Bramwell Strain to receive honorary business diploma at Assiniboine grad

Assiniboine College is proud to announce that Bramwell (Bram) Strain, President and CEO of the Business Council of Manitoba, will receive an Honorary Diploma in Business Administration in recognition of his outstanding leadership in economic development and public service in the province.

A proud Manitoban, Strain, was raised in Elm Creek and is a graduate of Brandon University. He has built a distinguished career across all three levels of government, holding senior level management roles as City Manager in Lethbridge, Alberta; Deputy Minister of Infrastructure and Education, Training and Immigration for the Province of Manitoba; and Assistant Deputy Minister for Western Economic Diversification for the Government of Canada.

Currently, Strain leads the Business Council of Manitoba, where he works closely with industry leaders to advance economic growth and competitiveness across the province. His leadership is grounded in a relationship-based approach that focuses on achieving meaningful outcomes for communities and stakeholders.

“To feel recognized by what I consider my hometown institution is truly an honour and it means a great deal to me personally,” said Strain. “Brandon is where I really grew up, where I built lifelong relationships, and it’s a place that has always felt like home.”

Through his work, Strain plays a key role in shaping Manitoba’s economic future. He is a member of the Premier’s Business and Jobs Council (2023), where he serves on the Trade Committee and co-chairs the Clean Economy Committee. He also contributes his expertise as a board member with CentrePort Canada, Assiniboine Park Conservancy, and the Winnipeg Football Club.

“There’s real opportunity in Manitoba right now, and it’s exciting—we’ve always been a bit modest, but there’s a growing confidence about where the province is headed. Places like Westman and Assiniboine give you a strong foundation, and when you combine that with the opportunities we’re seeing across Manitoba, there’s a real sense of possibility for what comes next.”

Assiniboine College President Mark Frison will present Strain’s honorary diploma at the college's morning graduation ceremony being held June 12 at Assiniboine Credit Union Place in Brandon.

“Bram’s career reflects a deep commitment to public service, economic development, and community building,” said Frison. “His leadership has had a lasting impact across Manitoba and beyond. We are proud to recognize his achievements and contributions with an honorary diploma from Assiniboine College.”

Assiniboine College awards honorary diplomas to individuals who have demonstrated exceptional achievement, leadership, and service aligned with the college’s values and mission. Strain’s career exemplifies the power of collaboration, innovation, and dedication to community advancement.

His message to the graduates: “Anything’s possible—you just don’t know where your path will take you, and it’s rarely a straight line,” added Strain. “Stay open, keep learning, and contribute wherever you are—if you do that, opportunities will follow.”

A livestream of the event will be available June 12 at 9 a.m. at assiniboine.net/grad.