Backgrounder: Government of Canada launches new approach to deliver good jobs in building a green economy for the Prairies

Today, along with the launch of the Framework to Build a Green Prairie Economy, Minister Vandal announced an investment of up to $10 million in NFI Group through Canada’s Jobs and Growth Fund (JGF). This fund, administered through PrairiesCan, supports businesses in creating and retaining jobs, while positioning local economies for long-term growth. The investment is included in $100 million of PrairiesCan funding committed over the next three years to support projects aligned with the Framework to Build a Green Prairie Economy.

NFI Group is a leading provider of battery-electric and fuel cell-electric buses and motorcoaches, with global headquarters in Winnipeg. They are a leader in North America’s evolution to zero-emission buses. As the world shifts towards a green economy, markets are demanding cleaner energy and sustainable products, and the Government of Canada recognizes that NFI Group is positioned to meet those demands.

Two of NFI Group’s subsidiaries have manufacturing operations in Manitoba – New Flyer (transit buses) and MCI (motorcoaches). With the investment announced today, NFI Group will build new zero-emission transit buses and motorcoaches and modernize its Winnipeg motorcoach manufacturing facility to increase production capacity.

This support will enable NFI Group to maintain existing jobs and add local jobs to meet growing future demand, while ensuring they can capitalize on new sales opportunities and grow revenues. The project also supports the stability and on-going recovery of suppliers in Western Canada that benefit from significant contracts with NFI Group and play a critical role in the manufacturing supply chain.

Jobs and Growth Fund (JGF) – up to $10,000,000

The Jobs and Growth (JGF) is a $700-million federal program to support regional job creation and position local economies for long-term growth. The Fund provides businesses and organizations with either interest-free loans or non-repayable funding. This fund, administered through PrairiesCan supports businesses in creating and retaining jobs, while positioning local economies for long-term growth. 

Related products

• News Release 

Associated links

• Minister Dan Vandal’s Statement - Building a Green Prairie Economy Act – December 15, 2022
• Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan)
• Jobs and Growth Fund
• Building a Green Prairie Economy Act
• Building a Green Prairie Economy