Métis peoples on a government-to-government basis to promote Indigenous economic prosperity and participation in this sector. CLEAN GREEN DEVELOPMENT While we will continue to build meaningful relationships with communities, we will also live up to our environmental commitments. Critical mineral development is a key to a net-zero future. Powered by 98% clean based-load power renewable energy from Manitoba Hydro, the expansion of this sector will ensure our province is at the forefront of the lowcarbon economy.All told, Manitoba offers the ability to produce critical mineral resources with stronger labor standards, better environmental impacts, and greater respect for the rights of Indigenous peoples. A recent example of this work is our government’s commitment to moving forward with a silica sand extraction project in Hollow Water First Nation and a solar glass manufacturing facility in Selkirk, which will create good jobs and advance Manitoba as a leader in clean energy. Projects like this one bring in millions of dollars in investments into the community, create hundreds of local jobs, and generate huge local economic activity each year. This project is part of our government’s priority in growing critical mineral development and will bring a significant economic benefit to Manitoba while growing our low-carbon economy. A NEW STRATEGY Our team is working towards a new critical minerals strategy that fully represents the people of our province and the opportunities we have here. As the backbone of many northern communities, we plan to grow this industry in a sustainable way that creates long-term economic growth. It is an immediate priority for our government to create a real critical minerals strategy that creates good jobs and economic growth in northern and rural Manitoba while building a low carbon future. To support this work, the Manitoba government has also recently undertaken the first phase of public engagement to inform the new critical minerals strategy. Areas in Manitoba with critical mineral potential frequently intersect with Indigenous traditional land-use areas, which have significant cultural and spiritual value to these communities. Indigenous communities and governments must be meaningfully consulted on resource development activities like mining, exploration and infrastructure development and asked to provide input so our government can build a critical minerals strategy that truly works for everybody. The new critical minerals strategy aims to establish a supply chain and develop additional partnerships 138 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 11, ISSUE 09 NATURAL RESOURCES
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