Backgrounder: Federal investment expands Manitoba’s lifesaving training and emergency preparedness

St. John Ambulance (SJA) has served Manitobans for over 100 years, delivering first aid training, volunteer medical response, and workplace safety programs that strengthen communities and the economy. Its Winnipeg facility, expanded in 2021, operates at full capacity with only four classrooms, limiting SJA’s ability to train more Manitobans, support businesses, and reach underserved communities.

Manitoba faces growing needs for emergency preparedness and workplace safety training due to increased workplace health and safety requirements, extreme weather events and other emergencies, community events, and other large events needing certified responders.

This PrairiesCan investment through the Community Economic Development and Diversification (CEDD) program will support the third and final phase of SJA’s expansion, adding approximately 3,000 sq. ft. of new space, including:

• A fifth classroom;
• Multipurpose training and meeting rooms;
• Workspaces for new hires;
• Enhanced storage.

The project is designed to minimize disruption, allowing current programming to continue while construction proceeds.

The expansion of these facilities positions SJA as a key partner in Manitoba’s emergency preparedness and strengthens the province’s capacity to respond to evolving public safety and workplace needs. By training more Manitobans in lifesaving and emergency management skills, SJA helps reduce community and business disruptions during crises—minimizing injuries, protecting staff, and strengthening Manitoba’s overall resilience.

Related products

• News release: Federal investment expands Manitoba’s lifesaving training and emergency preparedness

Associated links

• Prairies Economic Development Canada
• Community Economic Development and Diversification (CEDD)