Manitoba’s US Trade Representative Earns Almost Double the Premier’s Salary

A former CTV and CBC journalist, Richard Madan, has been appointed as Manitoba’s senior representative in Washington, D.C. His annual salary is set at $387,000, nearly double the pay of Premier Wab Kinew, who earns $200,834. This puts Madan’s compensation substantially higher than that of other public officials, such as Winnipeg Mayor Scott Gillingham, who earned $223,338 last year.

Profile of Richard Madan

Richard Madan is an American-born journalist raised in Alberta. He officially began his role in June 2023, focusing on establishing long-term trade relationships with key U.S. political and business leaders. His extensive experience includes nearly a decade as a White House correspondent, providing him with a valuable network in Washington.

Responsibilities and Achievements

Madan has a range of responsibilities aimed at enhancing Manitoba’s presence in U.S. markets. Key activities include:

• Building relationships with U.S. elected officials and business leaders.
• Collaborating with Manitoba’s agricultural sector on country-of-origin labeling issues.
• Encouraging business partners to discuss the renegotiation of the Canada-U.S.-Mexico trade agreement.
• Establishing office operations within the Canadian Embassy in Washington.
• Organizing an advocacy day on Capitol Hill to promote Manitoba’s supply chains.

According to provincial spokesperson Ryan Stelter, Madan is navigating the complexities of federal bureaucracies to effectively position Manitoba on the international trade landscape.

Budget and Economic Context

The provincial budget allocates $800,000 for the Washington office, covering salaries, office space, and administrative functions. The necessity of building trade relationships has been emphasized by business organizations, including the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce, which view this as vital for Manitoba’s economic future.

Criticism and Comparisons

Despite the strategic importance of Madan’s role, opposition leader Obby Khan has criticized his appointment, calling attention to the high salary relative to his experience. Khan noted that Madan’s compensation is comparable to that of Prime Minister Mark Carney, who will earn $406,000 this year.

Khan has raised concerns over transparency in the government’s decision to appoint Madan, arguing that the lack of disclosures regarding salaries leads to questions about accountability. He highlighted the salaries of trade representatives in other provinces, such as Ontario, where David Paterson, a seasoned executive, earns $364,000.

Trade Strategy Overview

While Manitoba has a dedicated trade representative in Washington, neighboring provinces like Saskatchewan, which lacks such a position, spent $8.2 million on lobbying efforts since 2011, averaging $585,000 annually.

As Madan begins his tenure, his success in forging connections and advancing Manitoba’s trade interests will be closely monitored by both supporters and critics alike.