Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) provides significant funding for adult driver training programs in remote, rural and underserved communities to improve road safety for all Manitobans.

In partnership with University College of the North (UCN), Citizens’ Bridge of the North End Community Renewal Corporation and Assiniboine College, the Corporation helps ensure accessible and affordable Class 5 in-class and in-car training through more than $1.3 million in assistance in 2024/25.

“In 2023, almost 80 per cent of all fatal collisions occurred outside of Winnipeg, which is home to less than half of Manitoba’s total population,” said Matt Wiebe, minister responsible for the Insurance Corporation. Manitoba Public Service. “Thanks to MPI’s efforts to help rural, First Nations and Indigenous communities obtain the training they need, we have the opportunity to significantly reduce the number of Manitobans who tragically die on our roads each year.

With this funding, UCN and Citizens’ Bridge will expand their existing MPI-supported driver education programs, while Assiniboine College will establish a new course for adults seeking to obtain a Class 5 driver’s license.

“Improving road safety for all is a key part of MPI’s mandate,” said Satvir Jatana, President and CEO of MPI. “We are proud to increase our support for these programs across the province to ensure more new drivers have access to quality training, including the experience of making good decisions behind the wheel and create a foundation of responsible driving habits.

New Assiniboine College program begins November 25

Assiniboine College’s Class 5 Adult Driver Training program aims to improve road safety and support workforce development by providing affordable and accessible training in area communities.

The program is designed to equip participants with the skills and knowledge to become confident and responsible drivers. It combines 16 hours of classroom theory with four hours of practical in-car training using one of the College’s driver training vehicles. The program includes everything from road test preparation to mastering parallel parking, ensuring students are well prepared to drive safely on Manitoba’s roads.

“Through this collaboration, we are making driver training more accessible to Manitobans while promoting road safety,” said Rennen Rommelaere, Community Programs Coordinator at Assiniboine College. “We are excited to help individuals in communities across the province gain the skills and confidence they need to succeed as drivers.”

While the initial phase of the course will begin in Brandon on November 25, the College and MPI are also working to confirm future enrollments in the program in other rural and First Nations communities.

With more than $446,000 in support from MPI, the college plans to open 160 spots for the course in its first year.

Expanded Programs in Northern Manitoba, Winnipeg

MPI will provide more than $495,000 this year to UCN to continue its Class 5 adult driver training program, launching in 2023. In its first year, the program received nearly 400 applications from future drivers from the communities of northern Manitoba, including Thompson, The Pas, Flin. Flon, Churchill, Tataskweyak Cree Nation (Split Lake), Lynn Lake and more. Participants who completed the training performed well in their Class 5 practical exams, with a pass rate of over 70 percent.

“This program has had a very positive impact on the people of northern Manitoba,” said Jamie Grant, Associate Vice-President, Community and Industry Solutions at UCN. “The instant confidence boost we see when our students pass their knowledge or practical exam has them looking forward to what’s next.” Whether it’s continuing education or entry into the job market, a driving license opens many doors.”

Because drivers can access the program at different stages of the licensing process, each student receives an individual development plan that provides them with the support and training they need to obtain a learner-level license up to passing a class 5 practical exam.

This unique program is particularly important in the region as it aims to reduce the disproportionate number of fatal collisions that occur in the region. Between 2019 and 2023, almost 11 per cent of all traffic fatalities in Manitoba occurred in northern Manitoba, although this region represents only 6 per cent of the provincial population.

“Accessibility has really been a game changer for students coming into the program,” Grant said. “Access to instructors, training cars and examiners in communities has proven to be very effective and has resulted in high quality new drivers. »

In Winnipeg, MPI funding has helped Citizens’ Bridge operate a Class 5 adult driver education program since 2013. MPI increases its financial support to $411,000 to enable the agency to continue its classroom programs and to help launch a dedicated automotive training program. course, called Ready to Drive.

The program will aim to provide new Manitobans and low-income residents with on-the-road education in a Class 5 car. Through comprehensive lessons, participants will gain the essential skills and confidence needed to navigate the roads safely.

“The freedom, confidence and opportunities that come with getting your driver’s license are something everyone deserves,” said Sophie Stevens, DEC Admissions Coordinator at Citizens’ Bridge. “Through this collaboration with MPI, we were able to provide driver training to low-income Manitobans and newcomers who had not previously had access to this type of program. Since April, we have been able to help more than 140 people improve their road safety knowledge through our learner’s permit program and driving lessons. It has been a joy to see people learn and grow through these opportunities! »

Citizen’s Bridge plans to increase its capacity to 250 clients per year across both programs with this additional support.