CDEM becomes co-holder of the World Trade Centre Winnipeg license to strengthen Francophone economic development

MEDIA RELEASE

Winnipeg, September 25, 2025 – The Economic Development Council for Manitoba Bilingual Municipalities (CDEM) officially announces the completed transfer of half of the World Trade Centre Winnipeg (WTC Winnipeg) license, previously held by the Agence nationale et internationale du Manitoba (ANIM). This transfer was made possible thanks to the support of The Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce, holder of the other portion of the license, as well as WTC Winnipeg.

CDEM is now appointed as an ex officio member of the WTC Winnipeg Board of Directors. Last June, CDEM participated in an initial meeting to present its vision and reaffirm its commitment to working with WTC Winnipeg to promote the vitality and impact of Francophone economic development in Manitoba, across Canada, and internationally.

Madeleine Arbez, Executive Director of CDEM, explains: “This new step confirms CDEM’s key role as a leader in Francophone economic development in Manitoba. By becoming co-holder of the WTC Winnipeg license, we are strengthening our ability to serve our bilingual municipalities and to create opportunities for Francophone economic development at both the national and international levels.”

According to Michelle Smith, President of ANIM, this is a natural evolution: “The transfer of half the license to CDEM is a continuation of the work initiated by ANIM, which CDEM originally created. We are pleased to see CDEM take over and continue this mandate with dynamism and vision.”

Loren Rémillard, President and CEO of The Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce, explains: “The inclusion of CDEM in World Trade Centre Winnipeg and the 300+ global network of World Trade Centres comes at a pivotal time.  As historic global trading relations are being stressed, others frayed, and some ruptured, we need to diversify our global connectivity through greater partnerships. CDEM brings a wealth of insights and talent, in particular within the francophone community here and abroad, that will prove invaluable for local companies and our economy. Manitoba trade is stronger today with CDEM’s leadership around the WTC Winnipeg table.”

Finally, André Brin, CEO of World Trade Centre Winnipeg, welcomes this announcement: “The arrival of CDEM as co-holder of the WTC Winnipeg license is excellent news. It helps us continue to showcase the economic value of the French language in Manitoba and reinforce our mission to promote trade between Manitoba and international markets.”

As co-holder of the license, CDEM will be responsible for appointing 50% of the members of the WTC Winnipeg Board of Directors. It will work closely with its partners, including the AMBM Group, to seize the opportunities offered by this strategic partnership.

CDEM also plans to organize a celebratory event by the end of 2025 to mark this historic partnership between CDEM and WTC Winnipeg. This event will highlight the importance of this collaboration for the economic development of Manitoba’s bilingual municipalities as well as Official Language Minority Communities (OLMCs).

About CDEM
Created in 1996 by the Association of Manitoba Bilingual Municipalities (AMBM), the Economic Development Council for Manitoba Bilingual Municipalities (CDEM) drives and supports the economic development of Manitoba’s bilingual municipalities, generating positive impacts on the vitality and sustainability of Manitoba’s Francophone community.