Written by Gwen Black, Policy and Government Relations Manager, The Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce
3-minute read
Manitoba Crown-Indigenous Corporation and Trade Projects
On December 9, 2025, Premier Wab Kinew delivered his third State of the Province Address to a record-breaking 1,200+ Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce members and guests gathered at the RBC Convention Centre.
In his speech, the Premier announced his government will introduce legislation for the new Manitoba Crown-Indigenous Corporation (MCIC) in March 2026. The first-of-its-kind partnership will lead major economic development and trade corridor projects, including the expansion of the Churchill Plus project. Premier Kinew also called on our members to help identify future tidewater-moving projects, naming liquid natural gas as a near-term opportunity.
“Provincial and federal governments have a duty to consult Indigenous nations on projects affecting those nations. The new MCIC could help facilitate the process,” said Loren Remillard, President and CEO, The Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce.
The Premier also spoke to the government’s ongoing work on the U.S. trade relationship and the upcoming 2026 joint review of the Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement (CUSMA). Premier Kinew noted that Richard Madan, Manitoba’s senior representative to the United States and leader of our province’s trade office in Washington, is a resource for businesses.
The Chamber sees this review as an important opportunity for our community and Manitoba. For a more in-depth explanation of our perspective on CUSMA and what it means for your business, read our recent op-ed in the Free Press.
Community Safety and Manitoba's Economic Development Strategy
Following Premier Kinew’s address, The Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce Board Chair and Coal and Canary Founder Amanda Buhse joined him on stage for a fireside chat spanning several member priorities.
Buhse opened the discussion with a question on crime and safety, asking what our community could expect from Premier Kinew’s government on the issue today, and how it would meaningfully consult with businesses on specific priorities in the future. Premier Kinew confirmed his government would continue to invest in policing, alongside longer-term work on addiction and crime prevention, with a dedicated business consultation session to be added for Manitoba’s proposed supervised drug consumption site at 366 Henry Ave.
The conversation then shifted to Manitoba’s economic development ecosystem following the release of the province’s Economic Development Strategy. Premier Kinew highlighted the new manufacturing tax credit, major wind and energy investments, and continued collaboration with municipal and federal partners on large-scale infrastructure.
Premier's Engagement with The Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce Board
Prior to Premier Kinew’s State of the Province address, he met with The Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors for an open discussion. Together, they explored CUSMA, building inclusive economic growth, AI sovereignty, crime and safety, and supply chain diversification.
The Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce was happy to hear of Premier Kinew’s continued focus on Manitoba’s economic growth. We look forward to continued collaboration with Premier Kinew and his government.
If you would like to be involved in The Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce’s advocacy efforts, please contact our policy and government relations manager Gwen Black.
