OmniTRAX Canada announced it has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with the Missinippi Rail Consortium to commence the transfer of ownership in its Manitoba assets.
The federal government is still looking at this transaction.
“We are grateful that OmniTRAX Canada believes in our process and our people and is willing to get started now. Ensuring First Nations ownership in these assets is a vital part of ensuring long term viability in the North. Now we need the government of Canada to complete their review so that this process can be concluded as soon as possible. ” said Chief Arlen Dumas.
OmniTRAX Canada said it "is working with First Nations to complete the transaction and expressed gratitude to Mathias Colomb for taking a leadership role."
“It is a pleasure working with Chief Dumas. The Chief’s leadership, consideration and thoughtfulness have allowed us to ensure a great home for these assets with the Manitoba Northern First Nations. He has taken bold steps to prove his commitment to the transaction and we are eager to see it come to fruition in the coming months,” said Merv Tweed, President of OmniTRAX Canada.
OmniTRAX Canada believes "this transaction will promote substantial economic development for the Northern Manitoban First Nations that are participating in the Consortium, and will guarantee the future preservation of those assets for all of the communities currently being serviced along the Hudson Bay Railway. It further bolsters the role of the railway and port as major transportation infrastructure facilities for the Northern region of Canada, which will increase regional, continental and global trade opportunities."