Aecon Group Inc. and Arctic Gateway Group, an Indigenous and community-owned business, announced that they have signed a Memorandum of Understanding establishing a collaboration framework to explore strengthening Canada’s northern trade corridor and Arctic sovereignty through infrastructure advancement related to the Port of Churchill in Manitoba.
Under the MOU, Aecon and AGG will collaborate to pursue and develop project opportunities in connection with the development of the Port of Churchill and Hudson Bay Railway – leveraging Aecon’s diverse construction and infrastructure development expertise and AGG’s established Indigenous and economic development leadership in northern Canada.
This work will be undertaken with a strong focus on ensuring that all development of the Port of Churchill and Hudson Bay Railway maximizes jobs, training and opportunities for Indigenous and northern people, as well as Indigenous and northern businesses. This focus aligns with Aecon’s broader approach to reconciliation and supports Indigenous participation in infrastructure development through Indigenous and community ownership, as well as AGG’s mandate as an Indigenous and community owned company.
“Aecon is proud to partner with Arctic Gateway Group through this collaboration agreement – bringing Aecon’s multidisciplinary expertise to explore infrastructure solutions that support Indigenous-led development, economic reconciliation, trade diversification, access to new markets and Arctic security,” said Jean-Louis Servranckx, President and Chief Executive Officer, Aecon Group Inc.
“The continued development of this project is a nation-building opportunity to transform the Port of Churchill as Canada’s Arctic and Northern gateway, while delivering lasting national and local benefits for generations to come,” said Tim Murphy, Executive Vice President and Chief Strategic Affairs Officer, Aecon Group Inc.
“This partnership with Aecon will help supercharge Arctic Gateway’s infrastructure planning, with proven expertise and advice from a major North American construction company,” said Chris Avery, President & CEO, Arctic Gateway Group.
The Port of Churchill is Canada’s only deep-water northern seaport with direct access to the Atlantic Ocean and a connection to the continental rail network through the Hudson Bay Railway. The port and railway are operated by AGG, whose ownership group is comprised of 29 First Nations and 12 remote northern Manitoba communities.
(Photo from Arctic Gateway Group)