GUELPH — Today the City of Guelph hosted the Ontario Auto Mayor’s Event for government and industry leaders to discuss the impacts of U.S. tariffs on the automotive industry. Premier Doug Ford, Rob Flack, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Dominique O’Rourke, MP for Guelph, Mike Schreiner, MPP for Guelph, Joseph Racinsky, MPP Wellington-Halton Hills, Mayors from 22 Ontario municipalities and many automotive industry and municipal representatives attended the event, addressing shared challenges and discussing ways to collaborate amidst tariff uncertainty. “Ontario’s autoworkers are the best in the world and our government will always have their backs,” said Premier Doug Ford. “In the face of U.S. tariffs, we’re taking action to protect autoworkers and their communities, with billions in new training and support and a clear commitment to stand by our commitments that helped secure $46 billion in electric vehicle and EV battery investments here in Ontario.”
STRATFORD — The Ontario Auto Mayors’ caucus held its first meeting outside the GTA on Nov. 1, 2024, at Stratford’s Tom Patterson Theatre, with 45 municipal representatives and industry leaders in attendance. “It was a privilege for Stratford to host this meeting, especially as the first city outside the GTA to do so,” said Mayor Martin Ritsma. “With record-breaking attendance, this gathering underscores Stratford’s commitment to supporting the automotive industry and fostering partnerships that drive innovation across Ontario.”
OAKVILLE — "The announcement of Honda's investment in Alliston is a testament to the strength and competitiveness of Ontario's automotive sector. We welcome Honda's confidence in the region and applaud their bold commitment to create Canada’s first comprehensive electric vehicle supply chain in Ontario, in partnership with our federal and provincial governments. This historic investment aligns with our collective vision for a sustainable automotive landscape. The Ontario Auto Mayors anticipate positive benefits from Honda's investment on the local and regional economy, job creation, supply chains and it will further solidify Ontario as a leader in electric vehicle production.”
VAUGHAN – Members of the Ontario Auto Mayors Caucus met on Friday, November 3, at Vaughan City Hall to celebrate 10 years of continued collaborative work towards strengthening the automotive sector in Ontario. The meeting worked to promote awareness, advocacy, and strategic policy initiatives in this sector. Chaired by Town of Oakville Mayor Rob Burton and hosted by City of Vaughan Mayor Steven Del Duca, the group included representatives from 32 Ontario municipalities, Ontario’s OEMs, and automotive industry associations.
“The 10th anniversary of the Ontario Auto Mayors is a remarkable milestone that highlights a decade of collaborative effort and achievement for Ontario’s world-leading auto assembly industry and supply chain. Together, we have navigated challenges and seized opportunities, ensuring Ontario remains at the forefront of the automotive industry in North Amera and across the globe” said Mayor Rob Burton, Chair of the Ontario Auto Mayors.
BRAMPTON — Today, members of the Ontario Auto Mayors Caucus met in Brampton’s Fire Station 203 for the first in-person meeting of the municipal advocacy group since 2019. Chaired by Town of Oakville Mayor Rob Burton and hosted by City of Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown, the group included representatives from 32 Ontario municipalities, Ontario’s OEMs, and automotive industry associations. “The future of the automotive landscape is being forged in Ontario,” said Mayor Rob Burton, Chair of the Ontario Auto Mayors. “Major investments made by industry in partnership with the Federal and Provincial governments are transforming the sector, and the Auto Mayors remain committed to working hand-in-hand with industry to support this exciting transformation.”
AJAX – The Ontario government is building over 1,300 new electric vehicle (EV) charging ports in small and medium-sized communities, marking a major milestone in the province’s plan to increase access to EV chargers outside of large urban centres and support the electrification of transportation across the province. As the province continues to see substantial job creation and investment in the growing EV and EV battery manufacturing sector, these new charging stations will provide critical supporting infrastructure in communities across the province, including for EVs made right here in Ontario.
MISSISSAUGA – On Nov. 8, Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) visited Myant Corp., a Mississauga-based textile computing company, where she met with representatives from the Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association (APMA) to announce a $7-million investment for the expansion of Project Arrow 2.0.
OTTAWA — Ontario’s Minister of Energy and Electrification, Stephen Lecce, has unveiled an ambitious vision for the province’s electricity system, aiming not only to accommodate a projected seventy-five per cent increase in demand by 2050 but also to position Ontario as a leading energy exporter.
OTTAWA — Today, the Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental Affairs, the Honourable Arif Virani, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, and the Honourable Pablo Rodriguez, Minister of Transport and Quebec Lieutenant, announced the release of the National Action Plan on Combatting Auto Theft.
