Wild caribou roam the tundra near the Meadowbank Gold Mine in Nunavut on Wednesday, March 25, 2009. Tradition and technology are clashing on the tundra, where Indigenous groups are debating the use of drones to help hunt caribou. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette)
A group of Manitoba community and economic development leaders are wrapping up a two-day trip in Nunavut to strengthen business ties between the two regions.
The visit and discovery tour from July 15-16 is meant to build relationships and explore potential business opportunities.
“Significant initiatives are being taken in the North, such as the Agnico Eagle gold mining project, and it is crucial for Manitoba to have a unified presence in the region,” said Mariette Mulaire, president and CEO of the World Trade Centre Winnipeg.
“We are faced with similar challenges, we are equipped to cater to their needs, and we have a common understanding which makes us an ideal partner.”
In Manitoba, new ownership of the Churchill port and rail line, and a renewed emphasis on the North through the Look North economic development strategy are rekindling interest in revitalizing this important relationship.
Oswald Sawh, CEO of Communities Economic Development Fund (Look North), says there are a number of businesses in Manitoba that are well positioned to provide services to the residents of Nunavut.
“These businesses, along with our communities in Northern Manitoba, look forward to strengthening relationships with our neighbours.”
The information gathered will support future follow-ups business activities, such as participation in the upcoming Kivalliq Trade Show, which is planned for September 2019.
