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The Government of Manitoba is investing $36.4 million over two years to the Arctic Gateway Group (AGG) for capital infrastructure projects at the Port of Churchill. The Government of Canada also announced an investment of over $43 million to support the operations and maintenance of the Hudson Bay Railway. “Churchill present huge opportunities when it comes to mining, agriculture and energy,” said Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew. “Our government’s investments are fueling northern Manitoba’s economy, increasing international trade and unlocking new economic opportunities for all Manitobans. These new investments will build up Manitoba’s economic strength and open our province to new trading opportunities.” The $36.4-million investment will support the AGG’s port and rail development vision and plan to expand traffic diversification and growth opportunities and attract private investment partners from the agriculture, mining, fertilizer and resupply sectors. Planned works include wharf repairs and freight warehouse upgrades, noted the premier. The federal government’s investment, to be delivered under Transport Canada’s Remote Passenger Rail Program, will ensure safe year-round surface transportation to 33,000 residents in remote northern and Indigenous communities in Northern Manitoba. “Northern Manitoba’s rail line isn’t just transportation—it’s a lifeline for communities, businesses, and families. This investment keeps the Hudson Bay Railway running strong, ensuring people and goods can move safely and reliably. We’re committed to supporting northern communities and keeping Manitobans connected,” said Terry Duguid Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada. The AGG is a subsidiary company of OneNorth, a partnership of 41 First Nation and Bayline communities in Manitoba. The OneNorth community ownership model of the AGG demonstrates economic reconciliation in action, noted the minister. “As a maritime province located in the heart of North America, Manitoba is strategically positioned to ship commodities, critical minerals and natural resources,” said Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Lisa Naylor. “Developing the Port of Churchill will advance northern Manitoba’s economy, support trade expansion with Europe and strengthen our Arctic sovereignty as we position Manitoba as a gateway to the Arctic and to the world.” “The Arctic Gateway Group values its ongoing partnership with the Province of Manitoba and HudBay Minerals to export Western Canada’s vast resources to international markets,” said Chris Avery, CEO, Arctic Gateway Group. “We’re very pleased that the upcoming shipping season will see us double the volume of critical minerals that will be shipped to internationally markets from the Port of Churchill. As a locally owned and operated Canadian organization, backed by 41 Indigenous and Bayline communities, Arctic Gateway Group will continue to step up and support working people, creating regional opportunities and diversifying the supply chain networks of this province and country.” In August 2024, AGG and Hudbay Minerals Inc. piloted a successful 10,000-tonne zinc concentrate export shipment through the port, establishing Churchill as a northern trade critical minerals supply route. |
