WINNIPEG — Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew has discussed increased trade with representatives from Europe and appears open to having a second port on Hudson Bay.

Kinew met this morning with ambassadors and high commissioners from the European Union and 18 member countries.

He says the meeting was a chance to show the countries, which represent a market of 450 million people, that Manitoba is open for business.

Kinew says the next step is to get companies in Europe to look at investing and to promote trade in critical minerals, energy and other goods that can be shipped through the Arctic.

The Manitoba and federal governments have put money into the Port of Churchill on Hudson Bay, which runs seasonally due to ice conditions.

Kinew says with the trade threats made by U.S. President Trump, there is a need to look at options for growing exports, which could include another port away from Churchill.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 15, 2025.

Steve Lambert, The Canadian Press