From buses and fire trucks to agricultural machinery and mining equipment, Manitoba's heavy equipment and vehicle (HEV) sector powers global markets and Canadian jobs. With exports to over 80 countries, this cluster supports a robust domestic supply chain and is vital to Canada's industrial strength. Governments and industry are working together to accelerate innovation and capitalize on new opportunities, further cementing Manitoba as a global leader in HEV manufacturing.
Today, the Honourable Eleanor Olszewski, Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience and Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan) announced a federal investment of $3.3 million to help establish the Innovation Garage at RRC Polytech, in partnership with the Vehicle Technology Centre, the Province of Manitoba, and private-sector partners. This amount is in addition to the $3.3 million investment made by the Government of Manitoba by the Honourable Jamie Moses, Minister of Business, Mining, Trade and Job Creation.
The project will expand RRC Polytech's capabilities to deliver industry-led innovation and productivity improvements by establishing:
- space for industrial-scale collaborative applied research and development for the HEV cluster
- a microgrid lab focused on energy innovation and EV infrastructure, and
- a hydrogen and fuel cell lab to advance clean propulsion systems and other new technologies.
These new facilities will enhance opportunities for students, researchers, and businesses to collaborate. This will help small- and medium-sized enterprises in Manitoba adopt new technologies, strengthen workforce skills, and bring more made-in-Canada innovations to market.
The project will also support the Vehicle Technology Centre's Clean Technology and Advanced Manufacturing program, which helps manufacturers leverage their investments in industrial applied research and development.
This endeavour - driven by industry and backed by government support - is an example of the collaboration at the heart of the federal government's new Prairie Partnership Initiative, which aims to grow the economy by supporting ambitious ideas, streamlining supply chains and making it easier for business owners and proponents to ensure federal programs are responsive to regional needs. In this case, reinforcing Manitoba's leadership in clean tech and advanced manufacturing, and ensuring Canada's heavy equipment and heavy-duty vehicle sector stays globally competitive and continues to build one strong Canadian economy.
