A former journalist from CTV and CBC, Richard Madan, was employed by Wab Kinew’s NDP administration to oversee Manitoba’s trade office in Washington, D.C., with an annual salary of $387,000, as revealed by the premier’s office on Wednesday. Madan’s salary surpasses that of Kinew, who earns $195,936 yearly as Manitoba premier, and Scott Gillingham, Winnipeg’s mayor, whose annual income is $223,338.
Appointed in June, Madan’s role is to bolster Manitoba’s relationships with U.S. elected officials, trade partners, and industry figures, while safeguarding the province’s interests in trade agreements. According to Kinew’s office, Madan swiftly adapted to his responsibilities due to his extensive network in the U.S. capital.
Since assuming the position, Madan has engaged with Manitobans, assisted the agricultural sector in preparing for new U.S. country-of-origin labeling regulations, addressed trade challenges such as a U.S. probe into Canadian mushrooms, and encouraged Manitobans to participate in discussions on the impending renegotiation of the Canada-U.S.-Mexico trade pact.
In addition, Madan has initiated plans for a Capitol Hill “advocacy day” to showcase Manitoba’s food and mineral supply chains and contributions to Arctic defense to U.S. lawmakers. However, Opposition Leader Obby Khan criticized Madan during question periods for his high salary and perceived lack of trade deal achievements for Manitoba.
Kinew defended the hiring of Madan, emphasizing his qualifications and connections to advocate for Manitoba in Washington, D.C. The premier’s office highlighted that Madan’s salary is comparable to other provinces’ expenditures on trade representatives and lobbyists.
Khan argued that Manitoba should follow Ontario’s example and hire an experienced trade representative or lobbying firm. Madan was unavailable for comment following the disclosure of his salary, which came after CBC News’ request to reveal his compensation and the Washington office’s annual budget, including travel expenses, remained unanswered under Manitoba’s freedom of information laws.