Western Economic Diversification in Manitoba — Making a Difference

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Red River College Mobile Training Labs

$3.12 million
Community Economic Development

Red River College has acquired two fully equipped mobile training labs, four supply trailers and two semi-truck cab power units in order to deliver a variety of trade training to individuals in rural Manitoba and Aboriginal communities in which permanent trades facilities are not feasible. These unique trailers will travel the roads of rural and northern Manitoba providing an educational service that will allow students to learn a trade while staying close to their home community.

• The First Mobile Training Lab delivered the Introduction to Trades Training to Aboriginal students on November 17, 2008.
• Four remote Manitoba communities will deliver various training programs using the equipment.
• The project supports rural diversification by increasing and diversifying the marketable skills of rural, Northern and Aboriginal residents, which, in turn, allow them to take advantage of employment opportunities in the local economy.
• Through this trades training project, Red River College is helping to address the need for highly qualified skilled workers in Manitoba.

St. Boniface General Hospital’s Canadian Centre for Agri-food Research in Health and Medicine

$800,000
Entrepreneurship and Innovation

St. Boniface General Hospital’s Canadian Centre for Agri-food Research in Health and Medicine is developing a program to integrate preclinical and clinical studies in relation to diet and health. Thanks to funding of $800,000, the St. Boniface General Hospital will be able to complete two new laboratories and purchase research equipment for the Research Centre. The new research facility space will enable the Research Centre to expand its research endeavours and collaborations as well as enhance the quality and type of research its scientists and researchers carry out.

• This project fosters the creation of partnerships between educational institutions and private/public research organizations and strengthens Manitoba’s existing life sciences cluster.
• The Research Centre will be able to support industry by providing highly skilled graduates that have practical experience in clinical and nutraceuticals research.
• This project supports scientific research and commercialization of new technologies that are prime drivers of competitiveness and prosperity that help ensure a continued high standard of living.

Centre for Aboriginal Human Resource Development Inc. / Neeginan Institute of Applied technology

$321,222
Entrepreneurship and Innovation

With the support of Western Diversification Program funding, the Centre for Aboriginal Human Resource Development purchased and installed the necessary tools and equipment at the Neeginan Institute of Applied Technology to provide high-demand in-house trades training in a variety of industrial occupations, including welding, machining, milling, lathe operations, and various other aerospace trades, and glazier training.

• Neeginan Institute of Applied Technology has enhanced the skills of 284 individuals, and the Centre for Aboriginal Human Resources Development has graduated 104 trades people, all of who are currently employed in their field of training.
• In 2008, the Centre planned to graduate approximately 24 welders, 34 aerospace manufacturing technicians (for Boeing), and 26 gas turbine repair and overhaul technicians (for Standard Aero).
• The Neeginan Institute is responding to Manitoba labour market shortages and placing students in well paying jobs, which will help reduce unemployment rates among Aboriginal people.

Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters / Advanced Manufacturing Initiative

$922,633
Entrepreneurship and Innovation

The Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters assists companies explore and implement lean manufacturing principles through the Advanced Manufacturing Initiative. The overall goal of the Advanced Manufacturing Initiative program is to encourage managers of manufacturing companies to adopt manufacturing practices that allow them to compete on a global basis. Membership in the Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters is 80% small and mid-sized firms.

• As of 2007, the Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters has assisted over 175 companies adopt efficient manufacturing practices to increase productivity in the workplace.
• As of 2008, the Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters has:
  • Held four Lean Awareness sessions involving 36 people from four companies
  • Facilitated Lean Strategic Planning sessions involving 12 executives and managers from one company
  • Organized three Lean Manufacturing Best Practice Plan Tours involving 68 people from 25 companies
  • Organized a mission to Ontario involving 15 executives and managers from eight companies
• Advanced Manufacturing Initiative helps companies focus on the reduction and removal of waste from manufacturing processes resulting in increased productivity, customer satisfaction, employee morale, and business success.
• There is an increased level of awareness of Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters lean programs in Manitoba aimed at improved productivity and achieving a sustainable competitive advantage.