Partnership with Ford Expected to Create or Sustain up to 757 Canadian Jobs and Make Canada a Leader in Green, Fuel-Efficient Auto Technologies
A new joint investment with the Ford Motor Company of Canada will create or sustain up to 757 auto sector jobs and make Canada a major research centre for greener, fuel-efficient engine technologies, the Honourable Jim Prentice, Minister of Industry, announced today.
"This is more than just a partnership between industry and government. This is also a partnership with the professional, highly skilled workers in our auto sector," said Minister Prentice. "Through this partnership, we are doing our part to create better jobs for both today and tomorrow, while ensuring that Canada remains an auto sector leader on the world stage."
Under the new agreement, the federal government will invest in Ford's Renaissance Project. The Renaissance Project will include the establishment of a new flexible engine assembly plant in Windsor, as well as the creation of a new North America Centre for Diesel and Advanced Powertrain Research and Innovation, which will perform research into engine efficiency and new fuel technologies.
"At its core, this investment is about jobs for the future," explained Minister Prentice. "The new auto plant is being designed to new flexible specifications that will allow it to easily adapt to, and take advantage of, new products and new markets. In addition, the new research centre will ensure that more of the future breakthroughs in environmentally friendly auto sector technologies will originate right here in Canada."
The total investment among all of the partners in the Renaissance Project could reach $730 million. The federal government has agreed to provide a repayable contribution of up to $80 million through its Automotive Innovation Fund (AIF), conditional upon successful completion of all federal requirements under the terms and conditions of the AIF. The terms of the agreement also provides Ford with the option of further expanding production and employment at the new Windsor plant.
