Canada's Automotive Industry Looks to the Future: Highlights Need to Resolve Ongoing Steel and Aluminum Tariffs

DETROIT, MI, Jan. 15, 2019 /CNW/ - The Canadian Automotive Partnership Council (CAPC) met yesterday to discuss the ongoing transformation of the automotive industry, and the impact these changes will have on the growth and competitiveness of Canada's automotive sector. Held at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, CAPC members were joined by the Hon. Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and the Hon. Todd Smith, Ontario's Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade.

At the meeting, members highlighted the importance of the new Canada-US-Mexico free trade agreement in bringing stability to the integrated North American market while expressing the need to resolve the ongoing steel and aluminum tariffs in order to enable the industry to refocus on dynamics shaping the future of the automotive industry and mobility more broadly. 

"The conclusion of the new trade agreement made the past year a particularly important one," noted CAPC Chair Don Walker. "I was particularly pleased with the way in which CAPC was able to engage with the Canadian and Ontario governments throughout the negotiations.  Looking forward, this level of collaboration will serve as an important foundation in resolving the steel and aluminum tariffs and enable us to work together in promoting the competitiveness of the Canadian automotive industry." 

During the meeting, members heard from Michael Robinet, Director at IHS Markit, who reflected on global trends such as connectivity, electrification, robotics, and international trade, and how these factors are influencing the future of Canada's auto sector.

"Canada is uniquely positioned to design, develop, and build the car of the future," commented the Honourable Navdeep Bains. "Our strong manufacturing base combined with our high tech clusters and world-class workforce, makes Canada a natural home for companies that are shaping the future of the automotive sector. Along with our CAPC partners, we look forward to working together in ensuring Canadian companies and Canadian workers play a leading role in this transformation."  

"We are committed to supporting Ontario's auto manufacturing sector and the hundreds of thousands of families across the province that rely on it." said Ontario Minister Todd Smith. "Our government is cutting red tape and unnecessary regulatory burden to make Ontario's vehicle assembly and parts plants more competitive. We are getting government out of the way of job creators ? including those in the auto sector ? so they can continue to grow, invest and thrive right here. Ontario is open for business."

Background

The Canadian Automotive Partnership Council (CAPC) is an industry-led organization whose mandate is to address the key competitiveness issues facing the Canadian automotive industry. Membership comprises the CEOs of Canada's five automotive assemblers, CEOs of Canada's leading parts suppliers, representatives from labour, academia, and aftermarket and dealer associations, as well as federal, Ontario and Quebec industry ministers. Yesterday's meeting was chaired by the Chair of CAPC, Don Walker, who is also the President and CEO of Magna International Inc. 

SOURCE Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada