Northern Manitoba Chiefs Reject Proposed Corporation for Port of Churchill Expansion

Northern Manitoba First Nations are raising new concerns about a proposed corporation that Premier Wab Kinew hopes will enable the expansion of the Port of Churchill and the construction of a liquefied natural gas shipping corridor through Hudson Bay.

A presentation about the proposed Manitoba Crown-Indigenous Corporation was brought to an early end at a meeting of the 26-nation Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak after MKO chiefs expressed their dissatisfaction with the corporation's proposed board and distribution of profits.

The draft legislation for the corporation states that it would have the power to buy and sell land, borrow money, make investments, and assume ownership stakes in northern projects. At least 80% of the corporation's profits would be distributed to First Nations, organizations representing First Nations, and the Red River Métis, with the remaining 20% going to the provincial government.

MKO Grand Chief Garrison Settee expressed concerns about the lack of representation from northern Manitoba on the corporation's board, stating that most resources are in the north and all extraction projects will take place there. He believes more representatives from the north should be included on the board to ensure their interests are represented.