Westman

Meet Your 2025 WCG Board of Director Nominees

Note that you will not be able to log in and vote until the election is officially live on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at 8:00 a.m.

Why Your Vote Matters

Voting Closes: November 27 at 2:00 pm

As a member owned cooperative, you help shape the future of Westman Communications Group. Voting for our Board of Directors is your chance to support strong leadership, local voices, and a shared vision for the communities we serve.

Learn more about each nominee below, then cast your vote using your unique Elector ID and PIN. You will find both in your WCG 2025 Gazette email or mail, along with the voting link and full instructions.

Brent Ewasiuk

Brent's 33-year career in technology spans the private and public sectors, with experience in broadcast media, accounting/finance, municipal government, and public education. Throughout his career, he’s held various technology positions, culminating in a 13-year tenure as Director of Information Technology within the Brandon School Division. This senior leadership role was pivotal in collaborating with members of the school board, senior leaders, and staff to create a shared vision for the future of technology within the Brandon School Division and to develop an implementation plan to make that vision a reality. With 25 years of experience in the public sector, he has developed an understanding of the important role board members are entrusted with. They influence strategic decisions designed to advance an organization while ensuring it remains aligned with its core values. Brent’s small-town farming roots and understanding of the value of high-speed broadband internet access reinforce his belief in the important role Westman Communications Group plays for current and future communities.

Chris Sobchuk

Born and raised in Brandon, Chris Sobchuk and his wife, Sharon, have called this community home for 57 years. His connection to Westman Communications Group (WCG) runs deep, not only as a customer for over three decades, but also as a local business owner who understands the importance of reliable technology and dedicated community service. Serving on the Board has been a privilege. Since joining the board, Chris has been excited to see the tremendous growth and expansion of WCG’s services, which are vital across Manitoba. Looking forward, he is eager to continue his service for another three-year term. Chris is committed to using his experience to help shape a better WCG for its members, ensuring our cooperative remains strong, prosperous, and dedicated to the people we serve.

Gillian Halwas

Gillian Halwas has called Westman home for the past 30 years, living in a variety of communities, including Brandon, Virden, Russell, and Inglis. She now lives near Inglis, MB, with her husband, Trevor. Over the course of her career at the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC), Gillian has thrived in a variety of roles, including Financial Advisor, Manager, Community Leader, Business Account Manager, and Enablement Coach. Gillian served on the WCG Board of Directors for 6 years, including as a board member and secretary. This experience provided her with a deep understanding of the challenges facing rural Manitoba, especially the vital need for reliable internet access and sustained community engagement. As an employee and ambassador of RBC, she brings extensive knowledge of board governance, customer experience, community engagement, and the evolving role of technology in today’s world. There is no doubt that Gillian can provide value to WCG as it continues to be a leader in telecommunications and in supporting communities in the Westman area.

Courtlyn Miller

Originally from rural Saskatchewan, Courtlyn Miller moved to Brandon in 2004 to attend Assiniboine College and earned a Diploma in Computer Systems Technology. While studying, he began working evenings and weekends on the WCG helpdesk, which marked the start of his long-standing involvement with WCG and the information technology field. Courtlyn has over 20 years of experience in information technology, including nearly 13 years with Westman Group Inc. (WGl) - a group of steel manufacturers operating across Canada and the U.S. During this time, he has supported company acquisitions, large-scale system deployments, major technology upgrades, and the ongoing support of team members across Canada and the globe. In 2019, Courtlyn joined Behlen Industries, a division of WGI. Here, he has focused extensively on technology in manufacturing, assisting Behlen Industries in the deployment and maintenance of new machines and digital solutions. Beyond his professional work, Courtlyn has contributed to various committees and collaboration groups, including those focused on employee engagement, sports, manufacturing, and education. He also serves on the Assiniboine College Program Advisory Committee for the Network Administration Technology course. With his strong technical background and involvement in both industry and community, Courtlyn would offer valuable insight to the WCG Board of Directors.

Tamra Rapsky

Born and raised in Brandon, Tamra Rapsky has lived in the Minnedosa area since 1992 with her husband, Matt. She has built a diverse career spanning the public, private, government, and cooperative sectors, complemented by extensive board experience. Her extensive leadership experience across finance, education, and cooperative sectors would be a valuable asset to Westman Communications Group. She holds numerous educational designations, including a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA), Master of Business Administration (MBA), an Institute of Corporate Directors designation (ICD), and a Certificate in Adult Education (CAE). Over the past several decades, she has been actively committed to serving on boards and committees, with a particular passion for those dedicated to people and community. Her cooperative experience, combined with strong business acumen, reinforces her dedication to board service and community leadership. Over the years, Tamra has served on numerous boards and committees, including Heritage Co-op 1997 Ltd., the Assiniboine College Foundation Board, Westman Immigrant Services, the Minnedosa Lake Committee, the Valley Life Housing Committee, and the Jacobson & Greiner Group Board. Her roles have often included leadership positions such as Director, President, and Chair of Finance & Audit Committees.

2025

Annual General Meeting

The Annual General Meeting (AGM) is the best way to have your voice heard. Key leadership members of WCG discuss our latest accomplishments and future plans, then open the floor to your questions. All members are welcome to attend and meet our friendly leadership team. 

Date & Time

Saturday, November 29, 2025

Time: 2:00 P.M. 

  

    • 1:30 pm - Registration
    • 2:00 pm - Call to Order

Location

Backyard on Aberdeen - 1624 13 St, Brandon, Manitoba

Why attend our Annual General Meeting?

The AGM is a great opportunity for members to connect with the Board of Directors and management. You can join the discussion and learn more about WCG’s financial performance and initiatives over the last year. The AGM also provides members with the opportunity to have their voices heard and questions answered. There will be time to ask questions during the Q&A portion of the meeting.

AGENDA:

  1.  Registration Opens (1:30 pm)
  2.  Call to Order (2 pm)
  3.  Meeting Minutes
  4.  Reports
  5.  Financial Statements
  6.  Appointment of Auditors for the next Fiscal Period
  7.  Resolutions and Voting
  8.  Election Results
  9.  Introduction of New Board
  10.  Member Privilege
  11.  Adjournment

AGM Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Learn why this is a great opportunity for all WCG members.