Leadership update: Manitoba Canola Growers announces 2025/26 executive

February 13, 2025 (Winnipeg, Manitoba) – The Manitoba Canola Growers Association (MCGA) held their reorganizational meeting at CropConnect and elected a new executive for the 2025/26 year.

Warren Ellis from Wawanesa will continue leading the MCGA board under the newly renamed position of board chair. Jackie Dudgeon-MacDonald from Darlingford continues as the newly renamed board vice-chair, and Nicolea Dow from Portage la Prairie continues as secretary. Jay Derkach from Russell was acclaimed as treasurer and becomes the newest member of the MCGA executive.

External representation for MCGA positions were also confirmed, including:

• Canola Council of Canada: Chuck Fossay
• Canadian Canola Growers Association: Warren Ellis, Jay Derkach
• National Canola Marketing Program Committee: Jackie Dudgeon-MacDonald, Warren Ellis
• KAP Advisory Committee: Chuck Fossay
• Western Canadian Canola/Rapeseed Recommending Committee: Nicolea Dow

MCGA sincerely thanks past director Clayton Harder for extending his term with Canadian Canola Growers for an additional year to allow transition time for Jay Derkach to take on the position.

“It’s an honour to lead such a dedicated team of directors and staff, all working tirelessly to support our grower members,” says Warren Ellis, Board Chair at MCGA. “I look forward to guiding MCGA through the year ahead. The board is committed to making informed decisions for a strong and sustainable association, and we look forward to hearing from our members to help shape the path forward.”

“The MCGA Board is committed to preparing our organization to meet the future needs of canola farmers,” says Delaney Ross Burtnack, executive director, MCGA. “I look forward to seeing their vision take shape as they build on last year’s momentum. As we continue investing in new research, programs, and services, we’re eager to engage our farmer members in shaping the future of MCGA

For more information, please visit www.canolagrowers.com.


About Manitoba Canola Growers Association The Manitoba Canola Growers Association is farmer funded, and farmer focused. Driving success for Manitoba canola farmers through research, market development, advocacy, and outreach.

Media Contact:
Carrie Livingston
Manitoba Canola Growers Association
204-771-8650 | carrie@canolagrowers.com