PORT COLBORNE — Canada is a global leader in the electric vehicle (EV) market. As demand for EVs continues to grow, we want more of these vehicles to be assembled right here in Canada. In the last four years, more than $46 billion has been invested by auto, EV battery, and battery component manufacturers across the country, with billions more in the pipeline. These global companies want a reliable partner with world-class talent, and this is exactly what we have to offer. Today, the Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, and the Premier of Ontario, Doug Ford, are welcoming Asahi Kasei Corporation’s investment of approximately $1.6 billion to build an EV battery separator plant in Port Colborne, Ontario. As medium-to long-term growth is forecasted in the North American EV market, the company expects to make additional multi-billion-dollar investments through multiple phases. Details regarding direct jobs created by this investment are currently being finalized and will be announced at a later date.
TORONTO — Ontario’s Minister of Energy, Todd Smith, has asked the Ontario Energy Board (OEB) to explore options for an Electric Vehicle Charger Discount Electricity Rate as the province continues to support the adoption of electric vehicles (EV). A new rate would reduce the cost of electricity for public EV chargers in areas where demand for the service is only beginning to emerge, making charging infrastructure more economical in more communities and giving Ontario drivers the confidence they need to transition to electric vehicles. “With more than 150,000 electric vehicles already on the roads in Ontario, we’re continuing to look at new ways to increase the number of public chargers – including reducing electricity rates for chargers in areas where electric vehicle usage is just beginning to emerge,” said Minister Smith. “This is another step we are taking to give drivers in every part of our province, including rural Ontario, the confidence to transition to electric vehicles, and take advantage of our growing, world-class clean grid.”
ALLISTON — From mining critical minerals to building cars and batteries, Canadian businesses and workers are attracting historic investments to help secure and create jobs, grow our economy, and keep our air clean. In the last four years, automotive and battery makers have announced more than $31 billion in investments in electric vehicle manufacturing across Canada. They want a reliable partner with world-class talent, and this is exactly what we have to offer. And the world is taking notice. The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, and the Premier of Ontario, Doug Ford, today welcomed Honda Canada’s milestone investment of approximately $15 billion to create Canada’s first comprehensive electric vehicle supply chain, located in Ontario.
BRAMPTON — The Ontario government is investing $751,607 to support 3,914 laid-off automotive employees impacted by the recent closure of Stellantis automotive assembly plants in Peel and Durham regions. The funding will allow Unifor National to run action centres in Brampton and Oshawa that will connect the impacted workers and their families with much needed supports and services. “As Ontario leads the world in electric vehicles and advanced manufacturing, our government is proud to work with our partners to ensure workers have the opportunities and skills to thrive in this rapidly growing sector,” said David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. “These action centres will help Peel and Durham region workers develop the highly in-demand skills for lifelong careers – landing better jobs with bigger paycheques for their families.”
OAKVILLE – Oakville MP Anita Anand participated in a national summit on combatting auto theft on Feb. 8. For Anand, combatting auto theft is critically important, with her noting previously that in 2023, a total of 1,800 vehicles were stolen in Halton Region alone, including 820 in Oakville. Here are five things coming out of that summit that she says should make a difference in tackling the issue:
Anand said the government will work to disrupt the distribution of devices used in vehicle theft. “Items can be purchased on the internet to steal cars more easily. Items like GPS jammers,” said Anand. “So, what we’ve done is target 22 product brands and engaged 13 distributors, resulting in the removal of more than 300 product listings from the Canadian distribution chain.”
TORONTO – The Ontario government is making it easier to build and connect new public electric vehicle (EV) chargers to the province’s world-class clean electricity grid. Starting May 27, 2024, all local utilities will follow a streamlined process for EV charging connections that will make it easier to set up new charging stations and support the adoption of electric vehicles in Ontario. “As the number of EV owners in Ontario continues to grow, our government is making it easier to put shovels in the ground to build the critical infrastructure needed for drivers to charge their vehicles where and when they need to,” said Todd Smith, Minister of Energy. “This is just another step we are taking to reduce red tape, increase EV adoption, and use our clean electricity supply to support the electrification of Ontario’s transportation sector.”
OTTAWA – The Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental Affairs, the Honourable Arif Virani, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, the Honourable Pablo Rodriguez, Minister of Transport and Quebec Lieutenant, the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry and the Honourable Anita Anand, President of the Treasury Board are convening provincial, territorial and municipal government officials, industry leaders and law enforcement representatives from across the country at the National Summit on Combatting Auto Theft.
MISSISSAUGA — The Ontario government is investing $18 million over three years to help police services combat and prevent auto theft, while protecting communities and keeping people and their property safe. The Preventing Auto Thefts (PAT) grant will provide funding for 21 projects that feature new and enhanced crime-fighting measures focused on prevention, detection, analysis and enforcement.
