Governments of Nunavut and Manitoba Meet on Shared Priorities

Press Release

February 9, 2026

Nunavut and Manitoba Commit to Renewed Memorandum of Understanding, Progress on Kivalliq Hydro-Fibre Link: Premiers

Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew and Nunavut Premier John Main, along with Kono Tattuinee, president of Kivalliq Inuit Association (KIA), met last week in Winnipeg to discuss alignment and action on the Kivalliq Hydro-Fibre Link (KHFL) as a strategic economic and energy corridor between Manitoba and Nunavut.

“Nunavut and Manitoba are natural partners,” said Kinew. “As we move forward on the Port of Churchill, we’re going to do that work alongside Dene and other northern First Nations in Manitoba, because when we build the North, we do it together.”

The KHFL is an Inuit-led nation-building project that will connect communities and mines in the Kivalliq region of Nunavut with renewable hydroelectricity and fibre-optic connectivity from Manitoba Hydro’s power grid.

“I’d like to thank Premier Kinew and president Tattuinee for their leadership and vision of a stronger, thriving North,” said Main. “Nunavut and Manitoba are stronger together, and I look forward to working with both to advance projects of mutual interest. I look forward to Premier Kinew and his cabinet’s trip to the Arctic to renew the provincial-territorial MOU.”

In April 2025, the Manitoba government committed 50 megawatts of power to the KHFL as a part of a directive to Manitoba Hydro to bring back some of its electricity exports to the United States to help power nation-building projects in Canada.

Manitoba and Nunavut are committed to joint work on this essential infrastructure that will support Arctic sovereignty and security, and northern economic development. This includes ongoing calls on the federal government to support capital funding for the KHFL and associated hydroelectric upgrades in Manitoba.

The KHFL will connect to Manitoba Hydro’s grid near Churchill. The project will complement and enhance development of the Port of Churchill by helping to unlock northern resources and opportunities, while helping to advance reconciliation and climate action through reduced diesel dependence.

“The Kivalliq Inuit Association welcomes the renewed commitment shown today by the premiers of Nunavut and Manitoba,” said Tattuinnee. “The Kivalliq Hydro-Fibre Link is an Inuit-led, nation-building project that reflects our shared priorities around reconciliation, climate action and northern economic development. This collaboration demonstrates what is possible when governments work in true partnership with Inuit to advance critical infrastructure that will strengthen Arctic sovereignty, reduce reliance on diesel and create lasting opportunities for our communities and future generations. KIA looks forward to continued partnerships as this important work moves forward.”

Nukik Corporation, the fully Inuit-owned proponent of the KHFL, has formally filed a transmission service request with Manitoba Hydro and work is underway to launch a formal system impact study.

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The Province of Manitoba is issuing this news release on behalf of the Nunavut government, the Manitoba government and the Kivalliq Inuit Association.

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.

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