October 15, 2014
New Hydro Projects to Benefit Manitoba Families, Local Businesses with Jobs, Opportunities to Grow: Minister Struthers
– – –Manitoba Government Holds Event to Connect Local Companies with More Than $10 Billion in Hydroelectric Building Projects
The jobs and opportunities related to Manitoba’s next generation of building projects are the focus of the ‘Aligning our Resources for Growth’ networking workshop being held today, Municipal Government Minister Stan Struthers, minister responsible for Manitoba Hydro, announced today.
“Manitoba has tremendous hydroelectric resources that hold the potential for sustainable economic benefits,” said Minister Struthers. “The Keeyask Generating Station project is one of the largest capital projects in Manitoba’s history and Manitoba Hydro has planned capital expenditures of over $10 billion over the next several years. These projects, in addition to a major system renewal underway, are springboards for business opportunities, economic growth and prosperity for Manitoba families.”
Keeyask is being developed by the Keeyask Hydropower Limited Partnership (KHLP), a venture between four northern First Nations (Tataskweyak Cree Nation, War Lake First Nation, York Factory First Nation, and Fox Lake Cree Nation) and Manitoba Hydro. Manitoba Hydro is managing construction of the project on behalf of the KHLP.
Business representatives will have the chance to network, learn more about how to do business with Manitoba Hydro, build capacity and gain insight into the support and advantages offered through Manitoba’s Energy Opportunities Office, the minister said. The civil engineering contractor for the Keeyask project, BBE L.P., will also be discussing equipment, labour and other resources needed for the project.
“Polar Industries is pleased to be involved with both the Keeyask project and the Keewatinohk converter station project,” said Mark Kohaykewych, president, Polar Industries Ltd. “A key focus for our company is the employment opportunities this project will bring to northern communities where we do business and we look forward to advancing the growth potential of hydroelectric power and making history in this province.”
The Keewatinohk converter station, also under construction, is the northern terminus of the Bipole III high-voltage, direct-current transmission line, the minister said.
Minister Struthers noted a number of supports are available to help Manitoba companies expand and to attract international companies to establish operations in the province including:
- the Energy Jobs Fund, which provides $30 million for flexible loans to encourage and advance new energy projects;
- training support for new job creation offered through the Department of Jobs and the Economy;
- the Manufacturing Investment Tax Credit on new and used machinery and equipment, and buildings;
- up to $250,000 in support for small and medium-sized businesses;
- the Manitoba Research and Development Tax Credit, which provides a 20 per cent partially refundable tax credit applied against Manitoba corporate income tax payable; and
- the Small Business Venture Capital Tax Credit, which helps small eligible corporations raise new equity primarily from new investors.
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