Commercial real estate is relegated to peripheral standing on the newly struck 36-member Premier’s Business and Jobs Council, tasked with developing an economic strategy for Manitoba. Three of the appointees — representing Canada Life, True North Sports & Entertainment and Winnipeg’s Fort Garry Hotel — hold large real estate assets as part of their business ventures, but no companies or industry associations primarily focused on real estate development and management are included.

Ash Modha, chief executive officer of the Winnipeg-based sportswear manufacturer, Mondetta Clothing, and Kevin Rebeck, president of the Manitoba Federation of Labour, have been named co-chairs of the advisory group, which has a mandate to share expertise, develop “creative solutions” to economic challenges and advise the provincial government on job creation, trade partnerships and business opportunities tied to low-carbon technologies, products and practices.

“The members of this council bring with them a range of experiences from different regions and sectors of our province,” says Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew. “Together we will ensure Manitoba is a leader on not only the national, but global economic stage.”

Council membership includes representatives from business, labour, Indigenous, community and cultural organizations and local government, along with business leaders from various industry sectors. That includes groups that should bring some insight on commercial real estate’s economic contribution, such as Manitoba Building Trades, the Business Council of Manitoba, Economic Development Winnipeg and four chapters of the Chamber of Commerce.