News Releases

Look North, Promoting Economic Development and Tourism in Northern Manitoba a Priority for Premier Heather Stefanson

Premier Heather Stefanson and Economic Development, Investment and Trade Minister Cliff Cullen are heading to northern Manitoba with stops in Churchill, Thompson and Flin Flon to promote jobs, tourism and economic opportunities with Indigenous leaders, local officials, business, industry and tourism partners and community members.

“Manitoba is open for business and our government’s Look North strategy is committed to working collaboratively with our community and economic development partners to facilitate economic growth and build a prosperous future for all Manitobans,” said Stefanson. “I had the privilege of travelling throughout most of the province this summer to listen to Manitobans and take action on their priorities. I look forward to continuing that engagement with northern Manitobans over the next few days in the spirit of reconciliation, collaboration and co-operation.”

As part of the province’s ongoing efforts to promote international travel to northern Manitoba, the premier and minister will join a delegation of diplomats from countries, including Germany, Brazil and Iceland, to learn about and promote the various tourism opportunities in Churchill, the Polar Bear Capital of the world. The premier and minister will also participate in the unveiling of a new beluga whale-viewing vessel by Lazy Bear Expeditions, followed by meetings with town officials, local tour operators and the Arctic Gateway Group.

“Earlier this summer, our government announced our contribution of more than $73 million for the Arctic Gateway Group (AGG) to support significant upgrades to the Hudson Bay Railway, a vital transportation network in northern Manitoba,” said Cullen. “Building up our northern economy is essential to our province’s success and thanks to the leadership of the premier, this historic partnership with Canada and AGG will create jobs and provide opportunities for tourism, international trade and future economic growth of the region.”

On Friday, the premier and minister will travel to Thompson and Flin Flon. In Thompson, they will tour state-of-the-art vehicle and aviation testing sites including the Ford Extreme Cold Weather Testing Site and Global Aerospace Centre for Icing and Environmental Research.

They will also meet with members of the Communities Economic Development Fund to discuss the continued implementation of Manitoba’s Look North Strategy, a comprehensive plan to grow the northern economy through Indigenous engagement and partnerships, mineral and resource development, infrastructure and housing investments and workforce development.