Senator Rod Zimmer

With a long and distinguished career in business and philanthropy, Senator Rod Zimmer is one of Winnipeg's most recognized community leaders. In 1973, he obtained a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Saskatchewan.

Senator Zimmer has held the following positions during his career:

• 1993-Present: President of the Gatehouse Corporation.
• 1995-1998: Vice President for the Festivals for the Pan American Games Society Inc.
• 1985-1993: Director of Marketing and Communications for the Manitoba Lotteries Foundation.
• 1984: Director of Project Management for the Canadian Sports Pool Corporation in Ottawa.
• 1979-1983: Vice President of Corporate Communications for CanWest Capital Corporation.
• 1973-1979: Special Assistant to the Honourable James Richardson, PC, Minister of National Defense.

Senator Zimmer is an extremely active player within his community, volunteering his services for countless charitable causes and organizations, including serving as President of the Royal Winnipeg Ballet from 1989 to 1991 and as a Member of the Board of Directors for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers Football Club from 1981 to 1993. Throughout his career, he has developed and coordinated appeals for various charitable groups, arts and sport organizations and universities.

He is an avid sports fan and has actively participated in hockey, football, basketball, volleyball, tennis, golf, soccer, squash, handball, badminton and downhill skiing. He is a champion swimmer, diver, lifeguard and water-skier, and holds the Red Cross and Royal Life Saving Society Instructor certificate, and Bronze Medallion.

He also was awarded the Commemorative Medal for the 125th Anniversary of Confederation (1992) and the Queen’s Jubilee Medal.

Born in Kuroki, Saskatchewan, Senator Zimmer currently resides in Winnipeg. He was appointed to the Senate by the Rt. Honourable Paul Martin in August of 2005 and he sits as a member of the Liberal Party of Canada.

His parliamentary involvement includes membership on the Senate Standing Committee for National Security and Defence, as well as the Senate Standing Committee for Transport and Communications. Lastly, Senator Zimmer is committed to numerous Inter-Parliamentary Groups and Associations. His participation enhances the diplomatic friendship and understanding between Canada – The Arab World, Russia, Cuba, Morocco, Israel, Germany, Italy, NATO, Africa, China, Europe, France, Japan, The United Kingdom and The United States.