Chuck Davidson, President and CEO, and Nick Gamble, Policy Analyst, were pleased to attend the Northern Transportation Symposium in Thompson last week. This two-day conference, organized by the Thompson Chamber of Commerce, focused on the opportunities and challenges of Northern transportation. Key topics included trade-enabling infrastructure, electric vehicles, and critical transportation connections for Northern communities.
Key Attendees and Speakers
The conference was attended by several elected officials, including Lisa Naylor, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, Consumer Protection and Government Services, MLA Eric Redhead, and Niki Ashton, MP for Churchill. Mayors of several Northern municipalities, including Mayor Colleen Smook of Thompson, Mayor Andre Murphy of The Pas, Mayor Brandon Dulewich of Lynn Lake, and Mayor Dwayne Forman of Gillam were also present.
Updates from Manitoba Chambers of Commerce Members
At the event, several Manitoba Chambers of Commerce members provided updates on their operations and expressed continued commitments to being strong partners for the North.
- Gardewine was founded in Flin Flon and operates electric vans in Thompson, and has committed to electrification of its fleet with the purchase of an electric Class 8 truck.
- Calm Air shared about their successful Atik Mason Indigenous Pilot Pathway program which funds training for Indigenous Northerners to get their pilot’s license. Calm Air recently celebrated the graduation of eight Inuit pilots, the first Inuit graduates through the program.
- NCN Thompson Bus & Freight explained how they have stepped up in place of Greyhound, connecting Thompson to surrounding communities and the South. They have big plans to set up a maintenance facility in Winnipeg, trial electric coaches, and add a route to Flin Flon.
- Arctic Gateway Group’s recent investments in their Northern rail line have improved the track condition, shortening travel time by 2.5 hours from the Pas to Churchill. Additionally, they celebrated the first shipment of zinc from the port which highlights potential opportunities for other critical minerals, potash, and container exports and imports.
- Thompson Regional Airport Authority is building a new air terminal, expanding capacity from 14,000 to 40,000 square feet. This will open opportunities for new retail, an expanded business park, and greater usage of the Area 55 Cold Weather testing facility.
Other Discussion Highlights
- Minister Naylor: Manitoba continues to collaborate with Alberta and Saskatchewan on facilitating key trade routes for the Prairies and the North. Manitoba has invested in Northern Infrastructure through Rest Stop pilots and resurfacing along Highway 6, the Thompson airport, and Arctic Gateway Group rail enhancements.
- Winter Road Network Investments: Manitoba continues to invest in the winter road network with strategic upgrades to keep the roads open as long as possible and mitigate the impacts of climate change.
- Air Ships: Discussions highlighted the potential impact of the commercialization of freight and passenger airships to improve Northern food security, mining operations, and improve connectivity of remote communities.
- Hudson Bay Shipping Route Updates: NeeStaNan discussed the potential economic benefits of shipping liquified natural gas through Hudson Bay, rather than benefiting regions like Texas and the Gulf Coast.
Congratulations to the Thompson Chamber of Commerce for successfully initiating an important conversation to improve the lives and economic conditions for Northern Manitobans. The symposium highlighted recent advancements and future opportunities in Northern transportation, promising a brighter future for Manitoba’s Northern communities.
Interested in Northern Manitoba?
Are you ready to explore the exciting potential of the North? Join the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce delegation to The Pas and OCN on October 8-9 for an exclusive Economic Development Tour. Don’t miss this chance to connect, learn, and grow with industry and community leaders. Register now!
