In a significant development, a transit bus entirely manufactured in Canada has been produced after a 15-year hiatus, as announced by officials at a ceremony in Winnipeg. Premier Wab Kinew emphasized the importance of this achievement in enhancing Canada’s role in the low-carbon economy during the unveiling event at New Flyer’s recently expanded facility.
Named the “True North” project and initiated by New Flyer, a subsidiary of NFI Group, the endeavor received $38 million in funding from federal and provincial governments after being announced in October 2024. The facility, which has added approximately 250 jobs, is now dedicated to designing, engineering, and constructing Xcelsior hybrid-electric buses.
Paul Soubry, the former president and CEO of NFI, expressed pride in the operational facility, highlighting the positive impact on the local economy and the advancement of zero-emission transportation technology. The completion of buses exclusively in Canada not only creates job opportunities but also boosts the country’s manufacturing capabilities and supply chain investments.
NFI’s global headquarters in Winnipeg, employing nearly 3,000 Manitobans, plays a crucial role in providing buses for various Canadian cities like Winnipeg, Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary, and others. The recent expansion enables the U.S. plant to focus on finishing buses for American customers, streamlining production processes and benefiting both Canadian and American markets.
Federal Industry Minister Mélanie Joly underscored the importance of domestic production to mitigate the effects of global trade uncertainties, emphasizing the need for self-reliance. The facility’s ability to source more materials locally enhances its efficiency, although constraints exist, such as engine supplies not being domestically available.
Currently, New Flyer is producing around 20 transit bus shells weekly, with a portion being completed for Canadian destinations and the rest for the U.S. market. The strategic approach of building in Canada for Canadian use and in the U.S. for American customers optimizes production and aligns with trade regulations requiring a certain percentage of U.S.-sourced materials.
The successful completion of Canadian-made buses signifies a milestone in the transportation industry, promoting self-sufficiency and innovation within the country’s manufacturing sector.