NMC Managers Connect 2024 – Winnipeg

Nelson began his career with the Canada Revenue Agency in 2016 as an SP-02 clerk and is now a Team Leader in the Non-Filer area at the Winnipeg Tax Centre (WTC).  He was invited to join the WTC Employment Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EEDI) Committee where he was provided the opportunity to advance the Committee’s initiatives as the 2SLGBTQI+ Lead. His passion for all things EEDI has led him to his current role as Co-Chair of the WTC EEDI Committee. Nelson is proud to identify as a gay Filipino, but that wasn’t always the case. Despite being born in Winnipeg, which has the highest proportion of Filipinos of any city in Canada, it took him some time to embrace his heritage. Incidentally, it took him 25 years of his life before coming out as gay.  When Nelson was finally out and proud he met his partner, Brad, in the most Manitoba way possible – at a wedding social. They enjoy renovating their home and travelling the world together to take in the food, music and culture of each country they visit. Their only hesitation when it comes to travelling is leaving behind their dalmatian, Luca.

Dustin began his career with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) in 2017. He is currently a Team Leader for the Verification and Validation Control team at the Winnipeg Tax Centre, as well as an active Positive Space Ambassador and Facilitator. In 2023, he stepped into the role of Co-Chair for the Pride Network at the CRA, bringing to the role extensive experience from his time as the Western Region’s Regional Coordinator for the Positive Space Initiative.

Throughout his life Dustin has fought, either personally or through someone close, with anxiety and depression. This taught Dustin to always look for positivity in any situation, but also encouraged him to use his voice for those who may not feel comfortable or be able to use their own. Dustin lives in Winnipeg with his partner Nicolas. Originally from Montreal, Nicolas provides a strong motivation for Dustin to pursue his French language studies. They recently adopted a dog, Tanjiro, who is a terrier mix, and 100% cuddle bug. When time permits Dustin enjoys gaming, either solo or with friends; he enjoys playing analog or digital and usually leans towards the role-playing genre.

Brian Ellis is a mostly retired consultant who provides full spectrum labour and employee relations services including but not restricted to investigations, negotiations, arbitrations, employee development and conciliation/mediations services.  Before retiring in 2022 he was Assistant Deputy Minister of Labour Relations for the Province of Manitoba, Director of Negotiation Services for the Province of Manitoba, and a Conciliation and Mediation Officer, also for the Province.  He began his career in the labour relations field in 1992 when he accepted a position as National Representative with the Canadian Union of Public Employees where he worked in various sectors until his “first retirement” in 2014.