February 29, 2008
Red River College receives $2.4 million to test greener vehicles
Winnipeg, Manitoba – A $2.4 million investment from the Winnipeg Partnership Agreement (WPA) will help Red River College acquire research and testing equipment for vehicle technologies, an integral part of its new Heavy Equipment Transportation Centre.
The announcement was made today by the Honourable Vic Toews, President of the Treasury Board, on behalf of the Honourable Rona Ambrose, President of the Queen’s Privy Council for Canada, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of Western Economic Diversification; the Honourable Jim Rondeau, Minister of Science, Technology, Energy and Mines, on behalf of Manitoba Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs Steve Ashton; and Mr. Grant Nordman, Councillor for St. Charles Ward.
“The Government of Canada is proud to make investments which will improve the College’s ability to test and design new and existing vehicle technologies,” said Mr. Toews. “This investment will strengthen Manitoba’s transportation sector and assist Red River College in becoming a focal point for this rapidly growing industry, particularly in the field of emissions reduction and the integration of alternative and renewable sources of fuel.”
“Manitoba has long been a transportation hub in North America and has in recent years become an incubator for developing new fuel technology,” said Minister Rondeau. “This equipment will help train the future professionals our province will need for these emerging manufacturing and technological industries.”
“The City of Winnipeg is committed to a cleaner and greener vehicle fleet,” said Councillor Grant Nordman on behalf of Winnipeg Mayor Sam Katz. “Through our recently-announced Green Vehicle Plan, we intend to make our fleet of 2,500 vehicles more efficient and more environmentally friendly. This type of facility will help to make Winnipeg a centre for clean vehicle technology, and support our efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions”.
The applied research and equipment specifications were developed to meet the needs identified by local industry. The curriculum will include applied research and advanced training in leading-edge technologies, such as biodiesel, ethanol, hydrogen and electric hybrids, hydrogen fuel cells, and emissions and extreme-weather testing.
“We appreciate the support of the three levels of government, and we look forward to working closely with the transportation industry on training programs and applied research projects that will benefit our environment and economy,” said Dr. Jeff Zabudsky, President of Red River College.
The new equipment will be located in the Heavy Equipment Transportation Centre, which is scheduled to open in January 2009. The Centre will provide opportunities for students to work on real-world problems such as the application of cleaner energy sources and alternative fuels for the transportation and heavy equipment sector.
The funds announced today come from Component IV of the Winnipeg Partnership Agreement. By creating strategic partnerships with various community stakeholders, this component increases the development, use and commercialization of new technologies. Projects under this component help to build the foundation for a knowledge-based economy that employs skilled workers and encourages innovative approaches.
The Winnipeg Partnership Agreement was signed in May 2004 and represents a five-year, $75-million commitment by the governments of Canada, Manitoba and Winnipeg to strengthen our neighbourhoods, promote economic development and enable Aboriginal citizens to fully enjoy Winnipeg’s economic and social opportunities. Interested parties are encouraged to consult the Web site www.winnipegpartnership.mb.ca for program details.
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Backgrounder
Transportation Sector - https://www.gov.mb.ca/asset_library/en/newslinks/2008/2008feb./RRCGreenVehicleTesting.IA.doc