The University College of the North (UCN) is pleased to announce a partnership with Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan). PrairiesCan is investing $50,000 in support of Linkages, UCN's premier economic development conference.
Created and hosted by UCN, Linkages brings together industry leaders, economic development organizations, government representatives, academia, and community partners to engage in critical discussions on the future of economic development in Northern Manitoba. The conference encourages innovative thinking, collaboration, and strategic dialogue to advance economic opportunities in the region.
UCN hosts Linkages twice annually - once in The Pas and once in Thompson, Manitoba. Linkages: The Pas - "The Time is Now", was held in October of 2025. Linkages: Thompson will be held in April of 2026.
PrairiesCan is a federal department committed to diversifying the economy across the Prairie provinces. By investing in businesses, innovation, and community economic development, PrairiesCan supports sustainable growth and competitiveness across Western Canada.
The partnership between UCN and PrairiesCan will provide valuable opportunities for northern economic growth, enabling continued engagement with high-profile speakers, and providing new opportunities to connect leaders, communities, and industries in Northern Manitoba.
Quotes:
"We are deeply grateful to PrairiesCan for their investment in our Linkages Conference and, by extension, in the future of Northern Manitoba. This partnership reflects our shared belief that meaningful economic growth happens when communities, industry, and governments come together. With PrairiesCan's support, Linkages will continue to be a catalyst for new ideas, collaboration, and opportunity for the North."
Doug Lauvstad, UCN President & Vice Chancellor.
"Building Canada strong starts with strong communities and shared prosperity in every region, including Northern Manitoba. That's why our government is proud to support UCN's Linkages Conference, bringing together business and community leaders to drive economic growth and create good jobs across the North."
The Honourable Eleanor Olszewksi, Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience and Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada.
"The Linkages conference is an excellent example of people working together to create shared prosperity and resilient communities. Our new government is proud to support Linkages to help build the northern economy, partner to develop resource opportunities, and identify strategies for sustainable growth, all of which is guided by a strong commitment to reconciliation."
The Honourable Rebecca Chartrand, Minister of Northern and Arctic Affairs and Minister responsible for CanNor
