The Federal Government will invest $4.6 million to the Churchill region to help economic development.

The development will grow employment and build more sustainable revenues for the region which depended heavily on the Port of Churchill, which closed in the summer.

One-eighth of the population was left unemployed after the surprise closure.

The fund will be open to the town of Churchill and communities along the Hudson Bay Rail Line.

Western Economic Diversification Canada will oversee the fund and will work with the Province of Manitoba and the community to explore potential projects which will create stable jobs.

"Northern Manitoba is a unique part of our country, with its diverse peoples, history, and economy." says the Honourable Navdeep Bains, "Our government is committed to the long term prosperity of Canada's North."

The establishment of the fund and development of projects is hoping to be a positive step towards diversifying and sustaining the economy in Churchill and northern Manitoba.