Manitoba’s new trade representative in Washington, D.C., former journalist Richard Madan, will earn $387,000 per year, nearly twice the salary of Premier Wab Kinew, according to documents obtained by the Winnipeg Free Press.
A provincial spokesperson confirmed the figure, which drew attention for exceeding the Premier’s annual pay of roughly $200,000. Madan was appointed in June to lead Manitoba’s new trade office in the U.S. capital, where his responsibilities include promoting Manitoba’s agricultural, energy, and manufacturing sectors and strengthening cross-border economic ties.
Before taking the post, Madan worked as a broadcast journalist with CBC and CTV News, where he covered federal politics and international affairs.
The province has defended the compensation, saying the role requires extensive diplomatic and industry expertise.
“Washington is one of the most important trade jurisdictions for Manitoba, and this position reflects that responsibility,” a government spokesperson told the Free Press.
Madan began work in Washington this fall. The government has not released the full terms of his two-year contract.
The trade office is part of Manitoba’s broader effort to expand U.S. market access following ongoing cross-border trade disruptions.