Major energy company taking a look at northern Manitoba port: Kinew

Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew speaks with reporters before the First Ministers Meeting in Ottawa, Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld

Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew says one of Canada’s biggest energy companies is taking a look at the Port of Churchill.

Kinew has been promoting the idea of expanding the port on the shore of Hudson Bay as a new way to ship goods through the Arctic to Europe and beyond, and the federal government is considering it.

He also says it could play a key role in defending Arctic sovereignty.

Kinew wouldn’t name the energy company but says the Manitoba government is about to sign a non-disclosure agreement so considerations can continue.

He says the end result could be a pipeline and terminal, with icebreaking vessels to lengthen the shipping season.

Ottawa has been considering the expansion of Churchill as a transformative strategic project and has promised money to study the potential of specialized icebreakers, ice tugs and research vessels at the port.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 29, 2026.