Churchill, Manitoba to benefit from new funding to help make food affordable and grow the economy

News Release

Government of Canada further supports northern Manitoba by announcing nearly $3 million for new initiatives

December 1, 2017 – Churchill, Manitoba – Western Economic Diversification Canada

The Government of Canada is committed to the people of Churchill and northern Manitoba and is making a significant investment to assist Canadians with the cost of food and to generate economic growth.

The funding was announced today by the Honourable Jim Carr, Minister of Natural Resources, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) and the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs.

The federal government continues to recognize the importance of the Hudson Bay Railway Line and Port of Churchill to communities in northern Manitoba and in the Kivalliq Region of Nunavut.

The Government of Canada is committing an additional $2.7 million to support economic growth. The new funding will be provided to the Churchill and Region Economic Development (CRED) Fund to contribute to the creation of jobs, support local businesses and help diversify economic activities.

On November 1, the Nutrition North Canada (NNC) Level 2 subsidy was extended, providing an additional estimated $260,000 to help the people of Churchill with food costs between now and next spring. As well, the Government of Canada will continue to work with the Province of Manitoba to ensure adequate fuel supply through the winter months.

In addition, funding support is being provided from key programs and initiatives to advance the interests of the Churchill region. The University of Manitoba’s Churchill Marine Observatory (CMO) is receiving more than $1.5 million through the Western Diversification Program (WDP). Over the course of the project, it is anticipated that 13 full-time and 20 trainees will be hired.

Under initial CRED funding, five projects pertaining to Churchill, totaling $575,600 were recently approved. These projects will create 19 jobs to grow fresh healthy food options, support a new winter ice road, and bring northern trade missions resulting in direct economic benefits.

Over and above these support measures to address pressing community needs, the Government of Canada is equally mindful of the long term prosperity of Churchill. The Government is currently engaging with provinces, territories, Indigenous peoples, and communities regarding a new strategy for the future of the Arctic. As the Arctic Policy Framework is being developed over the coming months, the role and opportunities for Churchill and the Hudson’s Bay Rail line in serving as a transportation and supply link to Canada’s North will be considered.

Quotes

“The Government of Canada is committed to ensuring the long-term prosperity of the people who live and work in Northern Manitoba, as well as the economic development of the region. The funding announced today demonstrates the wide range of opportunities that exist.”

The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for Western Economic Diversification Canada 

“Today’s announcement is an example of the Government of Canada’s commitment to the people of northern Manitoba. We are working together to address the challenges and create new and exciting opportunities to move forward.”

The Honourable Jim Carr, Minister of Natural Resources 

“We thank the Government of Canada for this support to a critical piece of infrastructure necessary for this project to move forward. The Churchill Marine Observatory will play a key role in learning more about the impact of oil and other contaminants under realistic ice-covered conditions.”

Dr. Digvir Jayas, Vice-President (Research and International) and Distinguished Professor, University of Manitoba 

“Food security is an important issue for all communities but since the rail line closure this has become an increasingly essential priority for Churchill. The Growcer Hydroponic unit installed at the Churchill Northern Studies Centre (CNSC) will improve our community’s access to fresh healthy food.”

Stephanie Puleo, Interim Executive Director, Churchill Northern Studies Centre
 

Related Products

Associated Links

Contacts

Alexandre Deslongchamps
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Natural Resources
Telephone: 343-292-6837
Email: alexandre.deslongchamps@canada.ca  

Lorne Pelletier
Director, Planning, Policy and External Relations
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Winnipeg, Manitoba
Telephone: 204-510-7659
Email: lorne.pelletier@canada.ca 

Stay Connected

Follow us on Twitter: @WD_Canada
WD Homepage
WD Toll-Free Number: 1-888-338-WEST (9378)
TTY (telecommunications device for the hearing impaired): 1-877-303-3388

Page details

Date modified: