Winnipeg/CMEDIA: A new Co-operation Agreement between Manitoba and Canada on Environmental and Impact Assessment has been announced by Canada’s Prime Minister, Mark Carney, and the Premier of Manitoba, Wab Kinew.
“Today’s agreement between Canada and Manitoba…cutting red tape and streamlining approvals…that will power our industries, create thousands of high-paying Canadian careers, and expand our reach in global markets. We’re building Manitoba strong to build Canada strong,” said Carney
“Today marks an important step in our ongoing collaboration with the federal government to streamline regulatory processes…and other stakeholders to advance the Churchill Plus project,” said Kinew.
This agreement will bring a “one project, one review” approach to major infrastructure initiatives in Manitoba by a coordinated federal-provincial approach that minimises duplication and delivers major projects faster.
This agreement will not only also reinforce strong environmental protections and upholding the rights of Indigenous Peoples but would facilitate both governments to adopt the most effective assessment process.
The new Co-operation Agreement will help accelerate major infrastructure projects across Manitoba’s projects like the Port of Churchill Plus which aims to modernise the Port of Churchill by potential improvements, such as an all-weather road, rail line enhancements, a new energy corridor, and strengthened marine ice-breaking capacity.
These upgrades would establish a reliable trade corridor in the North, enabling Canada to export more resources to European markets.
In September 2025, Canada’s new government referred this project to the Major Projects Office to help move it forward.
Last month, Carney announced new projects in Canada’s Arctic and Northern region being referred to the Major Projects Office representing a combined potential investment of more than $126 billion in our economy to create thousands of well-paying careers for Canadians.
Since then $500,000 has been provided by the federal government to enable decision-making led by First Nations, the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, and the Manitoba Métis Federation, as well as the development of the Manitoba Crown Indigenous Corporation to help lead the project.
Canada and Manitoba can pool resources through this agreement to further advance this project and unlock its full potential.
The strong partnership between the governments of Canada and Manitoba is rooted in a shared mission to build big and build fast.
Today’s agreement between Canada and Manitoba is the seventh of its kind, following those with Prince Edward Island, Ontario, New Brunswick, Alberta, Nova Scotia, and a previously established agreement on impact assessments with British Columbia.
