MMF signs wind power project MOU with RES

The Manitoba Métis Federation will work with the world’s largest independent renewable energy company on new wind energy projects.

Renewable energy company RES has signed a memorandum of understanding with the MMF, a news release from the federation says.

In October, Manitoba Hydro issued a request for qualified suppliers for an Indigenous-led wind power project. The utility plans to purchase up to 600 megawatts of new wind energy in Manitoba from wind farms majority-owned by Indigenous nations. The request closes in January, after which possible suppliers will be eligible to submit projects to future requests for proposals from Manitoba Hydro.

The MMF is also leasing out office space it owns in Kanata, Ont., to SkyAlyne, a training group for future Royal Canadian Air Force pilots and air crew.

In a release sent on Wednesday, Jack Park, chairman of the board for MMF-owned corporation Metis N4 Construction, said the lease allowed MMF to “support Canada’s future in vital areas, including defence and aerospace.”

SkyAlyne will move into the space in the spring.

Lifetouch changes hands

A school photography company with a production facility in Winnipeg is under new ownership.

Digital photography company Everest Solutions has acquired Lifetouch Canada. The sale makes Everest the “dominant provider of school photography services across Canada,” a news release from Everest says.

The Lifetouch Canada production facility in Winnipeg will continue operating as usual.

Everest was founded in 2021. Its CEO, Dan Boudreau, was formerly director of Lifetouch Canada before leaving after 30 years in 2017. Lifetouch has operated in the U.S. and Canada for nearly 90 years.

The transfer will be completed by the end of the first quarter of 2026.

— Free Press staff