Port of Churchill ‘generational opportunity’

Federal Minister of Finance François-Philippe Champagne was in Winnipeg, but at a gathering of local business community members on Monday afternoon, he had another Manitoba locale on his mind.

“I love Churchill,” Champagne said when asked at a Manitoba Chambers of Commerce event what Canadian trade diversification opportunity he’s most optimistic about.

Ottawa has identified the Port of Churchill as central to its vision to build a stronger, more resilient Canadian economy that is better connected to global markets.

“I had no hesitation to mention Churchill — that came to mind immediately,” Champagne told a reporter after the event. “It is probably one of the most consequential infrastructure (projects) that we can imagine for the Prairies.”

The Port of Churchill Plus project is part of a larger vision to unlock an Indigenous-owned energy corridor in Manitoba.

“It’s a generational opportunity,” Champagne said. “That’s the kind of infrastructure that we’ll be talking about for decades to come because this is opening up a new trading route, which I think is much needed.”

During a 10-minute keynote speech at the Fort Garry Hotel, the finance minister was frank about the state of global affairs.

“I feel that 2026 is delivering to us a world which is even more complex and volatile (than in 2025),” he told the crowd of about 150 people. “The complexity and volatility is something we have not seen in generations.”

Still, Champagne — whose animated personality has earned him the nickname “Frankie Bubbles” on Parliament Hill — was quick to add hopeful sentiments.

“The Canadian economy is far more resilient than we expected,” he said. “It is reassuring to see that Canadian workers are resilient, Canadian industry is resilient (and) Canadian farmers are resilient.”

Champagne’s keynote was followed by a 30-minute fireside chat with Chuck Davidson, president and CEO of the Manitoba chambers.

Champagne told the Free Press, in his view, Manitoba is central to Canada’s growth. He said he shared that message with Premier Wab Kinew during a meeting after the chambers event.

“I see a lot of opportunity in Manitoba,” he said.

Champagne mentioned Team Canada Strong, the $6-billion nationwide effort Prime Minister Mark Carney recently outlined to recruit, train and hire 80,000 to 100,000 new Red Seal trades workers in the next five years.

“The people are ready to build, there’s a lot to build, and I see a role quite clearly in my mind for Manitoba when we say that we want to build (Team) Canada Strong,” he said.

The finance minister’s schedule during his one-day visit included a stop at 17 Wing air base, where he spoke to members of the Canadian Armed Forces and highlighted federal investments in the defence sector that were announced during the spring economic update.

The spring economic update proposes, among other things, providing $103.8 million over five years — starting in 2026-27 — and $22.3 million ongoing to establish and operate the Defence Investment Agency as a stand-alone entity.

The agency is at the centre of the Defence Industrial Strategy, the whole-of-government approach which was launched in February to transform Canada’s defence industry.

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“It’s not only a defence strategy,” Champagne told the Free Press. “It’s a job strategy, it’s an industrial strategy, and we need to make sure that we use these investments to create the businesses that are going to supply our armed forces and give them the tools they need to fulfill the mission that they’re facing today.

“We need to make sure we have the capabilities and the people to defend our sovereignty,” he added. “They (military members at 17 Wing) are at the forefront of that. So, engaging with them is always rewarding. Listening to them and seeing them being very proud of wearing the uniform, I think, is inspiring.”

Monday marked Champagne’s second stop in Winnipeg in six months.

He last visited the city in November, an appearance that included speaking at a Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce event about the latest federal budget.

aaron.epp@freepress.mb.ca

Aaron Epp
Reporter

Aaron Epp reports on business for the Free Press. After freelancing for the paper for a decade, he joined the staff full-time in 2024. Read more about Aaron.

Every piece of reporting Aaron produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the Free Press‘s tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about Free Press’s history and mandate, and learn how our newsroom operates.