Government of Canada grants Nova Bus C$15 million for electromobility transformation

June 10, 2021

The funds will go toward upgrades at the company’s Quebec manufacturing facilities, as well as improved processes and digital technologies.

Mischa Wanek-Libman

Funds from the government of Canada will help Nova Bus modernize its manufacturing facilities in Quebec, among other zero-emission bus focused enhancements.

The government of Canada through the Strategic Innovation Fund under the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Industry, provided Nova Bus C$15 million (US$12.4 million) for the company’s electromobility transformation project that the government says will “advance the electrification of transportation.”

The federal funding will support the C$184.8-million (US$152.8 million) project that will modernize Nova Bus manufacturing facilities in Saint-Eustache and Saint-François-du-Lac, Quebec, as well introduce energy-efficient processes and digital technologies to increase operational efficiency. Nova Bus say the project will also strengthen its research and development abilities towards zero-emission transit buses.

“We are thrilled to continue to invest in the modernization of our facilities and to integrate new technological processes to produce buses that meet the needs of our customers and transit users,” said Ralph Acs, senior vice president, Region North America for Volvo Buses and president of Nova Bus.

The Ministry of Innovation, Science and Industry explains the Nova Bus Transformation Project will help make Canada's transportation industry one of the most competitive in the world for the manufacturing of electric transit buses.

“As we continue to safely restart our economy, it is important to do so in a strategic way and with a long-term vision. One of the ways to achieve this is by helping Canada and businesses here at home become world leaders in green transportation manufacturing. Nova Bus is a vital part of this journey toward electrification and a future marked by sustainable growth, dependable jobs and global leadership. Our government will continue to support businesses to ensure they can participate in the efforts toward a clean growth economy, including by investing in sustainable public transit and zero-emission vehicles,” said Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry François-Philippe Champagne.

About the Author

Mischa Wanek-Libman | Editor in Chief

Mischa Wanek-Libman serves as editor in chief of Mass Transit magazine. She is responsible for developing and maintaining the magazine’s editorial direction and is based in the western suburbs of Chicago.

Wanek-Libman has spent more than 20 years covering transportation issues including construction projects and engineering challenges for various commuter railroads and transit agencies. She has been recognized for editorial excellence through her individual work, as well as for collaborative content.

She is an active member of the American Public Transportation Association's Marketing and Communications Committee and serves as a Board Observer on the National Railroad Construction and Maintenance Association (NRC) Board of Directors.

She is a graduate of Drake University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism and Mass Communication with a major in magazine journalism and a minor in business management.