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Ottawa and Manitoba are jointly investing $6.6 million to enhance research capabilities at Red River College Polytechnic in Winnipeg, focusing on the heavy equipment and vehicle sector. The funding will support the establishment of new facilities, including a microgrid lab for energy infrastructure and a hydrogen lab for clean propulsion research.

The Vehicle Technology Centre Inc. will collaborate with the college and local businesses on projects involving autonomous vehicles and vehicle-to-grid technology. The industry, which exports $2.45 billion annually and employs over 9,000 individuals, has been affected by tariffs, including a 25% tariff on foreign medium- and heavy-duty trucks imposed by the U.S. in November. Students and instructors from RRC Polytech will participate in the research initiatives, aligning with Manitoba's economic development strategy aimed at boosting productivity.