A former CTV and CBC journalist, Richard Madan, has been appointed to lead Manitoba’s trade office in Washington, D.C. His annual salary is set at $387,000, as disclosed by the premier’s office on Wednesday. The announcement has sparked significant discussion regarding the salary and its implications for the province.
Salary Comparisons and Funding
Richard Madan’s salary surpasses that of prominent politicians in the province. Wab Kinew, the Premier of Manitoba, earns $195,936, while Scott Gillingham, the Mayor of Winnipeg, will receive $223,338 in 2024. The budget for the Washington trade office totals $800,000 annually.
Role and Responsibilities
Madan was hired to enhance Manitoba’s connections with U.S. officials and protect provincial interests in trade agreements. Since his appointment in June, he has engaged with the agricultural sector and addressed trade issues affecting Manitoba.
- Facilitated preparations for U.S. country-of-origin labeling.
- Managed responses to U.S. investigations into Canadian mushrooms.
- Encouraged Manitobans to participate in negotiations for the Canada-U.S.-Mexico trade agreement.
- Organized a Capitol Hill advocacy day for Manitoba.
Political Responses
The high salary has been met with criticism from the Opposition Leader, Obby Khan. He described Madan as a “CBC buddy” and criticized the effectiveness of the trade office, stating that Madan has not secured any trade deals. Khan expressed disappointment over the salary, suggesting that Manitoba should consider hiring experienced trade representatives or lobbying firms instead.
Industry Comparisons
The Premier’s office outlined that Madan’s salary is comparable to other provinces. For instance, Ontario’s trade representative, David Paterson, earns $364,000 annually. Ontario is also investing $600,000 in lobbying efforts through Capitol Counsel, LLC.
Madan’s Background
Richard Madan has an extensive career in journalism, including stints at CBC, CityTV, and CTV. With nearly a decade of experience covering Washington, he claims to have developed a robust network of contacts that will be beneficial in his role.
The announcement of his salary followed a freedom-of-information request from CBC News, which sought details about Madan’s compensation and the budget for the Washington office. Despite the inquiry, complete records have yet to be disclosed.
