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Samuel (Sam) Michael Katz (born Rehovot, Israel, 1951) is the 42nd mayor of Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Katz emigrated to Winnipeg as an infant with parents Chaim and Zena Katz and his older brother David, and was raised in north Winnipeg. Shortly after graduating in 1973 with a BA from the University of Manitoba, he opened up a clothing store in Brandon, Manitoba. Through his career he continued his entrepreneurial ventures with real estate and entertainment. With his entertainment company Showtime Productions, he brought artists such as Tina Turner and Paul McCartney as well as musicals Evita and Phantom of the Opera to Winnipeg. In 1994 he brought professional baseball back to Winnipeg with the Winnipeg Goldeyes who now play in the Northern League. Through this franchise, he arranged for the construction of Canwest Global Ball Park in 1999.
Katz ran for the Winnipeg city council in 1989 but lost to Glen Murray, another future mayor of the city.
On June 22, 2004, Katz was elected as the first Jewish mayor of Winnipeg. He beat out prominent politicians Dan Vandal, Al Golden, and MaryAnn Mihychuk for the job by receiving 42.51% of the vote. This came after the resignation of Glen Murray as mayor of Winnipeg to run in the 2004 Canadian federal election.
Katz is involved in numerous charities such as the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra and has received awards which includes the Order of Manitoba and the Queen's Jubilee Medal. Together with his wife Baillie, he has a daughter named Ava.
External link
City of Winnipeg: Mayor's Office (http://www.winnipeg.ca/interhom/mayors_office/)
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