The politically driven “fantasy project” risks becoming another costly government-made boondoggle

Back in 1913, it was predicted that a railway to Hudson Bay would unlock “industries not yet dreamed of” and spark new cities across the North. A century later, the same promises surround the Churchill port expansion, but this time politics, not economics, are driving the vision.

But that vision isn’t shared by people who follow northern development closely. “Only politicians and public servants are pushing Churchill,” says Heather Exner-Pirot of the Macdonald-Laurier Institute. “The private sector is not lining up to develop our minerals and energy in the Arctic.”

Her point reflects the challenges facing Churchill, Canada’s only deep-water port with direct access to the Arctic Ocean but also one of the most remote and environmentally sensitive communities in the country.

Understandably, Canadians want major projects, including pipelines, to move forward. A recent Nanos poll showed 60 per cent support for oil and gas shipments in the Arctic, even if there are “environmental concerns.”

Northern specialists warn Churchill makes no economic sense. So why are politicians doubling down with hundreds of millions in public money?

Manitoba must act now to develop its northern ports

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