“This investment will help our police services crack down on the growing problem of auto theft, dismantle organized crime networks and get these criminals off the streets and behind bars where they belong,” said Premier Doug Ford. “Our government is making the necessary investments so that our police officers have the tools they need to keep people and communities safe.”
TORONTO — The Ontario government has concluded a successful business mission to Germany and Switzerland to attract investments and strengthen relationships with economic partners in the auto sector. As part of the mission, a delegation of Ontario organizations promoted the province’s auto supply chain and innovations at IAA Mobility, the world’s largest event for the mobility industry, which includes the auto and transportation sectors.
“We’re showcasing Ontario’s growing auto supply chain on a global stage and continuing to promote the province to companies around the world,” said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “Missions like this have helped Ontario attract over $25 billion in transformative auto and EV battery investments from global automakers, parts suppliers, and electric vehicle battery and materials manufacturers over the last three years.”
WHITBY — The Region of Durham’s Economic Development and Tourism division (Invest Durham)—in partnership with Durham College, Ontario Tech University, Next Generation Manufacturing Canada (NGen), Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN), and Durham Regional Technology Development Site (Durham RTDS)—are empowering the transition to Electric Vehicles (EV) through collaboration. Located on the east side of the Greater Toronto Area, Durham Region offers a competitive business environment that links the future of energy with advanced automotive. With the recent major investment and funding announcements into Ontario’s EV supply chain, there are exciting and immediate opportunities for business growth, innovation and collaboration in Durham Region.
MARKHAM — The Province of Ontario has awarded the cities of Markham and Vaughan $2.5 million in funding to develop two automotive technology and smart mobility Demonstration Zones that will provide opportunities for companies to test, pilot and showcase their products in a real-world environment. The funding is part of the Province’s $56.4 million commitment, over four years, to support the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN). OVIN focuses on maximizing investments and impact across Ontario’s entire automotive value chain, including a shift towards smart and clean technologies.
INGERSOLL — GM announced today that CAMI Assembly will begin building battery modules in the second quarter of 2024, supporting the company’s increasing EV production volume. The new 400,000 square-foot facility will assemble modules for BrightDrop Zevo production at CAMI as well as additional Ultium EVs built at other GM plants. The project will support nearly 300 CAMI Assembly jobs. “Our CAMI plant is playing a critical role in accelerating GM’s all-electric future,” said Marissa West, president and managing director, GM Canada. “In addition to being Canada’s first large-scale EV manufacturing plant, soon the team will add EV battery module assembly to the site, demonstrating innovation, flexibility, and opportunity during this historic time of transformation in the industry. To support GM’s EV transformation, the company is installing more battery module capacity to its other North American EV plants.
OTTAWA — Ontario and Michigan are building on their longstanding economic relationship through a new partnership that will increase trade, attract investment and encourage job creation in both jurisdictions. The new Economic Cooperation Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) will support joint initiatives in priority areas, such as electric vehicles and related supply chains. These initiatives could include joint trade promotion and missions, new post-secondary exchange programs, and efforts to identify opportunities for strategic partnerships that will help businesses compete internationally. The agreement was signed today by Premier Doug Ford and Governor Gretchen Whitmer during a virtual ceremony. They were joined by Vic Fedeli, Ontario’s Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade.
GUELPH — The University of Guelph’s Centre for Advancing Responsible and Ethical Artificial Intelligence (CARE-AI) will launch a new micro-learning platform for high school and post-secondary students to spark interest in AI and machine learning in the automotive and mobility sectors. The new program, expected to drive interest in future careers in the automotive and mobility industry, received provincial funding on May 30 as part of the Regional Future Workforce (RFW) program and the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN) at the Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI).
TORONTO — Today, the Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Canada’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Canada’s Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, the Honourable Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario, and the Honourable Vic Fedeli, Ontario’s Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, issued the following joint statement: “The governments of Canada and Ontario are partnering to attract once-in-a-generation projects that will anchor our auto manufacturing sector and keep good jobs in Canada. “We already have fought for and secured the new NAFTA, which protected our auto sector, and fought for and secured a carve-in for Canada in the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) electric vehicle incentives. “Today, our governments are pleased to announce that we have finalized an agreement with Stellantis-LG Energy Solutions (LGES) to create and secure thousands of good-paying auto jobs and tens of thousands of indirect jobs across Canada. As part of the agreement, Canada and Ontario will provide performance incentives to Stellantis-LGES of up to $15 billion, subject to conditions and benefits to Canada and Ontario. “The agreement between our governments also extends to the project by Volkswagen Group and its subsidiary PowerCo SE to establish Volkswagen’s first overseas electric vehicle battery cell manufacturing plant in St. Thomas, Ontario. Volkswagen could receive up to $13 billion in performance incentives.
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