Daily Herald Staff
Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe, Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew, and Arctic Gateway Group (AGG) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to strengthen trade through the Port of Churchill on July 22.
“Saskatchewan remains committed to strengthening trade across Canada by supporting and developing new transportation corridors,” Moe said in a press release. “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.”
This important agreement seeks to strengthen supply chains, bolster regional economies, reduce costs and emissions, enhance market access and foster sustainable growth.
“Churchill presents huge opportunities when it comes to mining, agriculture and energy,” Kinew said. “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.”
Part of this MOU includes connecting producers, processors, industries, and exporters in Saskatchewan and Manitoba to the Arctic Trade Corridor.
“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,” Arctic Gateway Group CEO, Chris Avery said in the press release. “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 agreement also prioritizes efforts to secure federal infrastructure funding and regulatory support to improve connectivity. The signatories said this will help streamline trade, ensuring efficiency and resilience in getting Saskatchewan and Manitoba goods to market.
Saskatchewan exports include food, fuel, fertilizer, and critical minerals the world needs to ensure food and energy security.
The Government of Saskatchewan said in a press release it supports initiatives that promote national infrastructure such as the development of corridors and gateways.
This increased focus on a northern trade corridor will build opportunities, create jobs and ensure economic prosperity now and into the future.
The partners strongly believe that this MOU will strengthen and expand market access across not only Canada but across the globe.
editorial@paherald.sk.ca
