New Crown Indigenous Corporation top of mind at the Premier’s State of the Province Address

More than 1,200 people packed the room for the State of the Province address, where Premier Kinew laid out his government’s roadmap for the year ahead, directly speaking to the business community and industry leaders who will shape Manitoba’s future. 

Kinew spoke about grocery price controls and expanding sales of seized U.S. alcohol, but the most significant announcement was a new Crown Indigenous Corporation he believes will help Manitoba build major projects faster and more collaboratively.

“When I think about the State of the Province, I am filled with a relentless optimism,” said Kinew.

“We know we got this great opportunity with Hudson Bay with Churchill, and this corporation is Manitoba’s approach to do things differently and have big things built with Indigenous people participating every step of the way.”

Premier Kinew says the corporation will create a 50-50 board, shared between Indigenous governments and the province.

“I feel it’s a great step forward and will move us where we need to move, which is a province that doesn’t have one area of benefits but 1.5 million Manitobans,” said Lorne Remmilard.

First Nations leaders say the model is needed after Manitoba Chiefs were left off the federal government’s Indigenous Advisory Circle. While consultations still need to happen, leaders believe the province’s approach can rebuild trust and ensure all First Nations have a voice in decisions involving land and resources.

Métis leadership says it could position Manitoba for major investments linked to Churchill and northern development.

“I feel there is great opportunities right now, and First Nation leadership they represent, so I hope going forward this will be a new beginning of how the province works with First Nation leaders,” said Grand Chief Kyra Wilson of the AMC.

David Chartrand, President of the MMF, says, “This is the opportunity that is once and a lifetime for us. If we miss this and this sails by us, then we have made this province a continuous have-not province.”

The Crown Indigenous Corporation will include a 12-member board, with major decisions beginning in 2026, as Manitoba works to advance key projects in partnership with Indigenous governments.