Kinew proposes Manitoba ‘nation-building’ projects in letter to PM

“Manitoba is the Costco of critical minerals,” Premier Wab Kinew told the prime minister Wednesday morning, ahead of a Canadian leaders meeting later in the day.

In a two-page letter to Mark Carney laying out the province’s top “nation-building” priorities, Kinew proposed Ottawa help develop Manitoba’s mineral-rich North to fast-track exploration and extraction and build a critical-mineral workforce with Indigenous nations.

“At this pivotal moment in our nation’s history, I look forward to working with you to build a stronger and more prosperous Manitoba and Canada,” Kinew wrote.

Carney met virtually Wednesday afternoon with provincial and territorial leaders for the first time since Canadians elected a minority Liberal government on April 28.

The meeting came a day after he and key cabinet officials travelled to Washington to discuss cross-border trade tensions with U.S. President Donald Trump and members of his administration.

Kinew detailed five projects for consideration under the federal Liberals’ One Project, One Review policy, designed to streamline decision-making on major funding initiatives.

He noted that Manitoba’s central location and Arctic port, relationship with Indigenous governments and hydroelectricity make it “uniquely positioned for success.”

He pitched a “One Canada Trade Corridor” to bring Canadian goods and energy to new markets via the Port of Churchill, which would require federal funding for icebreakers to expand the shipping season through Hudson Bay, as well as new energy generation and transmission infrastructure.

Kinew suggested the creation of Indigenous fair-trade zones that serve as inland ports and are exempt from tariffs.

Manitoba is also seeking Ottawa’s support to grow a new agriculture technology exchange campus in downtown Winnipeg and twin the Trans-Canada Highway.

Carney’s office issued a statement after the first ministers’ meeting.

The group discussed ideas “to diversify the economy, create higher-paying jobs and build one Canadian economy instead of 13,” it states.

During question period at the legislature Wednesday, the Opposition Tories asked the NDP government how its protecting the local film industry in response to Trump’s latest threat.

The president revealed over the weekend that he wants to slap a 100 per cent levy on all films made in foreign countries.

Progressive Conservative MLA Richard Perchotte condemned the NDP’s decision to not continue subsidizing flights between Winnipeg and Los Angeles and Atlanta; a $4.8-million fund created by former Tory premier Heather Stefanson’s government to support the province’s film-production industry ran dry in 2023.

“When will they stand up and protect this industry?” Perchotte (Selkirk) asked.

Kinew indicated that he, along with the premiers of British Columbia and New Brunswick, raised the issue with Carney.

“Working with the prime minister, working with the other provinces and territories, we have to protect industries across the board,” the premier told the legislative assembly.

“(That includes) the film industry, software, technology, manufacturing, ag industries.”

Kinew said propping up those sectors, which he noted “generate intellectual property,” is key to building wealth for Manitoba and Canada.

Carney reiterated Wednesday he is committed to introducing legislation on Parliament Hill to eliminate federal trade barriers ahead of Canada Day.

He is scheduled to meet with Kinew and other Canadian premiers next on June 2 in Saskatoon.

maggie.macintosh@freepress.mb.ca