Representatives of Manitoba and Nunavut communities in the Hudson Bay region met in Winnipeg April 12-13 for the annual Hudson Bay Region Roundtable, which aims to increase trade and services among them.
Participants come from seven Nunavut communities in the Kivalliq Region of the territory as well as Churchill, Gillam, Sayisi Dene First Nation and Fox Lake Cree Nation.
“Nunavut and Manitoba share common goals of expanding economic development, increasing trade, nurturing culture and creating new employment opportunities,” said Manitoba Trade Minister Blaine Pedersen in a press release. “The linkages and relationships between Manitoba and Nunavut are important to us, and this roundtable provides an opportunity to work together for the betterment of all of our communities.”
Topics discussed this year included energy, economic development, training, transportation and health. The governments of Manitoba and Nunavut both support the creation of better economic development conditions to achieve a more prosperous future for all northerners, which aligns with Manitoba's Look North initiative, the provincial government’s long-term plan for northern economic prosperity.
Nunavut’s participation is based on its desire to reduce the high cost of living in the territory by establishing mutually beneficial partnerships with other communities in the area.
“The relationship between Manitoba and Nunavut is extremely important,” said Nunavut Community and Government Services Minister Lorne Kusugak. “With these discussions, we are setting the foundation for greater economic opportunities for everyone’s benefit. By working together in partnership on our shared issues, we hope to find the balance between our goals and priorities, which will bring many beneficial results for residents in both regions.”
