Gillingham names Winnipeg’s new executive policy committee; Browaty to serve as deputy mayor
Posted November 4, 2026 11:43 am.
Three re-elected Winnipeg city councillors are returning to the executive policy committee (EPC), with one of those named deputy mayor.
Councillors Jeff Browaty, Evan Duncan and Vivian Santos are back on the EPC, Mayor Scott Gillingham announced Wednesday. They will be joined by newcomers Sara MacArthur and Lora Meseman.
Browaty will serve as deputy mayor for Winnipeg, and Santos was named acting deputy mayor.
“We are about to begin work on Winnipeg’s next multi-year balanced budget. And having councillor Browaty at the helm to establish the next multi-year budget working with experienced councillors and nine new councillors is very, very important,” said Gillingham
Gillngham made the announcement at city hall, one day after he and the city’s councillors were sworn in at an inauguration ceremony.
The EPC, which is chaired by Gillingham, acts like a cabinet for Winnipeg’s municipal government by drafting major city policies and recommending them to city council.
Its members serve as chairs on Winnipeg’s standing policy committees, with Browaty named to finance and economic development; Duncan to public works; Santos to property and development; MacArthur to water, waste and environment; and Meseman to community services.
“I’m really excited about the new city council and what we can accomplish together over the next four years,” said Mayor Gillingham. “We have a good mix of experienced councillors and new voices bringing fresh ideas and perspectives to city hall.
“I want to thank all five councillors for taking on these important responsibilities.”
Santos added, “We know that the housing accelerator fund is still ongoing and I am very honoured to continue on with that work with the department.”
Meseman said, “I will always push for more funding, but we need to be realistic. Because we don’t have a large pot of money. But definitely there is a need for support with staffing. Volunteerism in Winnipeg dropped significantly during COVID.”
MacArthur said, “I’m thrilled. I’ve been on this job for whole of two minutes. I will be up for the challenge. I am excited to connect with the department and bring value for the taxpayers and really make decisions for the long run.”
Prior to last week’s election, the councillors on the previous EPC were Browaty, Duncan, Santos, Ross Eadie, and Janice Lukes.
