The Port of Churchill is shown from The Flats area of Churchill, Man., on Wednesday, July 4, 2018. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/John Woods)
Manitoba is committing $250,000 to explore the creation of a national marine conservation area (NMCA) in western Hudson Bay.
Premier Wab Kinew made the announcement on Tuesday after meeting with Churchill tourism operators.
“Churchill is one of the most extraordinary places on Earth and we must protect it,” said Kinew, in a release. “As we move forward on the Port of Churchill Plus project, we are working with Indigenous communities, local leadership, the federal government and environmental groups like Oceans North and Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS) Manitoba, to protect the wildlife, the culture and the future of northern communities.”
Oceans North announced a separate $1 million investment to support community engagement, scientific research and capacity building tied to the proposal. Conservation groups, including CPAWS Manitoba, say the move is as a chance to balance environmental protection with economic opportunity.
Indigenous leaders also voiced support. York Factory First Nation Chief Darryl Wastesicoot said the effort aligns with long-standing stewardship of Kischikamee, or western Hudson Bay.
“The establishment of a potential NMCA would be another step in our major efforts to increase our presence on our coastal traditional territory, strengthening the relationship that we have had with these lands and waters since time immemorial,” said Wastesicoot.
Following the announcement, Kinew and provincial ministers planned to join Churchill Mayor Mike Spence for a town hall on the Port of Churchill Plus project.
Watch Tuesday’s news conference:
