Ottawa launches market study on Port of Churchill expansion

The federal government has launched a market sounding study to gather industry input on the long-term growth potential of the Port of Churchill Plus project in northern Manitoba.

The study will complement ongoing business development efforts by the Arctic Gateway Group, which owns the Port of Churchill and the Hudson Bay Railway and has been expanding import and export activity through the northern port.

The market sounding exercise will engage senior executives in sectors including mining, energy, potash, grain and northern resupply. It will examine how potential investments, such as extended or year-round shipping supported by icebreaking, modernization of the rail line to Class 1 standards, an all-season road connection and a possible energy corridor, could influence long-term import and export strategies and private-sector investment.

Findings from the study are to help inform future decisions by federal and provincial governments in partnership with Indigenous leaders and support the continued development of Churchill as Canada’s Arctic and northern trade gateway.

Wab Kinew, Premier of Manitoba, said the project would help Canadian goods reach new markets year-round.

“This study is about unlocking the full potential of the Port of Churchill and the rail line that connects northern Manitoba to the world. Working hand in hand with the federal government, Manitoba has made significant progress to advance this project that will help Canadian goods reach new markets year-round, creating good jobs along the way,” Kinew said. “Churchill is Canada’s strategic northern gateway and by working with the federal government, Indigenous nations, the Manitoba Crown-Indigenous Corporation and the private sector, we’re building a more resilient and free Canadian economy.”

Steven MacKinnon, Minister of Transport and Leader of the Government in the House of Commons, said the port would play a central role in strengthening Canada’s global trade connections.

“The Port of Churchill is set to play a central role in our government’s vision to build a stronger, more resilient Canadian economy that is better connected to global markets,” he said. “By ensuring that we are investing strategically, we are creating new opportunities for northern communities and Canadian businesses, supporting Indigenous economic leadership and strengthening our sovereignty. These efforts continue to position Canada as a forward-looking country, by seizing the opportunities of global trade.”

Chris Avery, president and CEO of the Arctic Gateway Group, said the initiative would help advance foundational elements of the project. “Port of Churchill Plus is a vision for a stronger north and would be transformative for the economics of shipping through Hudson Bay,” Avery said. “As Arctic Gateway continues to build up our business and trade enabling infrastructure in the north, we are actively advancing the foundational elements of Port of Churchill Plus so we can move forward with speed and determination, which will ultimately help Canada diversify trade, expand access to new markets, advance economic reconciliation and strengthen Arctic security.”