Prairie Innovation: $2.9M Boost for Manitoba's Medical Transport & Virtual Care Sectors

WINNIPEG, MB – November 21, 2025 – Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan) is injecting $2.9 million into two Manitoba-based companies – MoveMobility and QDoc Inc. – to scale their operations and expand access to crucial healthcare solutions across Canada. The federal investment targets innovation in both medical vehicle manufacturing and virtual healthcare delivery, aiming to address long-standing accessibility gaps, particularly for individuals in rural and northern regions.

Bridging the Healthcare Gap with Innovation

The investment sees $1.1 million allocated to MoveMobility, a manufacturer specializing in accessible vehicles, as they expand into the ambulance market. The funding will support manufacturing expansion and the production of specialized ambulances designed to meet the unique needs of remote communities. Simultaneously, $1.9 million is heading to QDoc Inc., a virtual healthcare company connecting patients and providers remotely, to facilitate platform expansion and further develop its digital technology. This strategic funding is drawn from the Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI) program’s Business Scale-up and Productivity (BSP) stream, a clear signal of PrairiesCan's focus on sustainable, long-term growth.

“The geographic challenges in Manitoba and the broader Prairies are significant,” notes a healthcare administrator familiar with the region’s challenges. “Distance, weather, and limited infrastructure create real barriers to care. Investments like these, that support both physical access and virtual delivery, are absolutely critical.” The funding reflects a growing recognition that a one-size-fits-all approach to healthcare delivery is insufficient, especially in regions characterized by vast distances and sparse populations.

Manufacturing Accessibility & Expanding Virtual Reach

MoveMobility’s expansion into the ambulance market represents a significant step in addressing the need for specialized medical transport in remote areas. Beyond standard ambulances, the company is focusing on vehicles that can navigate challenging terrain and accommodate the unique medical needs of patients in isolated communities. “We’re not just building ambulances; we’re building solutions that can reach people where they live,” explains a source within the company. The investment will allow MoveMobility to increase production capacity, invest in advanced manufacturing technologies, and create skilled jobs in Manitoba.

QDoc Inc., on the other hand, is poised to expand the reach of its virtual healthcare platform. The company’s service, currently available in Manitoba, Nunavut, and Northwest Ontario, connects patients with local doctors and nurse practitioners via secure video consultations. The funding will support platform enhancements, including the integration of new diagnostic tools and the expansion of specialist access. “Virtual care isn’t about replacing in-person visits; it’s about providing an additional layer of access, particularly for those who face geographic or logistical barriers,” states a physician involved in the QDoc platform. “It's about ensuring people can get the care they need, when they need it.” The platform's free access for residents with a provincial health card is a key differentiator, aiming to remove financial barriers to care.

Economic Benefits & Regional Growth

The $2.9 million investment is projected to create 35 jobs and stimulate economic growth in Manitoba. But the benefits extend beyond job creation. The repayable nature of the funding, through the BSP stream, underscores a commitment to long-term sustainability and economic diversification. This approach prioritizes investments in companies with the potential for high growth and export opportunities, contributing to a more resilient and competitive regional economy.

“Investing in local businesses like MoveMobility and QDoc Inc. is a smart economic strategy,” argues a regional economic development specialist. “These companies are not only creating jobs and driving innovation, but they’re also contributing to the development of a vibrant and sustainable regional economy.” This investment aligns with broader government priorities to support entrepreneurship, promote innovation, and strengthen the Canadian economy.

The healthcare access challenges in rural and northern Manitoba are complex and multifaceted. From geographical barriers and emergency room closures to healthcare professional shortages and systemic inequities, residents in these regions face significant obstacles to accessing timely and quality care. While the investment from PrairiesCan represents a positive step forward, addressing these challenges requires a comprehensive and sustained effort involving government, healthcare providers, and community stakeholders. The commitment to both physical accessibility through improved medical transport and virtual access through telehealth platforms offers a promising model for bridging the healthcare gap and ensuring that all Canadians have access to the care they need, regardless of where they live.

The projected growth of the telehealth market, estimated at a compound annual growth rate of 21.3% to 2030, suggests a strong demand for virtual care solutions. This growth is driven by factors such as technological advancements, increasing demand for remote healthcare services, and the widespread adoption of smartphones. Investments in companies like QDoc Inc. are therefore well-positioned to capitalize on this growing market and expand access to care for millions of Canadians.