November 25, 2016
Canada and Manitoba Invest in Research and Development at Red River College
– – –$4.5-million Investment will Support Economic Development Through Research, Innovation, Education and Training
Education and Training Minister Ian Wishart, Robert Falcon-Ouellette, MP for Winnipeg Centre, and Paul Vogt, President and CEO of Red River College, today announced $4.5 million in joint federal-provincial funding for Phase 2 of the new MotiveLab at Red River College.
Funding for the MotiveLab–Phase 2 will permit the year-round utilization of a climatic chamber with extreme temperatures ranging from -40°C to +50°C to enable light and heavy vehicle-related research. The project also supports the construction of an Engine Dynamometer Test Cell that will facilitate research and technology development for the heavy-equipment manufacturing industry in Manitoba.
“Investing in research and technology development facilities that enable the training of highly skilled workers is a priority for our government as we work to strengthen linkages between training institutions and employers, and address labour market needs in our economy,” said Wishart. “Red River College is helping to lead the way in this regard and the province is pleased to be a partner in this project that will strengthen the combined competitiveness of Manitoba’s heavy equipment manufacturing sector and labour force.”
“These infrastructure investments will create good, well-paying jobs that can help the middle class grow and prosper today, while also delivering sustained economic growth for years to come,” said Ouellette. “Through the Strategic Investment Fund, we are strengthening the foundation for building Canada into a global centre for innovation.”
Red River College developed the MotiveLab concept to enable local heavy-vehicle manufacturers to undertake vehicle-related research and technology development to create products that are more environmentally friendly and perform better in extreme climates. This will enable original equipment manufacturers (OEM) and their suppliers to develop, manufacture, sell and export new and improved products which will have positive economic and environmental impacts. The MotiveLab–Phase 2 will also enhance the development of highly qualified and skilled personnel, while increasing the college’s research capacity, supporting local economic development through research, innovation, education and training.
“Manitoba’s heavy vehicle manufacturing sector is a cornerstone of our economy, and this research and testing facility is a direct result of our close ties with manufacturers, as well as our efforts to meet current and future training and technology needs,” said Vogt. “It’s an approach we are taking across all sectors to help local industry innovate, create jobs of the future and be more competitive in the global marketplace.”
The Government of Canada is providing $3 million funding for this project through the Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund, while the Province of Manitoba and Red River College will each be contributing $1.5 million. This fund is designed to promote economic activity across Canada and help Canada's universities and colleges develop highly skilled workers, act as engines of discovery and collaborate on innovations that help Canadian companies compete and grow internationally.
- 30 -