Hudson Bay Neighbours Regional Roundtable Meeting Supports More Co-operation Between Kivalliq Region and Northern Manitoba
CHURCHILL, Manitoba (April 26, 2013) – Delegates at the Hudson Bay Neighbours Regional Roundtable meeting held in Churchill, Manitoba, reaffirmed their commitment to strong partnerships and friendships between Manitoba and Nunavut, and cited the proposed road project between Rankin Inlet, Nunavut and Churchill as critical to future development in both regions.
Representatives from seven Nunavut communities, the Government of Nunavut and Nunavut Minister of Community and Government Services Lorne Kusugak met with a Manitoba delegation led by Aboriginal and Northern Affairs Minister Eric Robinson.
Participants from Manitoba included Arlene Wilgosh, CEO of the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority; Colin Ferguson, CEO of Travel Manitoba; Hank Venema of International Institute for Sustainable Development regarding the Hudson Bay Inland Sea Initiative; Dr. David Barber of the University of Manitoba; Ian Page of Manitoba Hydro; and Brad Chase of OmniTRAX Canada Inc.
“This meeting is about taking our long tradition of trade and friendship to the next level as we work together on improved cultural, health and transportation links,” stated Minister Robinson.
The proposed winter road from Churchill to Rankin Inlet was a major discussion point at the meeting.
“The recent public support for a winter road stated by Federal Minister Vic Toews is very encouraging,” said Minister Kusugak, who noted that the project would reduce the cost of shipping and open up the region to further development of mining resources, which will create new jobs and opportunities across the North.
Speakers at the event noted ongoing initiatives that have benefitted both regions as a result of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed between Manitoba and Nunavut. As the 2013 Manitoba Budget Speech noted, the MOU sets out a framework to promote development and strengthen shipping and transportations links.
“The road project will strengthen the economies of both regions and provide greater diversity of business opportunities in Northern Manitoba and Kivalliq hamlets,” stated Churchill Mayor Mike Spence.
The Ministers committed to raise the proposed winter road project in discussions with the Federal Ministers, on working together with them on next steps to proceed on this nation-building project.
The Hudson Bay Neighbours Regional Roundtable, which is co-chaired by Ministers Kusugak and Robinson, includes representatives from the Kivalliq region and the hamlet of Sanikiluaq in Nunavut, and the communities of Churchill, Gilliam and the Fox Lake Cree Nation in Manitoba.
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The Province of Manitoba is distributing this release on behalf of the governments of Nunavut and Manitoba.