Canada's Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development touted the government's commitment to innovation when he met with auto officials this week.
Minister Navdeep Bains spent two days at the North American International Auto Show meeting with auto manufacturers, suppliers and the unions to help grow the industry in Canada.
Bains says he made it very clear they want to be part of the solution.
"I talked about our innovation agenda, I talked about the fact that Canada has a very strong commitment to innovation, that we are investing in people, we are investing in technology," says Bains.
Earlier this week the government committed to offering grants through its automotive innovation fund, not just repayable contributions. There is $500-million in the budget annually until 2021 committed to the fund.
"We made it very clear that it's about bringing investments to Canada, it's about strengthening our automotive foot print in Canada," says Bains.
While in the region Bains also announced funding for Nemak to help make a stronger engine clock made of lightweight aluminium.