the board of the World Trade Centre Winnipeg,” said André Brin. “I look forward to working with the board, our great staff at the Centre, the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce and the World Trade Centre Association network in planning a future which will allow us to continue to be a top resource for local companies and the Manitoba business community at large.” “I am also extremely grateful to Mariette Mulaire for her support and look forward to working with her and the leadership team on planning for the future. Mariette has grown World Trade Centre Winnipeg into an essential community asset, and I am excited about being part of its future.” Read More