Manitoba is home to deposits of 30 of the 34 minerals on Canada's 2024 Critical Minerals list. These include lithium, graphite, nickel, cobalt, copper and rare earth elements, which are the six minerals recognised as having the greatest opportunity to spur economic growth.

On Tuesday, Minister for PrairiesCan, Dan Vandal, announced a federal investment of more than C$3.1-million for seven projects to support key organisations and Indigenous communities.

This support will increase economic and business development opportunities that drive new areas of job creation, improve the resilience of the workforce, and empower Indigenous economic leadership.

"Critical minerals are key to a green energy transition for Canada and the world. These strategic investments support a green Prairie economy. I am pleased that PrairiesCan is actively working with Indigenous communities to participate and partner on mineral development opportunities. Through these projects, Manitoba will be well-positioned to accelerate economic reconciliation and critical mineral development,” said Vandal.

Funding for these investments is provided through the Strategic Partnerships Initiative that supports the Manitoba Indigenous Critical Minerals Partnerships Initiative – created to further support Indigenous communities to engage with, respond to, and benefit from mineral development and exploration opportunities based on their community plans and priorities. This will result in coordinated approaches to capacity building, workforce development, and business development that reflect Indigenous priorities for economic development and mining.

Examples of projects receiving support include Norway House Cree Nation, receiving C$300 000 to complete a business plan and deliver a training programme that supports sector opportunities and partnerships, and Marcel Colomb First Nation receiving C$387 957 to support the development and delivery of a Workforce Readiness Program to community members.