As part of its ongoing commitment to advancing a strong, sustainable auto repair industry,
Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) is proud to announce a donation of approximately $1.2 million
worth of specialized collision repair tools and technology to RRC Polytech’s Collision Repair and
Refinishing Program.
The contribution includes over 200 individual pieces, including major frame repair systems,
welders, tire service and plastic repair equipment, and specialized collision repair tooling, that
were previously part of MPI’s physical damage automotive research and training operations. It will
now be used to help address the critical shortage of skilled collision repair technicians in Manitoba
by strengthening advanced level technical training at RRC Polytech.
“This is an excellent example of how our partnership continues to support students and
strengthen Manitoba’s skilled trades workforce,” said the Honourable Matt Wiebe, Minister
Responsible for MPI. “By ensuring future technicians have access to specialized, industry
standard equipment, MPI and RRC Polytech are providing opportunities for students to hone their
skills today, and ensure the sector has skilled professionals moving forward.”
The donation builds on MPI’s long-standing dedication to supporting Manitoba’s collision repair
industry.
“A key part of MPI’s mission is to help create safer roads for everyone, and we believe that
strengthening a healthy, sustainable repair sector is a significant part of that commitment,” said
Carmen Nedohin, MPI Board Chair. “Through ongoing work with our repair association partners
on education opportunities, scholarships as well as this contribution to RRC Polytech, MPI is
proud to be helping prepare the next generation of professionals for the increasingly complex
vehicles and technologies they will encounter in the workplace.”
As Manitoba’s only post-secondary institution offering Levels 2 through 4 of apprenticeship
training in collision repair, RRC Polytech is uniquely positioned to use this advanced equipment to
help prepare tomorrow’s technicians.
“At RRC Polytech, we are committed to providing students with the tools they need to thrive in a
rapidly evolving workforce,” said Lloyd Schreyer, RRC Polytech Board Chair. “The success of our
students is strengthened by partners like MPI, who recognize the impact of our training and
support it with innovative solutions that enrich the learning experience.”
Some of the donated equipment includes a tire balancing and tire changing machine, which will
help students learn industry-standard wheel and tire service procedures; a nitrogen welding
system for plastic repair, which teaches repair-first techniques that allow damaged plastic
components to be safely restored; and a fume extraction system; which removes welding fumes
and airborne contaminants from the work area. The equipment is set to benefit more than 400
students enrolled in transportation trades programs each year.
“As a student at RRC Polytech, I’ve been fortunate to train on the same state-of-the-art
equipment used in industry,” said Cassandra Foy, Skills Canada gold medalist and RRC Polytech
student. “Thanks to MPI’s support, my classmates, future students, and I will have even more
opportunities to develop our skills and prepare for successful careers. Thank you to MPI for their
incredible support!”
The equipment, now located at RRC Polytech’s Notre Dame Campus, will be incorporated into the
Collision Repair and Refinishing Program’s curriculum for courses beginning this fall.
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For more information, please contact:
MPI Media Relations
204-985-7300
[email protected]
RRC Polytech Media Relations
Emily Doer, Acting Director, College and Public Relations
204-990-1885
[email protected]