Energy Minister Tim Hodgson informed Bloomberg that he recognizes “huge potential” in transforming the port of Churchill, Manitoba, into a significantly larger export center, creating new trading pathways to Europe and additional markets.
“I believe there is a chance to develop Churchill into a significantly more strategic port,” he said. According to him, the Russians export from their Arctic ports for a large portion of the year.
The concept of a northern port is supported by politicians from Canada's resource-abundant west, such as Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe, whose provinces export oil, gas, and agricultural goods.
Skeptics argue that with the harbor frozen over for a large part of the year, it would require several years and considerable funds to execute the project.
Hodgson mentioned that the government is in the process of acquiring a new fleet of icebreakers for the Canadian Coast Guard, potentially allowing for year-round access and a direct pathway to Europe.
source: bloomberg.com
“I believe there is a chance to develop Churchill into a significantly more strategic port,” he said. According to him, the Russians export from their Arctic ports for a large portion of the year.
The concept of a northern port is supported by politicians from Canada's resource-abundant west, such as Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe, whose provinces export oil, gas, and agricultural goods.
Skeptics argue that with the harbor frozen over for a large part of the year, it would require several years and considerable funds to execute the project.
Hodgson mentioned that the government is in the process of acquiring a new fleet of icebreakers for the Canadian Coast Guard, potentially allowing for year-round access and a direct pathway to Europe.
source: bloomberg.com