Jon Reyes

I am honoured to join the Winnipeg Kinsmen Veteran’s Village Steering Committee. As a Veteran and committed community leader, I look forward to contributing to this meaningful initiative that provides vital support and housing solutions for those who have served our country.

This project would not be possible without the vision and unwavering leadership of David Howard, Founder of the Homes For Heroes Foundation, whose dedication to our Veterans has been the driving force behind this initiative from the very beginning.

It is a privilege to work alongside such passionate individuals who share a common goal: to ensure our Veterans are supported, respected, and empowered.

The Winnipeg Kinsmen Veteran’s Village is pleased to announce a new member of their Steering Committee, Jon Reyes. Jon is a Veteran who served 10 years with the Canadian Armed Forces and is currently the Chief Operating Officer and Vice President of Business Development for Nation West and Nation North Insurance. A proud Winnipegger, he brings a deep commitment to service, leadership, and community development. First elected to the Manitoba Legislature in 2016 as the MLA for St. Norbert, he became the first Canadian-born person of Filipino descent to be elected to the Manitoba legislature holding several key cabinet positions including Minister of Labour and Immigration, Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Immigration, and Minister of Economic Development and Jobs.

A dedicated community leader, Jon is the founder and past president of the Manitoba Filipino Business Council, a former director of the Kidney Foundation – Manitoba Branch, a former member of the Manitoba Football Officials Association, and a Canadian Football League support crew member. His 12 years of volunteer service were recognized with the Premier’s Volunteer Service Award. His lived experience, dedication to Veterans, and passion for his community make him a valued member of the Homes For Heroes Steering Committee.

There’s nothing like the energy of professional sports in your own city! Last night’s Winnipeg Sea Bears season opener was electric, record-breaking attendance, incredible gameplay, and a packed arena full of community spirit. Moments like these aren’t just wins on the court, they’re wins for our local economy, businesses, and city pride. Let’s go Sea Bears! 🙌🏽🏀

Happy Mother’s Day to all the wonderul mothers out there and an extra special Happy Mother’s Day to my amazing mom and my beautiful wife Cynthia!

I’m deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Charlie Mayer, former MP for Portage–Marquette and former Minister of Agriculture and Western Economic Diversification in Prime Minister Brian Mulroney’s Progressive Conservative government.

Charlie was not only a respected leader, but also a warm, humble man who truly loved rural Manitoba. His lifelong dedication to our farmers and rural communities left a lasting impact.

What I’ll remember most is his love for the game of basketball. Charlie would often show up just to watch even attending my daughter’s games to cheer her on. That simple act of support speaks volumes about the kind of person he was.

He will be missed by so many. Rest in peace, Charlie.

Thank you to MLA Jelynn Dela Cruz for organizing tonight’s Community Vigil. 🙏🏽🇵🇭🇨🇦

Hello Canada!

It’s Election Day. Democracy thrives when we participate. Please exercise your right to vote and be part of the change you wish to see.

🗳️ 🇨🇦

My heart is absolutely broken over the tragedy that took place at the Lapu Lapu Day festival in Vancouver.

As a proud Filipino Canadian, this hits especially close to home. What was meant to be a day of joy, culture, and community turned into a nightmare no one should ever have to experience.

To those who lost loved ones, who were injured, or who are grieving, I see you, I mourn with you, and I am praying for your healing. Our community is strong, and in this unimaginable pain, we will stand even stronger together.

Please take a moment to keep the victims and their families in your thoughts. Let’s continue to support each other through this heartbreaking time.

On my way to the Winnipeg Jets game last week, I had the honour of meeting Volodymyr, my Uber driver. He shared his powerful story of coming to Canada with his wife just two years ago because of the war in Ukraine. Today, they’re rebuilding their lives here in Manitoba and welcomed a beautiful baby girl a year ago. His resilience, optimism, and deep appreciation for “Friendly Manitoba” were truly inspiring.

As a former Minister of Immigration, moments like this are a profound reminder that behind every policy are real people, families in search of safety, opportunity, and a fresh start.

Volodymyr’s story reaffirmed why I chose to serve back then and why I continue to believe so strongly in the power of compassion, community, and the promise of a better future.

And as a bonus we both happen to be proud Winnipeg Jets fans. Go Jets Go!

Yesterday, I had the opportunity to speak with OMNI Filipino TV about the upcoming Federal Election, the importance of Filipino representation in Canadian politics, and my experience serving in public office as both an MLA and cabinet minister. Representation is not only about presence, it is about influence, advocacy, and ensuring our communities are seen, heard, and valued.

It was also a pleasure to finally meet OMNi Filipino TV reporter Theresa Redula in person after several virtual interviews over the past couple of months. Wishing her an enjoyable and productive visit, especially as this was her first time in Winnipeg and in Friendly Manitoba. Mabuhay! 🦬🇵🇭🇨🇦

I’m deeply honoured and grateful to PMI Manitoba for inviting me as the keynote speaker for their Elevate 2025 Spring Workshop yesterday.

It was an incredible experience connecting with the passionate and driven members of the PMI community. Thank you for the warm welcome and meaningful conversations. It was truly a pleasure meeting so many of you!

In my keynote, I spoke about leadership not just as a title or role, but as a daily choice to serve, to inspire, and to create space for others to grow. Great leadership isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about asking the right questions, embracing vulnerability, and leading with intention and integrity.

Let’s continue to elevate one another, challenge the status quo, and lead with purpose. The future of project leadership is bright and it starts with you.

A great evening with friends from Alberta last night at the Edmonton Leader’s Dinner. A big thank you to my very good friend Nelson Rodriguez for the invitation. It’s always great to maintain relationships and expand networks through meaningful conversations and shared experiences.

It was a pleasure attending today’s State of the City Luncheon, reconnecting with so many great people and engaging in insightful conversations. A special thanks to Gurpreet Deol, President of Inspiria Financial Group, for hosting us, and to Mitch Dlot of Unity Business Consulting for the great discussion. Looking forward to more opportunities to collaborate and contribute to our city’s future!