WINNIPEG – Manitoba plans to spend up to $9 million to support the construction of a new marine observatory in the northern community of Churchill.
Education Minister Ian Wishart says the University of Manitoba project will focus on Arctic research.
He says facility will enhance Canada’s ability to monitor change in nature and ensure that governments and industry have the information needed to respond to economic development pressures throughout the Arctic.
The project is expected to create jobs and bolster tourism in the northern community.
Last month Omnitrax Canada announced it was closing the Port of Churchill and layed off dozens of workers.
READ MORE: Port of Churchill lays off staff, shuts down shipping season
Premier Brian Pallister has suggested Omnitrax closed the facility because the province would not continue giving the company a subsidy for the operation.
Pallister said the previous NDP government gave Omnitrax roughly $800,000 last year to keep the port running under an agreement that contained a confidentiality clause.
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