Joint Statement from Premier Wab Kinew and Nunavut Premier P.J. Akeeagok on a Strategic Economic and Energy Corridor Between Manitoba and Nunavut

April 16, 2025

Today, we announced the support of both the governments of Manitoba and Nunavut for a proposal to establish a strategic economic and energy corridor between Manitoba and Nunavut. The proposed Kivalliq Hydro-Fibre Link (KHFL) has the potential to unlock Canada’s North by advancing reconciliation, spurring economic growth, addressing climate change and investing in our national security.

The KHFL is a 1,200-kilometre transmission project that will enable renewable power transmission and fibre-optic internet connectivity to communities and the economy in the Kivalliq region of Nunavut by connecting into Manitoba Hydro’s power grid.

Manitoba Hydro will include 50 megawatts of power in its forward planning for the KHFL. Manitoba’s abundance of clean, affordable energy has given Manitoba a unique advantage. We are pleased by the opportunity to partner as neighbours and share these clean energy resources.

To enable the success of the project, the governments of Manitoba and Nunavut call on the federal government to partner and support capital funding for the KHFL and associated hydroelectric upgrades.

The KHFL is an Inuit-led, Inuit-driven project. The governments of Nunavut and Manitoba are committed to collaborating with Indigenous nations, organizations and communities to advance this initiative. To that end, we will endeavour to work in partnership with Manitoba First Nations in the region to ensure their support for this energy corridor.

Our joint efforts are grounded in a shared respect for the environment and wildlife that sustains our communities including the caribou herds in the region. We are committed to the preservation of our lands and waters to ensure the long-term health of the caribou population for the benefit of Inuit, Dene, Cree and all Canadians for generations to come.

The KHFL would bolster Arctic sovereignty, support national security and unlock a frontier of untapped sustainable economic potential with enormous benefit to Nunavut, Manitoba and Canada.

The KHFL project is a nation-building opportunity that will be Nunavut’s first electricity connection to Canada and will significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, stabilize energy costs and create regional economic opportunities.

We agree in connecting Nunavut and Manitoba, the project will support Canada’s economic growth and the development of our critical mineral industries, while collaborating with Indigenous partners and northern municipalities. We also agree the KHFL will be developed to ensure the economic opportunities benefit Manitoba and Nunavut communities, workers and companies.

Today’s statement of collaboration builds upon years of partnership and co-operation between Nunavut and Manitoba and our communities. We look forward to further strengthening our co-operation in other areas of shared priority through the signing of a new Manitoba-Nunavut co-operation memorandum of understanding later this year.

– 30 –

For more information:

• Public information, contact Manitoba Government Inquiry: mgi@gov.mb.ca or 1-866-626-4862 or 204-945-3744.
• Media requests for general information, contact Communications and Engagement: newsroom@gov.mb.ca.
• Media requests for ministerial comment, contact Cabinet Communications: cabcom@manitoba.ca.

NT4