Kinew Opts Out of Western Canada Resource Pact

Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew has chosen to stand apart from his western counterparts, refusing to endorse a major resource development partnership that Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Ontario finalized this week.

While the other provinces celebrated their new collaboration at Tuesday’s Council of the Federation meeting in Huntsville, Kinew’s absence from the agreement reflects his administration’s emphasis on Indigenous rights over rapid economic expansion.

The premier said his withdrawal was intentional, rooted in Manitoba’s commitment to genuine consultation with First Nations before pursuing large-scale projects.

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“Our government will not treat consultation as a box to check after decisions are made,” Kinew said. “We believe reconciliation requires shared decision-making from the start.”

The three-province alliance will pursue pipeline construction, rail expansion, and a new James Bay port facility — infrastructure projects that could reshape Canada’s energy landscape. Ontario Premier Doug Ford characterized the initiative as necessary preparation. 

“With the world shifting and unfair tariffs putting pressure on our economy, now is the time to build a resilient and self-reliant Canada,” he said.

Kinew has not ruled out future involvement but indicated any participation would require achieving meaningful consensus with Indigenous communities first. Manitoba currently maintains separate resource development agreements with Saskatchewan through the Arctic Gateway Group.

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