$50K investment targets new opportunities for northern Manitoba

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University College of the North (UCN) is partnering with Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan) to strengthen economic development in northern Manitoba through its flagship Linkages Conference series.

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The federal agency is investing $50,000 to support Linkages, which brings together business leaders, governments, and communities to explore strategies for sustainable growth across the North.

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Created and hosted by UCN, Linkages is designed to spark innovative thinking, foster collaboration, and deepen dialogue between industry, governments, academia, and local communities. The conference takes place twice annually — once in The Pas and once in Thompson — offering a unique forum to address northern economic opportunities and challenges.

The 2025 fall conference, Linkages: The Pas – The Time is Now, was held earlier this month, while the spring edition, Linkages: Thompson, is scheduled for April 2026.

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PrairiesCan, a federal department focused on diversifying and growing the Prairie economy, supports businesses, innovation, and community-led economic initiatives. UCN officials say this new partnership will help the conference attract high-profile speakers and create more opportunities for engagement between local communities, industries, and government agencies.

“This partnership reflects our shared belief that meaningful economic growth happens when communities, industry, and governments come together,” said Doug Lauvstad, UCN President and Vice Chancellor. “With PrairiesCan’s support, Linkages will continue to be a catalyst for new ideas, collaboration, and opportunity for the North.”

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Federal officials underscored the partnership as part of a larger commitment to strengthening economic resilience in northern regions.

“Building Canada strong starts with strong communities and shared prosperity in every region, including Northern Manitoba,” said The Honourable Eleanor Olszewksi, Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience and Minister responsible for PrairiesCan. “Our government is proud to support UCN’s Linkages Conference, bringing together business and community leaders to drive economic growth and create good jobs across the North.”

Manitoba’s provincial government also voiced support for the initiative.

“The Linkages Conference is an excellent example of people working together to create shared prosperity and resilient communities,” said The Honourable Rebecca Chartrand, Minister of Northern and Arctic Affairs and Minister responsible for CanNor. “Our new government is proud to support Linkages to help build the northern economy, partner to develop resource opportunities, and identify strategies for sustainable growth — all of which is guided by a strong commitment to reconciliation.”

— Steven Sukkau is a Local Journalism Initiative reporter who works out of the Winnipeg Sun. The Local Journalism Initiative is funded by the Government of Canada.

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