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WINNIPEG – The Manitoba government is planning to establish the Manitoba Crown–Indigenous Corporation (MCIC), a first-of-its-kind partnership that will lead major economic development and trade corridor projects.

According to a release, this includes the expansion of the Churchill Plus project.

“Churchill has always been a gateway to the world. For generations, people have seen its potential but what was missing was the partnership to bring it to life,” said Premier Wab Kinew in a statement. “MCIC is how we turn that potential into real progress — building stronger partnerships, strengthening trade connections and creating opportunities that start in the north and benefit all Manitobans and Canadians.”

MCIC will guide the next phase of the Churchill Plus project and ensure Indigenous leadership is a priority.

It will also support the continued collaboration between the province and the federal Major Projects Office as it works to develop and advance the project.

“The Manitoba government continues to work with First Nations leadership, the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs and the Manitoba Métis Federation as it prepares to introduce legislation in March 2026 to formally establish the corporation,” the release reads.

As part of the broader work tied to Churchill Plus, the Manitoba government is also providing a $250,000 investment to study the potential for a marine protected area in Hudson Bay in partnership with the federal government.

The governments are also funding a feasibility study on the use of specialized icebreakers to extend the shipping season, the release adds.

A town hall hosted by the province will be held in February to hear from local leadership, residents, stakeholders and surrounding communities about how improvements for the rail line and port project will benefit the community and to share information about the process.