Winnipeg Election 2022

Roles and Responsibilities of Winnipeg's Mayor

In Winnipeg, the mayor is the head of council and is chief officer of the city. Winnipeg’s mayor is elected separately from council, but on the same ballot. While individual councillors represent wards (geographic areas of the city), the mayor represents the entire city.

Winnipeg’s mayor appoints the deputy and acting deputy mayors, chairpersons for the committees of council, and members of the Executive Policy Committee (EPC). The mayor is also the Chief Officer of the City, presiding over the chief administrative officer, the city clerk, the chief financial officer, and the city auditor, all of whom are appointed by Council.

The mayor may hire staff for strategic analysis, research, communications, and support, and may undertake ‘issues management’ for the city. In addition, as chair of the EPC, the mayor may direct the City’s Office of Policy and Strategic Initiatives to assist in "policy development and analysis, strategic planning, economic development, communications, and such other areas" that the mayor "determines are required to assist in the effective discharge of the Executive Policy Committee’s duties and responsibilities" (City Organization By-law page 28).

The mayor is one of sixteen members of council and may draft by-law motions and vote on bylaws and council policies, along with other members of Council.

Learn more about the roles and responsibilities of the mayor in Winnipeg.