Saskatchewan and Manitoba have joined with the Arctic Gateway Group to create a northern corridor that aims to speed Prairie wheat, potash, and other goods to world markets.Premier Scott Moe and Premier Wab Kinew signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) today that puts the Churchill port and its rail link at the centre of the plan. Arctic Gateway Group (AGG) CEO Chris Avery also signed the MOU in Winnipeg. The Hudson Bay port sat idle after storm damage until repairs finished in 2022, and officials say it is now ready to grow."Saskatchewan remains committed to strengthening trade across Canada by supporting and developing new transportation corridors," said Moe. "Streamlining access to ports, such as Churchill, will allow our goods better access to new and emerging international markets. Today's MOU between Saskatchewan and Manitoba is another way we are building on that progress and creating new opportunities for our industries.".Kinew said the agreement could begin new investment in mining, energy, and agriculture. "Churchill presents huge opportunities when it comes to mining, agriculture, and energy," said Kinew. "Through this agreement with AGG and Saskatchewan, we are going to unlock new opportunities for businesses in Manitoba and Saskatchewan to get their goods to market."The memorandum calls for both provinces to lobby Ottawa for cash and regulatory help to upgrade the Hudson Bay Railway and modernize port facilities. Engineers say improving the track bed, most of which sits on muskeg, would allow heavier trains to run all year instead of only in the warmer summer months.Analysts note Churchill is roughly 1,600 kilometres closer to tidewater than the Port of Vancouver, a savings that could trim freight costs by approximately 10%. ."Manitoba and Saskatchewan understand the strategic value of the Port of Churchill and Hudson Bay Railway, especially as Canada looks to diversify trade and become an energy superpower," said Avery. "This joint commitment from Premiers Kinew and Moe is a clear signal that Canada's Arctic Trade Corridor will play a major role in this country's trade and transportation future. As an established, efficient link to world markets, with economic reconciliation built into everything we do, the Port of Churchill is actively shipping, open for business, and ready to deliver for prairie producers and Canadian exports - while returning the benefits to AGG's Indigenous and northern ownership communities."The two premiers did not attach a price tag to the corridor, nor did they set a construction timeline. Kinew said they will work those details out after talks with the federal government and private partners.Moe pointed out that the project fits Canada’s push to sell more food, fuel, fertilizer, and critical minerals to countries other than the US.
