Heart of the Continent - The CentrePort Canada Act and the Future of Manitoba
![handle is hein.journals/manitob34 and id is 467 raw text is: Heart of the Continent?
The CentrePort Canada Act
and the Future of Manitoba
MICHAEL SILICZ
1. INTRODUCTION
T here was a time, not so long ago, when Winnipeg was considered to be a
central hub of international trade and commerce. At the turn of the
twentieth century, it was expected that Winnipeg would rival both Toronto and
Montreal as the largest city in Canada. Winnipeg was a major player in the pre-
World War I global network of commerce, was home to a booming commodities
market, and was even nicknamed the Chicago of the north. One hundred
years ago, people from all over the world flocked to Winnipeg to better their
lives.
Today the story is different. Winnipeg is no longer a key player in the
globalized system of trade. The simple reality is that Winnipeg has failed to live
up to its historic potential.
This disappointing state of affairs may be coming to an end, however, thanks
to Bill 47. The CentrePort Canada Act is a laudable initiative that aims to make
Winnipeg a key player in global trade once again. By designating 80 square
kilometres of Manitoba a free trade zone and the creation of a private
corporation to promote business development, the CentrePort initiative looks to
capitalize on Winnipeg's geographic advantage as the centre of North America.
Should the Actbe successful, Winnipeg may live up to its new namesake as the
heart of the continent.
This paper analyzes Bill 47, The CentrePort Canada Act, in its entirety. It
begins with a general summary of the bill, and then places the legislation in
historical context. With this general background understanding of Bill 47, the
paper delves into extensive and thorough detail about the passage and
enactment of Bill 47 through the process of the Legislative Assembly of
Bill 47, The CentrePort Canada Act, 2nd Sess, 39th Leg, Manitoba, 2008 (assented to 9
October 2008), SM 2008, c 45 [Actor Bill 47 or bill].](ViewImageLocal?handle=hein.journals/manitob34&div=29&collection=&method=preview&ext=.png&size=3)
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Heart of the Continent - The CentrePort Canada Act and the Future of Manitoba
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