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![\"MIKE](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/4195327_web1_260504-Minister-Champagne-0397.jpg\")
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MIKE DEAL \/ FREE PRESS<\/p>\n
Finance Minister Fran\u00e7ois-Philippe Champagne visited Canadian Forces Base, 17 Wing, Monday morning where he talked about the government\u2019s new investments in the defence sector.<\/p>\n
\u201cI had no hesitation to mention Churchill \u2014 that came to mind immediately,\u201d Champagne told a reporter after the event. \u201cIt is probably one of the most consequential infrastructure (projects) that we can imagine for the Prairies.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Port of Churchill Plus project is part of a larger vision to unlock an Indigenous-owned energy corridor in Manitoba.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a generational opportunity,\u201d Champagne said. \u201cThat\u2019s the kind of infrastructure that we\u2019ll be talking about for decades to come because this is opening up a new trading route, which I think is much needed.\u201d<\/p>\n
During a 10-minute keynote speech at the Fort Garry Hotel, the finance minister was frank about the state of global affairs.<\/p>\n
\u201cI feel that 2026 is delivering to us a world which is even more complex and volatile (than in 2025),\u201d he told the crowd of about 150 people. \u201cThe complexity and volatility is something we have not seen in generations.\u201d<\/p>\n
Still, Champagne \u2014 whose animated personality has earned him the nickname \u201cFrankie Bubbles\u201d on Parliament Hill \u2014 was quick to add hopeful sentiments.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Canadian economy is far more resilient than we expected,\u201d he said. \u201cIt is reassuring to see that Canadian workers are resilient, Canadian industry is resilient (and) Canadian farmers are resilient.\u201d<\/p>\n
Champagne\u2019s keynote was followed by a 30-minute fireside chat with Chuck Davidson, president and CEO of the Manitoba chambers.<\/p>\n
Champagne told the Free Press, in his view, Manitoba is central to Canada\u2019s growth. He said he shared that message with Premier Wab Kinew during a meeting after the chambers event.<\/p>\n
\u201cI see a lot of opportunity in Manitoba,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Champagne mentioned Team Canada Strong, the $6-billion nationwide effort Prime Minister Mark Carney recently outlined to recruit, train and hire 80,000 to 100,000 new Red Seal trades workers in the next five years.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe people are ready to build, there\u2019s a lot to build, and I see a role quite clearly in my mind for Manitoba when we say that we want to build (Team) Canada Strong,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
The finance minister\u2019s schedule during his one-day visit included a stop at 17 Wing air base, where he spoke to members of the Canadian Armed Forces and highlighted federal investments in the defence sector that were announced during the spring economic update.<\/p>\n
The spring economic update proposes, among other things, providing $103.8 million over five years \u2014 starting in 2026-27 \u2014 and $22.3 million ongoing to establish and operate the Defence Investment Agency as a stand-alone entity.<\/p>\n
The agency is at the centre of the Defence Industrial Strategy, the whole-of-government approach which was launched in February to transform Canada\u2019s defence industry.<\/p>\n
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\u201cIt\u2019s not only a defence strategy,\u201d Champagne told the Free Press. \u201cIt\u2019s a job strategy, it\u2019s an industrial strategy, and we need to make sure that we use these investments to create the businesses that are going to supply our armed forces and give them the tools they need to fulfill the mission that they\u2019re facing today.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe need to make sure we have the capabilities and the people to defend our sovereignty,\u201d he added. \u201cThey (military members at 17 Wing) are at the forefront of that. So, engaging with them is always rewarding. Listening to them and seeing them being very proud of wearing the uniform, I think, is inspiring.\u201d<\/p>\n
Monday marked Champagne\u2019s second stop in Winnipeg in six months.<\/p>\n
He last visited the city in November, an appearance that included speaking at a Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce event about the latest federal budget.<\/p>\n
aaron.epp@freepress.mb.ca<\/p>\n
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Aaron Epp Aaron Epp reports on business for the Free Press. After freelancing for the paper for a decade, he joined the staff full-time in 2024. Read more about Aaron<\/a>.<\/p>\n Every piece of reporting Aaron produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print \u2014 part of the Free Press\u2018s tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about Free Press\u2019s history and mandate<\/a>, and learn how our newsroom operates<\/a>.<\/p>\n
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