On May 12, 2026, MLT Aikins lawyer Reis Pagtakhan participated in a panel discussion focused on India–Manitoba trade hosted by the Business Council of Manitoba.
The panel discussion was held in connection with the High Commissioner of India to Canada Dinesh K. Patnaik’s visit to Manitoba. During the event, the High Commissioner highlighted opportunities to expand trade and investment between India and Manitoba, including those in the agricultural, clean energy, bioscience and aerospace sectors.
The panel brought together Reis, who serves as Co-Chair of the Premier of Manitoba’s Business and Jobs Council’s Trade Diversification – Internal and International Trade subcommittee, and other members of the Premier’s Business and Jobs Council to examine the importance of strengthening India–Manitoba trade relationships, diversifying export and encouraging bilateral investment. The discussion was moderated by Bram Strain ( President and Chief Executive Officer of the Business Council of Manitoba) and featured additional panellists Chuck Davidson (President and Chief Executive Officer of the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce) and Ryan Kuffner (President and Chief Executive Officer of Winnipeg Economic Development and Tourism).
Reis contributed a legal and strategic perspective to the conversation, drawing on his experience advising clients on immigration and cross border matters. His participation underscored the role of legal frameworks and policy considerations in supporting India–Manitoba trade, trade diversification initiatives and international investment.
MLT Aikins regularly takes part in discussions shaping economic, regulatory and policy development across Western Canada. Participation in these forums reflect the firm’s commitment to contributing informed insights on issues of importance to clients and the broader business community.
Reis Pagtakhan has more than 30 years of experience in his corporate immigration practice and has worked with Canadian businesses in find them immigration solutions to find the foreign talent they need. He currently serves as Co-Chair of Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew’s Business and Jobs Council’s Trade Diversification – Internal and International Trade subcommittee and previously served as the Chair of that Council’s Immigration and Skills Alignment subcommittee. He was recently awarded the 2025 Manitoba Bar Association’s Community Involvement Award and has served on boards as diverse as CPHR Manitoba, the Community Legal Education Association and the Immigrant Centre Manitoba, as well as a number of faith-based schools, charities and organizations.
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