Premier suggests three mega projects could bring $30 billion in economic activity to Manitoba

Manitoba premier Wab Kinew says he is focused on making Manitoba a “have” province by bringing in mega projects to generate provincial economic growth. This week, he revealed a few insights on those major initiatives. 

“There’s going to be hopefully $30 billion of worth of economy activity we bring to the province, maybe more if we get all these projects we’re looking at lined up,” said Wab Kinew, premier of Manitoba.

Speaking on a political podcast, Kinew referenced three mega projects, the first of which is the Port of Churchill. He would not name the second and third but said they were energy related.

“When you look at what’s happening with Mr. Trump right now, hey, we got to trump-proof our economy so we’re going to work on making sure the people in hard hats and steel toes can sink their teeth into some big, big projects here,” said Kinew.

Kinew was sparse on other details.

Obby Khan, leader of the official Opposition, said he wants more transparency.

“I asked him repeatedly. What are the three mega projects. When are they going to be completed. Who’s going to be paying for them? Not one answer from the premier.”

Khan sparred with Kinew in the legislature Tuesday.

“Manitobans have real concerns about this. The last mega project done by this NDP government, Keeyask and Bipole III, was years late and five billion dollars over budget,” said Khan.

Kinew said he’s not ready to give more details yet but did say on the podcast that the province is “almost certainly going to do” one of the mystery projects and that officials are working on financing for the other.