Naawi-Oodena becomes largest urban reserve in Winnipeg
Treaty One Nation announced Dec. 19 that lands of the former Kapyong Barracks in Winnipeg have been converted to reserve and repatriated to the Joint Reserve land base of the seven Treaty One First Nations on December 16, 2022.
“Our Leaders—including the ones were instrumental in starting this process and unfortunately did not live to see this day—worked nearly two decades to see this historic step forward in realizing the fiscal and economic potential of Naawi-Oodena. It is a day to celebrate the reclamation of our Treaty lands and look forward to the new generation of reconciliation and progress,” said Treaty One chairperson Chief Gordon BlueSky, Brokenhead Ojibway Nation.
Now named Naawi-Oodena, the lands are the largest First Nation-led urban economic zone in the province, and the only urban reserve held collectively by the Treaty One Nations.
Development is expected to start in Spring 2023 in three phases over 15 years. Plans include:
- Phase I (Years 1-5): 100 residential units, 300,000 sq. ft of commercial space and $25M infrastructure
- Phase II (Years 6-10): 600 residential units, 400,000 sq. ft of commercial space and $30M in infrastructure.
- Phase III (Years 11-15): 400 residential units, 350,000 sq. ft more commercial space and $29M in infrastructure.
Naawi-Oodena will be developed and managed by Treaty One Nation’s seven First Nations: Brokenhead Ojibway Nation, Long Plain First Nation, Peguis First Nation, Roseau River Anishinaabe First Nation, Sagkeeng First Nation, Sandy Bay Ojibway First Nation, and Swan Lake First Nation.
Delivery partners for startups and their intellectual property
The federal government announced the delivery partners for ElevateIP, a $90 million investment over four years to help accelerators and incubators provide startups with access to professional intellectual property (IP) supports.
Five partners have been chosen for the program:
- Springboard Atlantic – for Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island
- Mouvement des accélérateurs d’innovation du Québec – for Quebec
- Communitech Corporation – for Ontario, Manitoba and Saskatchewan
- The University of Calgary, with Innovate Calgary and Economic Development Lethbridge – for Alberta
- New Ventures BC – for British Columbia, Yukon, Nunavut and the Northwest Territories
“Canadian startups are some of the most innovative and inventive in the world. That’s why our government is committed to supporting them so they can better protect and manage their IP. Through this investment, we are enabling startups to better develop IP strategies for long-term growth. We will continue to do everything we can to see Canadian businesses succeed both at home and around the world,” said Hon. François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry.
Sunwing adds flights to sun destinations
Sunwing has added flights from Winnipeg to sun destinations for the winter season.
“Manitobans looking to escape the snow and cold this winter will be able to take advantage of the opportunities provided by our friends at Sunwing,” said Scott Marohn, vice president of commercial at Winnipeg Airports Authority. “Whether it’s a Mexican beach resort city or somewhere tropical in the Caribbean, the variety of destinations travellers can take off to for a sunny getaway is truly exciting. We’re proud to work with Sunwing to bring more leisure travel options to our gates and connect our region to the world of paradise.”
From now through April, Sunwing will fly from Winnipeg to Cancun and Varadero three times weekly; Cayo Caco, Los Cabos, Mazatlán and Puerto Plata weekly, and Puerto Vallarta and Punta Cana weekly.
“We’re thrilled to resume flight operations in Winnipeg for the winter season, helping our customers get more out of their getaways in more of the destinations they love,” said Andrew Dawson, president of tour operations for Sunwing. “With a wide variety of resorts and fantastic deals on all vacation packages during our Boxing Week Sale, plus our guarantee of more perks, more value and more seamless travel experiences, our loyal customers in Winnipeg have easy access to their dream vacations from their local airport.”
Farm Credit Canada (FCC) names new president and CEO
On Dec. 21, Hon. Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, announced Justine Hendricks has been named the next president and CEO of Farm Credit Canada (FCC). Hendricks is the first female president and CEO for the Crown corporation.
“Justine has significant experience in the financial industry and in leading teams that serve exporters and investors in a wide range of sectors, including agriculture,” said FCC board chair Jane Halford. “Her diverse leadership background and fluency in both official languages make her an ideal fit for FCC. Over the years, Justine has focused on innovating EDC’s products and services, including elevating sustainability.”
Hendricks comes to FCC from Export Development Canada, where she held various positions over the past 16 years. She became EDC’s senior vice-president and chief corporate sustainability officer, sustainable business and enablement in 2019.
“During my time with EDC, I have worked with various sectors from an export perspective on how we can grow and strengthen the Canadian economy,” said Hendricks. “Agriculture is an area of great importance to our economy, and the industry plays a global role in food security. The Canadian food system is well-recognized around the world for its contributions, and we have an opportunity to do even more. I was attracted to FCC because of the opportunity to be part of the future of the Canadian agriculture and food sector.”
Hendricks assumes the role on January 30, 2023.
