Prime Minister Mark Carney and Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew said Ottawa and Manitoba are deepening their partnership to advance major economic projects, with a particular focus on the Port of Churchill and related northern infrastructure.
In a joint statement on Nov. 16, the two leaders said they are aligned on expanding Canada’s trade capacity through new “nation-building” infrastructure — including ports, mines and northern trade corridors — and emphasized the importance of involving Indigenous communities early in project development.
Manitoba’s proposed Crown-Indigenous Corporation (MCIC), which aims to ensure Indigenous participation and leadership in major projects, fits squarely within those goals, they said.
The Port of Churchill Plus initiative is one of seven national “transformative strategies” identified by the federal Major Projects Office. Both governments say expanded export capacity through Hudson Bay will strengthen links between Churchill and the rest of Canada, while opening new pathways for trade with Europe and other global partners.
Since the strategy was added to the federal list on Sept. 11, Manitoba and Ottawa have been working on a project charter and business case to move the file forward. Once the MCIC board is established, the corporation will become a full partner in planning and development.
Carney and Kinew said the work is advancing quickly, with governments reviewing business cases for infrastructure needed to support private-sector investment, competitive economic development and long-term national interests.
As part of the joint effort, the federal government will fund a feasibility study by the Arctic Research Foundation on the future use of specialized icebreakers, ice tugs and research vessels at Churchill.
Kinew also announced $51 million for the Arctic Gateway Group to upgrade the Hudson Bay rail line and build a new critical-minerals storage facility at the port. The province has now committed $87.5 million to Churchill-related projects. Combined with federal dollars — including $175 million announced in March — the total joint investment over five years is $262.5 million.
Carney and Kinew said they plan to release the full strategy and plan for Churchill in the spring of 2026.
