MEDIA RELEASE – DECEMBER 19, 2025
Arni Thorsteinson Announced IGNITE 2026 Recipient
Winnipeg, MB – The Young Associates of the Asper School of Business are pleased to announce Arni Thorsteinson, CFA, L.L.D; Principle & President of Shelter Canadian Properties Ltd., as the 2026 recipient of the IGNITE award. IGNITE 2026 will take place on September 10, 2026 at the RBC Convention Centre.
The award is given to an accomplished local thought leader who has directly – through business, professional, and/or community endeavours – made an outstanding impact on Manitoba.
Arni Thorsteinson has been a leader in Canada’s real estate market for nearly fifty years. He is a founder of the Lanesborough, Huntingdon, Temple, and White Rock real estate investment trusts, and currently serves as President & Principle of Shelter Canadian Properties.
In addition to his success in the world of real estate, Arni has also dedicated himself to being a leader within his community. He served as the founding Chair for the Canadian Museum of Human Rights and a founding Board member of the Associates of the Asper School of Business. In his role on the Board of the Associates, he chaired the IDEA fundraising gala for two decades, transforming it into the premiere business event in Manitoba with a world-wide reach. He continues to serve on the Boards of the Associates, the Friends of the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, the Fraser Institute, the Michaelle Jean Foundation, and Historica Canada.
“Congratulations, Arni Thorsteinson, on such a well-deserved honour! One of the most respected, accomplished, and community-oriented business leaders in this province. Arni is an inspiration to everyone—from first-year BComm students to seasoned business professionals. He has played a fundamental role in every major milestone of the Asper School of Business: from the foundation of The Associates, to the construction of the Drake Centre; from the naming of the School, to the design and implementation of the Price Student-Managed Investment Fund. The I.H. Asper School of Business would not be what it is today without Arni’s vision and leadership.” said Dr. Bruno Silvestre, Dean of the Asper School of Business.
Through Arni’s advocacy, the Asper School of Business has thrived. He created the Arni Thorsteinson Study Exchange Program; played a formative role in the creation of the Hartley T. Richardson Student Support Fund and the Price Student-Managed Investment Fund; and continues to serve as President of the University of Manitoba Business School Foundation.
“For years Arni Thorsteinson has been behind the scenes in helping create opportunities for future business leaders. He is an incredible supporter of the Asper School of Business and has been a driving force in the success of the Associates and IDEA. We are pleased that he accepted this recognition and that we have the privilege of honouring him at IGNITE 2026.” said Young Associates Chair Corinne Gusnoski.
Thorsteinson joins previous IGNITE honourees Ash Modha, President & CEO of Mondetta Clothing, in 2022; Dayna Spiring, past President and CEO of Economic Development Winnipeg, in 2023; Mark Chipman, Executive Chairman & Governor of the Board of Truth North Sports + Entertainment and the Winnipeg Jets Hockey Club in 2024; and Gail Asper, Chair and Trustee of the Asper Foundation in 2025.
“Arni Thorsteinson has had a remarkable impact on our business community through his leadership, generosity, and commitment to education. His support for the Asper School of Business and its students has paved the way for future generations, and it embodies the values at the heart of the IGNITE award. We are honoured to recognize Arni for his lasting contributions to our community.” said Connor Egan, the IGNITE committee Chair.
Hosted by the Young Associates, with the Asper School of Business as the presenting sponsor, the IGNITE award dinner is an opportunity for the school and business community to welcome new-to-Asper students and encourage them to excel during their studies and beyond. Tickets for new-to-Asper students, members of the Associates, Young Associates, and Asper Faculty are complimentary.
For sponsorship opportunities and individual tickets, please visit https://ya.associatesmb.ca/events/ignite/
