MoveMobility opened its doors this week to celebrate a milestone that feels both exciting and personal. The company received a $1.1-million federal investment to help launch its new made-in-Manitoba ambulance vans and expand manufacturing to serve more communities across Canada.
This day wasn’t just about funding. It was about people, access, and the belief that every community deserves the chance to receive care when it matters most.
From the moment guests stepped inside, it felt like a celebration of heart, teamwork, and the simple idea that innovation always starts with helping others.
A mission that begins with people
MoveMobility founder Richard Jones shared the purpose behind everything the company builds.
“We’re in the business of helping people.”
— Richard Jones
This message guided the whole event. Richard didn’t focus on machines or specs. He talked about the people behind the vehicles and the people these vehicles serve.
He reminded everyone that MoveMobility grew in a place where communities stick together through tough terrain and long winters.
“We don’t have the luxury of big cities, but we get through, don’t we?”
That grit is what shaped MoveMobility from a small accessibility retrofit shop into one of Canada’s most innovative builders of mobile medical vehicles.
A four-year journey to build a new type of ambulance
At the center of the event stood MoveMobility’s new Type II ambulance van, now in its final testing stages. Richard walked guests through the four-year journey to get this vehicle ready, from early sketches to road testing.
“The vehicle that they helped us create is 95 percent of the way there.”
This new ambulance is built on a van chassis, which provides a smoother ride, easier handling, and safer movement within the patient compartment. Because it’s smaller than the traditional Type 3 ambulances, it can reach tight spaces, rural roads, and communities with limited infrastructure.
He also explained that MoveMobility could build these ambulances at around 60 percent of the cost of a standard Type 3. The savings can help more small communities access life-saving vehicles sooner.
A personal story that brought the mission home
Richard shared a moment that touched everyone in the room. Just days before the event, he and his wife were in the United States when a medical procedure went wrong.
“It was very close to my heart to make sure that people get the right care.”
His wife was transported in a vehicle, and that ride made the company’s work feel even more real to him. It wasn’t about design, manufacturing, or approval processes.
It was all about:
- People
- Families
- Loved ones
Moments where fear takes over, and the only thing that matters is help arriving on time.
His story made the room quiet. You could feel everyone connect to the mission.
Helping the people who help others
Richard spoke about the pressure first responders are facing across the country. Staffing shortages, long distances, and aging fleets make emergency response harder than ever.
“The products that we’re developing help first responders take care to the people who need it.”
That has always been the heart of MoveMobility’s work. Every design decision is made to support the responders who show up during someone’s worst day.
“It’s about making lives easier. It’s about saving lives.”
His message was simple. Innovation is only as good as the lives it protects.
Federal leaders see the potential
Winnipeg West MP Dr. Doug Eyolfson, a former emergency room physician, understands the value of strong emergency vehicles better than most. He shared how important these vans will be for regions where distance, weather, or poor road conditions slow down care.
“Nimble, manoeuvrable emergency vehicles built on van platforms, designed for communities where every second counts.”
— Dr. Doug Eyolfson
He spoke about working in ambulances for years during his medical career.
“I spent a great deal of time in the backs of ambulances… and I have come to appreciate firsthand how valuable vehicles like this are.”
His respect for the work MoveMobility does was clear. He described the company as a team that listens, learns, and responds thoughtfully.
“They ask what people need… and then they act.”
He highlighted how this investment will help scale production, create good jobs, and put Manitoba-built innovation in front of communities that need better access to care.
Manitoba’s business minister shows local support
Manitoba’s Minister of Business, Jamie Moses, also joined the celebration. He took time to walk through the ambulances and connect with the team.
“These ambulances are beautiful. These are pretty special looking.”
— Jamie Moses
He spoke about how local innovation strengthens both the province and the people it serves. He reminded everyone that the Manitoba government previously invested $1.3 million to support MoveMobility’s new CentrePort facility, which will open this spring.
“Helping Canadians improve their healthcare outcomes with innovation.”
The new facility will allow MoveMobility to hire more people, produce more vehicles, and meet the rising demand for mobile medical solutions across the country.
What will this investment help make possible?
The new $1.1-million federal investment is more than an economic boost. It’s a catalyst for better healthcare access.
The funding supports:
- More manufacturing space, giving MoveMobility the opportunity to build more vehicles and meet demand
- The launch of the new ambulance line, starting in Ontario, with national expansion ahead
- Job creation in Manitoba, supporting welders, technicians, fabricators, engineers, and support staff
- Stronger Canadian-made healthcare solutions, created by a Canadian-owned company
- Better access to emergency care, especially in small, remote, and northern communities
Each part of the investment ties back to the same core goal, which is saving lives by bringing care closer to the people who need it most.
Always looking ahead
Richard hinted that MoveMobility isn’t stopping here.
“Just wait. We’ve got a bigger one yet.”
He didn’t reveal full details, but you could hear how proud he is of what the team is building next. The ideas keep growing, and the passion behind them keeps building, too.
He also shared his excitement about the new CentrePort manufacturing facility and the way it will help MoveMobility scale its impact.
A Canadian success story built on hard work
MoveMobility’s story is a reminder of what can happen when people refuse to give up on a good idea. Richard came to Canada years ago, built a life, built a company, and built vehicles that have helped thousands of people across the country.
“It’s a win for Canada’s future as well.”
The company’s growth shows what’s possible when innovation, purpose, and community come together.
An invitation to join the journey
Richard closed the day with a message that summed up the entire event with warmth and excitement.
“Come on the journey with us. We’re on an exciting role, and we want you to be part of it.”
This investment marks a major step forward for MoveMobility, but it also marks a new chapter for communities across Canada. With increased support and additional tools to scale, MoveMobility can help more people access the care they need, regardless of their location.
The heart of the company remains the same. Build vehicles that save lives. Build solutions for the people who need them most. Build a future where access to care is not determined by a postal code.
And now, with new support behind them, MoveMobility is ready to carry that mission even further.
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