The 2017 Chrysler Pacifica at the Windsor Assembly Plant, May 6 2016. (Photo by Maureen Revait)The 2017 Chrysler Pacifica at the Windsor Assembly Plant, May 6 2016. (Photo by Maureen Revait)
Windsor

Ford government launches 10-year plan for auto sector

On the eve of the Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto, Ontario Premier Doug Ford took the wraps off a new ten-year plan he says will safeguard auto industry jobs and position the sector for the future.

Ford and Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade Todd Smith introduced "Driving Prosperity: The Future of Ontario's Automotive Sector" on Thursday.

The plan sets out a vision for how industry, the research and education sector, and all three levels of government can work together.

About 2.2 million vehicles are built in Ontario every year. However, competition from U.S. states and Mexico, combined with technological challenges prompt government and industry to act.

"We listened carefully to what Ontario's auto industry needs to safeguard good jobs while investing in the skills and technology essential to remain competitive," said Smith. "The plan builds on our work to cut red tape, lower business costs, and make Ontario open for business and open for jobs."

An employee at the Windsor Assembly Plant, May 6 2016. (Photo by Maureen Revait) An employee at the Windsor Assembly Plant, May 6, 2016. (Photo by Maureen Revait)

Phase one has three pillars that Ford said the government could take action on immediately.

The first pillar is to improve the business climate by streamlining approvals and compliance for all manufacturing on designated job sites, review industrial electricity pricing, and promote Ontario's auto sector internationally.

The second pillar would modernize the supply chain for connected and autonomous vehicle technologies.

The third addresses skills development by offering new internship and training opportunities, putting together a skills inventory, and a talent roadmap.

Phase two of the plan will be announced later this year and address longer-term challenges.

"Ontario is well positioned to build the next generation of vehicles and to train the next generation of innovators," said Smith. "Our plan for the auto sector charts a clear path for industry, academia, and government to work together to harness these inherent strengths."

The Ford government says vehicle assembly and auto parts production supports about direct 105,800 Ontario jobs. Ontario is also the only place in North America where all five major automakers build vehicles and are supported by more than 700 parts firms and 500 tool, die and mould makers.

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