Manitoba named former journalist Richard Madan as its U.S. trade rep in June, paying him $387,000 despite criticism over his lack of trade experience.

Manitoba has appointed former journalist Richard Madan, a veteran of CTV and CBC, as its new U.S. trade representative in Washington, D.C., earning $387,000 annually—more than the province’s premier and mayor. Appointed in June, Madan is tasked with advancing Manitoba’s trade interests, particularly in agriculture, amid U.S. regulatory changes and ongoing trade talks. He has already held stakeholder meetings and organized advocacy events. His high salary has sparked criticism over pay and lack of trade experience, though the premier’s office says it matches other provinces’ standards. The details emerged after a three-month freedom-of-information request by CBC News.