Feds, province provide nearly $80M for Churchill rail, port
The federal government will spend $43 million to maintain a northern rail line, and Manitoba’s government will spend $36.4 million over two years for infrastructure projects at the Port of Churchill.
The funds were announced at a news conference in Winnipeg on Tuesday afternoon, as Ottawa and Manitoba push to become a “global hub” for trade in critical minerals amid a potential trade war with the U.S.
The rail line is operated by Arctic Gateway, which connects to the port.
SUPPLIED An export shipment of critical minerals leaves the Port of Churchill for the first time in more than two decades in August.
“Manitoba’s location, in the centre of North America, provides a powerful competitive trade advantage. Good trade infrastructure, capable of moving heavy loads to new markets, is essential to building momentum,” a federal news release handed out at the media event states.
“The result will increase economic and business development opportunities, facilitate the export of Prairie products to more global markets, drive job creation, strengthen workforce resilience and empower Indigenous economic leadership.”
Premier Wab Kinew, who was at the news conference, said in a separate release that Churchill offers “huge opportunities” in terms of mining, agriculture and energy.
“These new investments will build up Manitoba’s economic strength and open our province to new trading opportunities,” he said.
Federal cabinet minister and Winnipeg MP Terry Duguid also announced more than $2.3 million for partnerships with Indigenous governments and University College of the North.
