February 3, 2026

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CHURCHILL—The Manitoba government is investing $250,000 to explore the establishment of a national marine conservation area (NMCA) in western Hudson Bay with its strategic partners, Premier Wab Kinew announced here today following a meeting with tourism operators.

The premier was joined by Environment and Climate Change Minister Mike Moyes, Sport, Culture, Heritage and Tourism Minister Nellie Kennedy, and Natural Resources and Indigenous Futures Minister Ian Bushie.

“Churchill is one of the most extraordinary places on Earth and we must protect it,” said Kinew. “As we move forward on the Port of Churchill Plus project, we are working with Indigenous communities, local leadership, the federal government and environmental groups like Oceans North and Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS) Manitoba, to protect the wildlife, the culture and the future of northern communities. Together, we can build a future where conservation and economic opportunity go hand in hand in Manitoba’s north.”

The initiative would protect one of the world’s most ecologically significant marine environments while supporting sustainable economic development and northern tourism.

The federal government also emphasized the national significance of western Hudson Bay and the importance of early engagement.

“Western Hudson Bay is an excellent candidate site for a potential national marine conservation area,” said federal Environment, Climate Change and Nature Minister Julie Dabrusin. “In addition to its ecological value, the area holds deep cultural and historical significance and is an important part of northern and marine identity in Canada. Discussions are at an early stage, and any consideration of a feasibility assessment would be informed by dialogue with First Nations, Inuit and Métis partners, as well as future engagement with communities and stakeholders.”

“In Northern and Arctic regions, where stewardship and economic resilience are closely linked, marine conservation must be grounded in strong collaboration, respect for Indigenous leadership, and a shared understanding that nature and economic development can go hand in hand,” said federal Arctic and Northern Affairs Minister Rebecca Chartrand. “Exploring the potential of western Hudson Bay as a national marine conservation area highlights how protecting nature can support long‑term environmental stewardship while contributing to sustainable growth and reflecting the priorities and aspirations of Northern communities in Canada.”

“I am encouraged by the strong early momentum to explore the establishment of a national marine conservation area in western Hudson Bay,” said federal Secretary of State (Nature) Nathalie Provost. “Through Parks Canada’s marine conservation mandate, this would represent a meaningful opportunity to advance marine conservation in support of Canada’s 30‑by‑30 biodiversity goals, guided by science and Indigenous knowledge, grounded in the stewardship from First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples, and built through strong partnerships with Northern communities and stakeholders.”

The Manitoba government’s investment of $50,000 and $200,000 of in-kind support will enable work with strategic partners to explore the possibility of establishing an NMCA alongside existing tourism and industry operations at the port, and will work closely with Parks Canada and Indigenous Nations, including Inuit in Nunavut, other partners and stakeholders on this initiative.

“Hudson Bay is changing rapidly, and the time to act is now,” said Moyes. “A NMCA would help safeguard ecosystems that are vital to Manitoba’s identity and to global climate. At the same time, it would support Churchill’s growth as a world-class destination for northern tourism. Our government is committed to working collaboratively with Indigenous governments, the Town of Churchill, the federal government and partners like Oceans North to make this vision a reality.”

Oceans North, a leading Canadian marine conservation organization, joined the premier and ministers, announcing the organization’s investment of $1 million to support community engagement, scientific research and capacity building related to the NMCA initiative.

“The premier’s emphasis on balance matters,” said Christopher Debicki, vice-president, policy development and counsel, Oceans North. “A feasibility study creates the space to do the work properly, grounded in evidence, respect of rights, and shaped with local and northern leadership. If Manitoba is serious about balanced development, this is exactly the kind of step that puts that principle into action.”

“We are not here to just be participants in a process, we are here to be leaders in stewarding Kischikamee (western Hudson Bay),” said Chief Darryl Wastesicoot, York Factory First Nation. “The establishment of a potential NMCA would be another step in our major efforts to increase our presence on our coastal traditional territory, strengthening the relationship that we have had with these lands and waters since time immemorial.”

Conservation organizations welcomed the announcement, highlighting the opportunity to balance environmental protection with sustainable economic development.

“Western Hudson Bay is home to tens of thousands of beluga whales, supports Earth’s most famous polar bear population and provides a vital stopover for migratory birds that link continents,” said Ron Thiessen, executive director, CPAWS Manitoba. “These waters are integral to Indigenous cultures and underpin Churchill’s world-renowned tourism economy. A NMCA would help ensure future development unfolds responsibly and in true partnership with Northern communities. I couldn’t be more pleased with the Manitoba government’s leadership on this today.”

Following today’s announcement, the premier and ministers will hold a town hall alongside Churchill Mayor Mike Spence to share updates on the Port of Churchill Plus project and answer questions from residents.

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