In Winnipeg, officials celebrated a significant achievement as a fully Canadian-made transit bus was produced for the first time in 15 years. Premier Wab Kinew highlighted the importance of this milestone in boosting the country’s low-carbon economy during the unveiling ceremony at New Flyer’s recently expanded facility.
The project, named True North, became a reality after receiving $38 million in funding from federal and provincial governments, following an announcement by New Flyer, a subsidiary of NFI Group, in October 2024. The facility expansion has led to the creation of about 250 jobs and the production of Xcelsior hybrid-electric buses.
Former NFI President and CEO, Paul Soubry, emphasized the positive impact of the new facility on job creation and economic growth in Canada. The company’s global headquarters in Winnipeg currently employs around 3,000 Manitobans and supplies buses to various Canadian cities.
By completing the buses in Winnipeg, New Flyer has enabled more local sourcing of materials, although some components must be obtained from outside Canada due to certain restrictions. The company faces challenges in shipping fully assembled units to the U.S. due to “buy American” regulations, which require a significant portion of materials to be of U.S. origin.
Despite these challenges, New Flyer is ramping up production, with approximately 20 transit bus shells manufactured weekly, most of which are destined for U.S. markets. The company aims to continue building in Canada for Canadian customers and in the U.S. for American clients.
The Industry Minister, Mélanie Joly, stressed the importance of domestic production in light of ongoing trade uncertainties, affirming New Flyer as a model for supporting Canadian manufacturing. The company’s commitment to producing buses within Canada reflects its dedication to the local economy and transportation industry.