The port in Churchill, Man., pictured in 2012, is being touted by Canada's energy minister as a plausible hub to open new trade routes to Europe. Photo by HANDOUT / CHURCHILL GATEWAY DEVELOPMENT CORP.

The Canadian government is looking hard at developing a remote northern port on Hudson Bay as a conduit for exporting natural gas , potash, canola and other commodities as the country tries to reduce its economic dependence on the United States.

Energy Minister Tim Hodgson said he sees “tremendous potential” for turning the port of Churchill, Man., into a much larger export hub, opening new trade routes to Europe and other markets. The minister said he has seen multiple pitches for projects to move goods through the location, which is at almost the same latitude as Oslo, Norway.

“I

See Full Page