Premier Wab Kinew, along with a delegation of Manitoba businesses, will travel to Ottawa this week to advance the province’s interests with the prime minister, federal cabinet ministers and officials.

“Manitoba is at the table in Ottawa to make sure our province’s voice is heard, and our priorities are front and centre,” said Kinew. “From CentrePort Canada to the Port of Churchill, our province has what Canada needs to grow the economy, defend our sovereignty and strengthen supply chains. We’re in Ottawa to make sure Manitoba workers, businesses and communities are part of that future.”

The delegation will highlight major opportunities such as:

  • expanding CentrePort Canada,
  • modernizing key trade corridors,
  • advancing Port of Churchill development,
  • supporting defence base modernization,
  • growing aerospace and advanced manufacturing, and
  • increasing Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program allocations to address labour shortages.

Representatives from the Business Council of Manitoba, Manitoba Chambers of Commerce, CentrePort Canada Inc., Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce and Manitoba Heavy Construction Association are part of the delegation to emphasize the importance of collaboration between governments, industry and Indigenous partners to meet Canada’s urgent trade, security and workforce development needs.

“At this critical moment, Manitobans must come together to champion our province’s role in Canada’s economic future,” said Bram Strain, president and CEO, Business Council of Manitoba. “Manitoba is ready to support nation-building efforts with the capacity, expertise, workforce, and collaboration needed to support Canada’s energy priorities and help drive the country forward.”

Budget 2026 included a $10-million Churchill Catalyst Fund to help spur development in the port. This builds on collaboration between the federal government’s Major Projects Office and the Manitoba government, investments in Arctic Gateway Group to make capital improvements to the Hudson’s Bay rail line, completion of an icebreaker feasibility study and provincial funding for a feasibility study on a national marine conservation area in Hudson Bay.