October 10, 2000

Premier Gary Doer was part of a provincial government delegation to Churchill to participate in the ceremony marking the upgraded status of Manitoba’s coastal port, significantly enhancing its competitive position.

"The strength and vision of the people of Churchill is being celebrated today, aided by the leadership of the Honourable Lloyd Axworthy with the federal government, the provincial government, the Province of Saskatchewan and the corporate can-do effort of OmniTRAX," said Doer.

"The results have been clear. This year the port welcomed the earliest grain ship ever to arrive. And now the port is seeing record shipments–-perhaps double or more than the amount of product that passed through in 1999."

Doer was accompanied by Highways and Government Services Minister Steve Ashton and Aboriginal and Northern Affairs Minister Eric Robinson.

"Churchill’s success contributes to the success of the North and all of Manitoba," said Ashton. "The dredging and general upgrading that now allows vessels of 35,000 tonnes to load is another milestone in the expansion of the port. We are also confident that efforts to increase the shipping season will result in increased use of the port."

Robinson recognized complementary efforts of bodies like the Canadian Wheat Board that have helped increase business at the port. "The Churchill Freight Advantage Rebate that came into effect Aug. 1 helped show prairie farmers how economical it is to ship through Churchill. And the co- operation between the levels of government continues to be an encouraging and helpful force in the development of the Port of Churchill."

"We are pleased with the tremendous commitment and support of members of the federal government," said Doer. "They have been excellent partners, leading many initiatives at the Port of Churchill that have benefited Manitoba and Canada greatly, and will do so even more in the future. We look forward to continued work with our federal partners to continue the commitment of the Port of Churchill as a national asset important to Manitoba’s and Canada’s future development."

The most recent port modernization initiative by OmniTRAX, with funding support from the federal government ($28 million) and the provincial government ($6 million), has led to the following improvements:

• a state-of-the-art dust control system;
• upgrading of the car unloading system;
• dredging the harbour;
• improving the marine fuel tank farm for increased environmental protections;
• repairing and strengthening the wharf; and
• revamping the cleaning system for the 140,000 tonne capacity elevator.

Doer also welcomed Saskatchewan Minister of Highways and Transportation Maynard Sonntag who attended the ceremony. "The province and producers of Saskatchewan have been consistently strong supporters of Churchill–-as the benefits and improved economics of our Prairie province seaport become ever more apparent," Doer said.

The Port of Churchill and the Hudson Bay Rail Line is operated by Omnitrax. The port employs approximately 80 local residents on the docks each shipping season.

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