Arctic Gateway Group Received up to $147.6 Million Through Federal-Provincial Partnership to Support National Interests in Northern Manitoba
Today, on the Historic Railway Bridge at the Forks National Historic Site, MCC President & CEO Chuck Davidson had the privilege of hosting a joint funding announcement on behalf of the Governments of Canada (through PrairiesCan) and Manitoba. “This announcement is four years in the making, and can be tracked back to when the Government of Canada announced unding for the transition of the Hudson Bay Rail line to Arctic Gateway Group. Today, this joint investment marks a commitment to economic reconciliation and strategic investment opportunities.”
The Arctic Gateway Group is a partnership between 41 First Nation and Bayline communities. The Hudson Bay Railway, owned and operated by the Arctic Gateway Group, is the only affordable year-round, all-weather mode of transportation for both passenger and freight trains to access several northern Manitoba communities. The rail line is essential for supply chains, local food security, regional connectivity and its unique community-ownership model represents ongoing steps toward economic reconciliation in Canada.
Today, Manitoba Premier Heather Stefanson and the Honourable Daniel Vandal, member of Parliament for Saint Boniface – Saint Vital, Minister for PrairiesCan, Minister of Northern Affairs and Minister for CanNor, announced a joint investment of up to $147.6 million over two years to the Arctic Gateway Group. The governments of Canada and Manitoba are coming together in an historic partnership to support this rail line and future opportunities for northern Manitoba. The Government of Canada will invest up to an additional $60 million on top of its existing support of the Arctic Gateway Group, and the Manitoba government will invest up to $73.8 million. These investments will be distributed over two years and support a program of significant upgrades as well as the operation and maintenance of the Hudson Bay Railway.
The governments of Canada and Manitoba continue to work in partnership in supporting reconciliation, along with regional connectivity, economic development, sustainable job growth, and local and international tourism opportunities in northern Manitoba.
Quotes
“The Hudson Bay Railway is an engine for economic development, job growth and tourism opportunities, and our government is proud to support this vital transportation network connecting people and businesses in northern Manitoba with the goods and supplies they need to live, work and invest in their communities. This historic investment and partnership represents a new and exciting chapter for northern Manitoba and today’s announcement demonstrates what we can accomplish when we work together to advance shared opportunities in the spirit of reconciliation and collaboration. Building our northern economy is essential to our province’s future economic and social success, and I am confident this investment will provide economic benefits for the North, Manitoba and all of the Prairie provinces for years to come.” – Manitoba Premier Heather Stefanson
“Manitobans have enormous pride in the treasured Hudson Bay Railway and in our connections to the North and Arctic. More than that, it is a vital transportation link and a critical part of Canada’s northern supply chain and food security. Together, in partnership with Indigenous and northern communities and the Province of Manitoba, our government is ensuring northern communities remain connected and that we are building a prosperous northern economy that benefits everyone, today’s historic investment will do just that.” – the Honourable Daniel Vandal, member of Parliament for Saint Boniface – Saint Vital, Minister for PrairiesCan, Minister of Northern Affairs and Minister for CanNor
“Manitoba is open for business and today’s historic announcement supports our ‘Look North’ strategy to unleash the economic potential of the north, for the benefit of all Manitobans. As Manitoba’s economy emerges into a new era of growth, we are investing in the tools and resources Manitobans need to create a better, brighter future for themselves, their families and their community. Enhancing the Hudson Bay Railway – a vital transportation artery in the north –supports our vision for a strategic northern transportation corridor that could one day provide Western Canada’s exporters from Hudson Bay to the Rocky Mountains with secure access to global markets.” – Economic Development, Investment and Trade Minister Cliff Cullen
“In 2018 our government committed to the repair and maintenance of the Hudson Bay Railway. The historic collaboration we celebrated during the formation of the Arctic Gateway Group and its acquisition of the Hudson Bay Railway, Port of Churchill and Marine Tank Farm, is now joined by the collaboration of our government with the Province of Manitoba to ensure the railway remains operational for all who benefit from its use.” – the Honourable Jim Carr, member of Parliament for Winnipeg South Centre
“As chair of the Arctic Gateway Group, I am proud to thank our government and Indigenous partners on this historic investment in the Hudson Bay Railway and Port of Churchill. Today marks an important milestone in advancing our vision to restore a true Arctic gateway and northern trade corridor through Canada’s only rail connected, deep-sea Arctic port.” – Mayor Mike Spence, Town of Churchill
“Today the Government of Canada and the Province of Manitoba have sent a clear message of their commitment to share our vision that looks north. On behalf of the Indigenous leadership of the Arctic Gateway Group, I am pleased to see a strong commitment from our government partners that advances economic reconciliation in restoring a strategic investment in trade and commence through the Hudson Bay Railway.” – Chief Morris Beardy, Fox Lake Cree Nation
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