MBiz Speaker Series: The State of Post-Secondary Education

Date and Time

Tuesday Sep 22, 2026
7:30 AM - 9:30 AM CDT

Check-in & networking: 7:30 AM
Formal program: 8:00 AM
Program concludes: 9:30 AM

Location

The Metropolitan Entertainment Centre by Canad Inns
The Met Grand Hall
281 Donald St, Winnipeg MB R3C 1M9

Fees/Admission

MEMBER RATES
Before Thursday, September 10, 2026:

Individual Seats: $85.00 + GST
Tables of 10: $850.00 + GST

Individual registrations received on Thursday, September 10 and later are subject to a $5 late registration fee.

FUTURE MEMBER RATES
Before Thursday, September 10, 2026:

Individual Seats: $127.50 + GST
Tables of 10: $1,275.00 + GST

Individual registrations received on Thursday, September 10 and later are subject to a $5 late registration fee.

Registration Assistance
For assistance with GST-exemptions, discounts, or general registration, email events@mbchamber.mb.ca or call 204-803-7997.

Registration closes Friday, September 18 at 5:00 PM CST.

The cancellation/refund deadline is Friday, September 18, 2026 at 5:00 PM CST. View MCC's cancellation/refund policy here.

Contact Information

Rose Dominguez, Events Manager
Send Email

Description

MBiz Speaker Series: The State of Post-Secondary
Manitoba's long-term economic success depends on one critical asset: people.

As employers across the province continue to face persistent workforce shortages and evolving skills needs, the role of Manitoba's post-secondary institutions has never been more important. Universities and colleges are responsible for preparing tomorrow's workforce, advancing research and innovation, and strengthening Manitoba's economic competitiveness.

Join the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce for a timely discussion with Dr. Michael Benarroch, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Manitoba, and Fred Meier, President and CEO of RRC Polytech. As Co-Chairs of the Manitoba Post-Secondary Presidents' Council, they will explore the current state of post-secondary education and its connection to Manitoba's business community.

Moderated by Beverlie Stuart, President & CEO of Manitoba Aerospace, the discussion will bring an industry perspective to Manitoba's talent pipeline and future workforce. As Manitoba pursues growth in sectors of strategic opportunity, including aerospace and defence, bioscience, advanced manufacturing, and emerging technologies, our panel will explore how Manitoba's post-secondary institutions are preparing students, advancing research, and working collaboratively to meet the province's evolving workforce needs.

This conversation will examine how Manitoba's universities and colleges are strengthening the province's talent pipeline, supporting workforce development, fostering research and commercialization, and responding to rapidly changing labour market demands. Panelists will discuss the distinct roles their institutions play within Manitoba's education ecosystem, the value of post-secondary education in today's economy, and how stronger collaboration between business and education can help address Manitoba's workforce challenges.

From work-integrated learning and applied research to artificial intelligence, innovation, immigration, Indigenous student success, and the future of skills development, this discussion will provide valuable insight into the opportunities and challenges shaping Manitoba's future workforce.

Whether you're an employer struggling to recruit skilled talent, a business leader interested in Manitoba's innovation economy, or someone invested in Manitoba's long-term prosperity, this breakfast offers a unique opportunity to hear directly from the leaders helping shape the province's next generation of talent.

Join us for an engaging conversation on one of the most important drivers of Manitoba's economic future.

About the Moderator

Beverlie Stuart - President and CEO, Manitoba Aerospace
Beverlie Stuart is a respected leader and catalyst for economic growth, workforce innovation, and organizational excellence. As CEO of Manitoba Aerospace Inc., she brings a distinguished career spanning the public, private, post-secondary, and non-profit sectors, where she has successfully led transformative initiatives that strengthen Manitoba's workforce, enhance business competitiveness, and drive economic prosperity.

Recognized for her expertise in economic and business development, workforce strategy, and high-performance team leadership, Bev has designed and implemented impactful programs that connect industry needs with talent development, helping organizations and communities thrive in a rapidly evolving economy.

A passionate community builder, Bev has dedicated countless hours to volunteer leadership on provincial and national boards and committees. She currently serves as Past Chair of the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce and Vice Chair of the Canadian Career Development Foundation Board of Directors, where she continues to influence policies and initiatives that support economic resilience and workforce advancement across Canada.

A lifelong learner and advocate for continuous growth, Bev holds a Master of Arts in Leadership, along with undergraduate credentials in Administrative Management, Human Resource Management, and Adult and Continuing Education. Her unique blend of strategic vision, collaborative leadership, and commitment to community impact has made her a trusted advisor and influential voice in shaping Manitoba's economic future.

About the Speakers
Fred Meier - President and CEO, RRC Polytech
Fred Meier became President and CEO of RRC Polytech – Manitoba’s only polytechnic institution – in 2020, leading the Polytech through transformative academic and institutional growth.

Fred’s vision has guided RRC Polytech in embracing its identity as a polytechnic, launching a bold strategic plan to anticipate industry needs and prepare a workforce for the jobs of tomorrow. Key priorities include delivering industry-aligned programming for over 20,000 students, advancing Truth and Reconciliation, embedding equity, diversity, and inclusion, and deepening industry partnerships in Manitoba and beyond.

Under Fred’s leadership, RRC Polytech surpassed the $60-million target for its largest-ever fundraising campaign in under two years. He also played a pivotal role in establishing the Price Institute of Advanced Manufacturing and Mechatronics and the Schroeder Institute of Entertainment and Media Arts, solidifying the Polytech’s leadership in applied research and work-integrated learning.

Fred emphasizes collaboration and fostering a positive, inclusive work environment, recognizing employee engagement as essential to institutional success. He is also deeply committed to Truth and Reconciliation, seeking guidance and learning from Knowledge Keepers, Elders and Grandmothers in Residence to incorporate Indigenous knowledge into Polytech practices, from policies to the naming of spaces.

Before joining RRC Polytech, Fred held senior leadership roles in Manitoba’s public service, including as Clerk of Executive Council and Secretary to Cabinet. He holds a Master of Science from the University of Manitoba. An avid cyclist, Fred enjoys exploring the outdoors, curling, and spending time with his family.

Michael Benarroch - President and Vice-Chancellor, University of Manitoba
Michael Benarroch became President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Manitoba on July 1, 2020, and was unanimously reappointed by the Board of Governors to a second five-year term beginning July 1, 2025, following a comprehensive review by the Board’s Presidential Review Committee.

Throughout his career spanning over three decades, Dr. Benarroch has demonstrated his lifelong dedication to transformative higher education and has made significant contributions to the fields of economics, research, and post-secondary education administration.

He served as Provost and Vice-President (Academic) at Toronto Metropolitan University from 2017 to 2020, acting as the institution’s chief academic and operating officer, as well as a tenured professor in the department of Economics, Faculty of Arts. From 2011 to 2017, Dr. Benarroch served as the Dean of the I.H. Asper School of Business at the University of Manitoba and enjoyed a 21-year-career with the University of Winnipeg, where he was chair of the department of Economics (1999 to 2007) and served as the university’s Faculty of Business and Economics founding dean from 2008 to 2011.