Look North, Promoting Economic Development and Tourism in Northern Manitoba a Priority for Premier Heather Stefanson
October 13, 2022
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.
Stefanson and Cullen will also meet with city officials and newly elected Chief Angela Levasseur, from Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation (Nelson House), while in Thompson.
The premier and minister will conclude the northern tour in Flin Flon. They will meet with local officials, health system and post-secondary leadership and students at University College of the North to tour the nurse training facility. In December 2021, the province announced $4.3 million to increase nurse-training seats in the north to support the government’s commitment to strengthen the health-care system and support the growth of the region.
Stefanson and Cullen will also meet with the leadership of the Northern Manitoba Mining Academy, which provides world-class facilities and hands-on training, including a women in industry training program, and supports employment and economic development in northern Manitoba.
Additionally, while in Flin Flon, they will meet with members of the arts and culture community to promote the new $100-million Arts, Culture and Sport in Community (ACSC) Fund and to discuss how the province can support the growth of this sector in the north.
For more information on the ACSC Fund, visit www.manitoba.ca/acsc.
For more information on the Look North Strategy, visit www.gov.mb.ca/looknorth.
For more information on the $147 million joint investment for Arctic Gateway Group, visit https://news.gov.mb.ca/news/?archive=&item=55760.
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For more information:
- Public information, contact Manitoba Government Inquiry: 1-866-626-4862 or 204-945-3744.
- Media requests for general information, contact Communications and Engagement: newsroom@gov.mb.ca.
- Media requests for ministerial comment, contact Communications and Stakeholder Relations: 204-451-7109.
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