Manitoba Minute: Issue 72

Manitoba Minute - Your weekly one-minute summary of Manitoba politics.

📅 This Week In Manitoba: 📅

• Manitoba has extended its provincewide state of emergency due to ongoing wildfires until August 22nd, marking the worst wildfire season in 30 years. The state of emergency was initially declared on May 28th, lifted briefly in late June, but reinstated in July as fire conditions worsened, especially in northern areas. Currently, 159 wildfires are active, having burned more than 1.55 million hectares, with several communities still under mandatory evacuation orders. Major fires continue near areas like Flin Flon and Thompson, and several provincial parks remain closed due to the threat. So far, 403 wildfires have been recorded this year - nearly 100 above average for this time. While rain may offer some relief, there is ongoing risk from lightning strikes. Emergency officials continue to monitor the situation closely, urging evacuees to seek assistance if needed.
  
  
• Premier Wab Kinew is proposing a new Crown corporation that would bring together Indigenous leaders to review and approve economic development projects. This “Crown Indigenous corporation” aims to generate revenue and tangible benefits for Indigenous communities, with First Nations expected to hold nearly half of the governing board seats. The initiative is partly driven by the need to secure federal funding for large-scale infrastructure and resource projects under the recently passed Bill C-5, which seeks to fast-track nation-building initiatives amid ongoing trade tensions with the US. While some Indigenous leaders see potential benefits in collaboration, concerns remain about maintaining land rights and ensuring meaningful consultation, especially regarding environmental impacts. The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs is set to discuss the proposal, reflecting a mix of cautious optimism and wariness about how the corporation will operate.
  
  
• Despite strong backing from Manitoba and Nunavut, the future of the $3.2 billion Kivalliq Hydro-Fibre Link remains uncertain without federal approval. The proposed 1,200-kilometre transmission line would deliver clean energy and broadband to five off-grid Nunavut communities currently reliant on diesel. Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew endorsed the project this spring amid efforts to reduce reliance on US energy exports. A recent poll showed 84% national support, but the federal government has yet to commit funding or add the project to its list of priority infrastructure. Nukik Corporation, the Indigenous-owned firm behind the proposal, has requested $32 million for the next development phase. CEO Anne-Raphaëlle Audouin expressed concern about Ottawa’s lack of clarity and the potential risk of losing political momentum with Nunavut’s upcoming election. Proponents argue the project could also support upgrades to Churchill’s port, enhancing trade capacity in Northern Canada.
  
  
• The CEO of the Manitoba Museum expressed understanding though some disappointment that the 355-year-old Hudson’s Bay Company royal charter will likely move to the Canadian Museum of History instead of remaining in Manitoba. The charter became available after the company entered creditor protection and planned to auction off many artifacts. The Weston family stepped in to buy the charter and donate it to the Canadian Museum of History, ensuring public access. While the Manitoba Museum has one of the largest Hudson’s Bay artifact collections, it lacked the resources to compete for the charter. Archivists have mixed feelings, noting the Manitoba archives would have been a suitable home. The Canadian Museum of History, as a Crown corporation, will make the charter accessible to all Canadians, with plans to share it with other museums and Indigenous groups. The Manitoba Museum welcomes the possibility of future artifact donations and hopes to display the charter again during special visits.
  
  
• Premier Wab Kinew criticized Republican US lawmakers for politicizing the issue of wildfire smoke crossing the border, calling their actions a “timber tantrum” and accusing them of playing games with a serious matter. While he distanced his remarks from all Americans, Kinew highlighted the cooperative efforts between Canadian and American firefighters during wildfire seasons in both countries. Republican politicians from several US states have formally complained about Canada’s wildfire management, urging investigations and stronger actions due to health concerns caused by the smoke. Some US lawmakers claim Canada’s wildfire response is inadequate and warn it harms bilateral relations. Kinew stressed the importance of continued collaboration between the two nations in wildfire response despite political tensions. Meanwhile, wildfires remain a severe problem in Canada, fueled by climate change and causing widespread evacuations and damage. The US Ambassador to Canada emphasized the longstanding mutual support between the countries during crises, including wildfire emergencies.

🚨 This Week’s Action Item: 🚨

Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Ontario are moving forward with plans to explore a new pipeline that could boost our economy and create jobs by connecting Western Canadian oil to Eastern markets. But Manitoba is missing from the conversation - and that puts our province at risk of being left behind.

Send an email to Premier Wab Kinew asking him to support Manitoba’s participation in the pipeline feasibility study and help bring jobs and growth to our province.

[email protected]

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