Guelph, Ontario — Ontario Premier Doug Ford unveiled the second phase of the “Driving Prosperity” plan on Wednesday from Linamar’s Guelph facility, where he laid out the province’s new auto industry goals for the year 2030.
Alongside Minister of Economic Development Vic Fedeli and Linamar CEO Linda Hasenfratz, Ford described four goals that the government aims to reach by the end of the decade:
- Reposition vehicle and parts production for the car of the future through new automaker mandates for hybrid and battery EVs, attract a new battery assembly plant and increase exports of Ontario-made auto parts and innovations
- Establish and support an electric battery supply chain ecosystem that connects Northern Ontario’s mineral wealth with the manufacturing strength of Southern Ontario
- Innovate in every stage of development from creation, to design, to the adoption of new products and services
- Invest in Ontario’s auto workers by equipping them with the skills they need to secure rewarding, high-paying jobs in the auto sector and across the broader supply chain
The government says that these goals align with the overarching aim to produce 400,000 electric vehicles in Ontario by 2030.
“Our government has a plan to unleash Ontario’s economic potential as we build up home-grown supply chains for electric vehicles and battery manufacturing,” said Ford.
“This plan makes clear that Ontario is a world-leading partner in creating the best vehicles with the best labour force and clean energy. With this next phase of Driving Prosperity, we’re telling the world: we want your businesses!”
Minister Fedeli spoke to the ways that the plan will engage with local and regional development funds.
“Phase two of Driving Prosperity, together with programs like the Regional Development Fund, will have a real impact on regional economies across Ontario,” said Fedeli.
“Phase two will support our talented workforce, harness the province’s many strengths across the sector, and leverage our critical mineral wealth in the north. In the coming weeks, we look forward to highlighting the specific initiatives that will make up phase two of Driving Prosperity and how they will help us achieve these goals as we move into this exciting new phase in Ontario’s automotive sector.”
Phase one of the Driving Prosperity plan was launched in February of 2019 and focused on three “action pillars”: competitive business climate, innovation and talent.
The Ontario government’s full Driving Prosperity Plan can be found here.
