Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew has called out Global Agriculture Technology Exchange (Gate) as a “nation-building” project for consideration under the Government of Canada’s one-project-one-review policy, which is designed to streamline decision-making on major funding initiatives.
Led by Cereals Canada, Gate is a bold vision to propel Canada’s position as a global powerhouse in grain science, trade, and technology. The $102-million, state-of-the-art facility in downtown Winnipeg will serve as a world-class hub for research, training, and international collaboration, reinforcing Canada’s reputation as a reliable supplier of high-quality grains.
Gate will ensure the long-term viability of the Canadian cereals sector by supporting innovation, providing technical expertise to global buyers, and expanding market opportunities for Canadian wheat, barley, and oats. The facility’s advanced labs and pilot processing spaces will enable Cereals Canada to meet the evolving needs of international customers and maintain its leadership in global markets.
In a letter to Prime Minister Mark Carney dated May 7, 2025, Premier Kinew writes that he is looking forward to discussing five projects with the Prime Minister and his government in more detail, including Gate.
“Western Canada’s agricultural trade with the U.S. makes up for a significant part of Canada’s GDP. As our farmers face tariffs from the U.S. and China, Canada must actively explore new markets, support farmers in the field and develop the workforce with sustainable innovation and research,” writes Premier Kinew. “A joint federal-provincial investment in the Prairie Innovation Centre for Sustainable Agriculture at Assiniboine College and the new Cereals Canada Global Agriculture Technology Exchange campus will support Western farmers in marketing their products to the world and build off our existing collaboration in business risk management for producers.”
Canadian-grown cereals generate $68.8 billion in annual economic activity, support more than 370,000 jobs, and deliver $27 billion in wages. Gate represents a strategic opportunity to catalyze future growth and transformation for Canadian growers and the entire industry.
Premier Kinew’s letter to the Prime Minister comes just four weeks after the Province of Manitoba committed $13 million to the Gate project. In his funding announcement speech, the Premier indicated that his government would be seeking to partner with the Government of Canada to fund two-thirds of the project total.
The provincial premiers will be meeting with the Prime Minister on June 2, 2025, to discuss ways to work together to make the country stronger, including launching nation-building projects, removing internal trade barriers, and building one Canadian economy. Premier Kinew is expected to attend.