The Manitoba government is offering a new tax incentive aimed at attracting major investment to the Port of Churchill.

 

Premier Wab Kinew announced Sunday that major capital investments connected to the Port of Churchill Plus project will be exempt from Manitoba’s seven-per-cent provincial sales tax on eligible purchases.

 

The exemption could cover upgrades to the Hudson Bay Railway, a new energy corridor and liquefied natural gas facilities, along with icebreakers or ice-class ships needed to support year-round shipping.

 

The province says studies estimate the marine icebreaking component alone could cost between 100 and 130 million dollars.

 

Kinew made the announcement while meeting with Canadian and international investors in Toronto, saying the goal is to expand Churchill’s role in shipping grain, critical minerals and other commodities to global markets.

 

The province says more details on which investments will qualify for the exemption will be released at a later date.