Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Arctic Gateway Group to establish northern trade corridor

The governments of Saskatchewan and Manitoba, along with Arctic Gateway Group (AGG) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to strengthen trade through the Port of Churchill.

“Saskatchewan remains committed to strengthening trade across Canada by supporting and developing new transportation corridors,” said Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe. “Streamlining access to ports, such as Churchill will allow our goods better access to new and emerging international markets. Today’s MOU between Saskatchewan and Manitoba is another way we are building on that progress and creating new opportunities for our industries.”

The MOU outlines a five‑year roadmap with annual progress reviews, formalizing a shared commitment to:

• expand infrastructure – AGG will invest in port and rail assets and lengthen the shipping season to support increased freight capacity;
• activate trade networks – the Saskatchewan government will mobilize commodity producers and exporters through its trade offices and regional industry partners; and
• mobilize federal support – the Manitoba government will lead efforts to secure federal infrastructure funding and regulatory support to improve connectivity to northern markets.

“Churchill presents huge opportunities when it comes to mining, agriculture and energy,” said Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew. “Through this agreement with AGG and Saskatchewan, we are going to unlock new opportunities for businesses in Manitoba and Saskatchewan to get their goods to market.”

Part of this MOU includes connecting producers, processors, industries, and exporters in Saskatchewan and Manitoba to the Arctic Trade Corridor. It also prioritizes efforts to secure federal infrastructure funding and regulatory support to improve connectivity. This will help streamline trade, ensuring efficiency and resilience in getting Saskatchewan and Manitoba goods to market.

“Manitoba and Saskatchewan understand the strategic value of the Port of Churchill and Hudson Bay Railway, especially as Canada looks to diversify trade and become an energy superpower,” said Arctic Gateway Group CEO Chris Avery. “This joint commitment from Premiers Kinew and Moe is a clear signal that Canada’s Arctic Trade Corridor will play a major role in this country’s trade and transportation future. As an established, efficient link to world markets, with economic reconciliation built into everything we do, the Port of Churchill is actively shipping, open for business, and ready to deliver for prairie producers and Canadian exports – while returning the benefits to AGG’s Indigenous and northern ownership communities.”

Featured image: (Arctic Gateway Group)