Ontario Construction News staff writer
The Manitoba government announced Thursday it will establish the Manitoba Crown–Indigenous Corporation (MCIC), a new entity to oversee economic development and trade infrastructure projects, including the expansion of the Churchill Plus port and rail initiative.
Premier Wab Kinew described MCIC as a first-of-its-kind partnership designed to involve Indigenous leadership in planning and decision-making. The corporation will coordinate project development, support consultation with Indigenous communities, and ensure environmental considerations are integrated into the process.
The government is working with First Nations leadership, the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, and the Manitoba Métis Federation as it prepares legislation to formally establish MCIC in March 2026. The corporation will also collaborate with the federal Major Projects Office on advancing the Churchill Plus project.
As part of the initiative, Manitoba is contributing $250,000 to a study examining the potential for a marine protected area in Hudson Bay. In addition, both Manitoba and the federal government are funding a feasibility study on the use of specialized icebreakers to extend the shipping season.
A community town hall in Churchill is scheduled for February, providing residents, local leaders, and stakeholders an opportunity to offer feedback on proposed rail and port improvements and to learn more about project timelines and processes.
