Manitoba looking to increase exports at Port of Churchill in light of U.S. tariffs

With uncertainty abound regarding Canada’s financial sovereignty in light of tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump, on Tuesday Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew presented a possible solution for Canada to navigate these choppy waters, that being through the Port of Churchill.

“I shared an open invitation to my colleagues from the other provinces and territories, this summer this shipping season out of Churchill, let’s use this as a proof of concept to show how we can diversify reaching international markets,” said Premier Wab Kinew.

“Critical minerals are part of what powers the economy of today and tomorrow and so we have a great hand to play here.”

The premier’s vote of confidence comes at a time when business is booming at Manitoba’s northern port. 

Earlier this week, the Arctic Gateway Group, a partnership of dozens of First Nation and local communities that own and operate the Port and Hudson Bay Railway, announced plans to double the amount of critical minerals it shipped last year, which marked its first export shipment in over two decades.

“For a country the size of Canada to have a northern port option makes sense, and it really makes sense with the recent news,” said Chris Avery, the CEO of Arctic Gateway Group.

Avery says the port has seen a spike in interest with the threat of tariffs looming with Canadian business leaders looking to diversify their trade options. He adds he is confident the port could help Canadian products reach new markets in a fraction of the time.

“Europe, Middle East, Africa even South America, it shaves roughly 2 full days of sea travel due to the directness of the route,” said Avery.

To help continue the redevelopment of the port, last month the feds and the province announced an additional $80 million in funding. And on Tuesday, the Premier hinted that Churchill could play a more significant role, in further protecting the Canadian economy, from the threat of U.S. tariffs.

“But let’s talk about agriculture products, let’s talk about other mining projects, let’s talk about energy products, and let’s be serious about trump proofing our economy including accessing international markets through the tidewaters of Churchill,” said Premier Kinew.

The Premier’s message has clearly been well received as Avery says discussions are already underway with a variety of industries across the country.

“Some are more advanced than others but they can all see the possibilities of Churchill,” said Avery.