Press Room | Invest Ontario

October 28, 2024

Ontario Investment Roundup

Year after year, we have seen billions in investments in the automotive, advanced manufacturing and life sciences industries in Ontario, Canada.

October 17, 2024

Omniabio: Road to Canada’s largest cell and gene therapy CDMO

With the support of Invest Ontario, OmniaBio has built a new biomanufacturing facility in Hamilton, Ontario with an overall project investment of over $580 million, creating 250 skilled jobs.

Source: Invest Ontario

Omniabio: Road to Canada’s largest cell and gene therapy CDMO
With the support of Invest Ontario, OmniaBio has built a new biomanufacturing facility in Hamilton, Ontario with an overall project investment of over $580 million, creating 250 skilled jobs.
New biomanufacturing facility in Hamilton helps take Ontario-made transformative therapies to the market At the frontier of biomedical innovation, cell and gene therapies (CGTs) hold the promise to revolutionize the treatment of a broad range of life-threatening diseases such as cancer, autoimmune diseases, neurological disorders, and numerous genetic conditions. While having the potential to transform lives and healthcare, fewer than a hundred CGTs had been approved for clinical use globally by the end of 2023. However, traction has been growing in recent years through new technical advances alongside the maturation of clinical trials in indications where CGTs have found their niche. The notable clinical pipeline is an indicator that the industry could experience explosive growth in the near future. Or as Mitchel Sivilotti, CEO of OmniaBio Inc., put it, “CGT is now an established pillar of medicine, and we can point to recent commercial successes like CAR T-cell therapies to provide the momentum for the next wave of innovation for the developers and patients we serve.” Transcript | Described VideoNew facility opened in October 2024 A subsidiary of the Toronto-based Centre for Commercialization of Regenerative Medicine (CCRM), OmniaBio is Canada’s largest commercial-scale contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) dedicated to CGTs. With the support of Invest Ontario, OmniaBio has built a new biomanufacturing facility in Hamilton, Ontario with an overall project investment of over $580 million, creating 250 skilled jobs. Launched in October 2024, it is the largest facility of its kind in Canada. By providing the missing infrastructure in biomanufacturing, OmniaBio will help CGT companies in Ontario – and from around the world – take their innovations to the global marketplace and capitalize on emerging opportunities, while bolstering Ontario’s presence in the global life sciences sector. Invest Ontario supports new biomanufacturing facility in HamiltonBridging the commercialization gap Since the discovery of stem cells by Ontario scientists in the 1960s, the province has emerged as a leader in life sciences research and development. Boasting Canada’s largest life sciences ecosystem with close to 2,000 firms, Ontario is home to a concentration of multinational pharmaceuticals and pure-play startups focused on making breakthroughs in innovative therapeutics like CGTs. However, the development and commercialization of CGTs face unique hurdles not seen in the conventional drug space. These include steeper regulatory, supply chain, and patient access challenges stemming from the inherent technical complexity, variability, and high costs of the technology. Throughout the cycle, the problem often comes down to manufacturing expertise and capacity. This is where OmniaBio steps in – and why it came into existence in the first place. “CGT companies often turn to CDMOs to outsource the highly specialized function of manufacturing these life-saving medicines,” said Sivilotti. “OmniaBio is ideally positioned to help meet this need.” Adding to its existing development and clinical manufacturing capabilities in Toronto, OmniaBio’s new facility in Hamilton will round out the company’s strategy to provide end-to-end services from preclinical process development and analytics to commercial supply in three key manufacturing platforms: induced pluripotent stem cell-based therapies, immune cell-based therapies, and lentiviral vectors. The company is also focused on manufacturing innovation, especially artificial intelligence and automation to optimize production, quality control, and supply chain activities to reduce cost and increase quality and throughput. “As an industry, we’re starting to harness the power of data and robotics to bring manufacturing efficiency to new levels, which will ultimately translate into improved patient access through lower costs,” Sivilotti added. Ontario Investment RoundupOntario: an enabler of growth and innovation Like every life sciences company in Ontario, OmniaBio benefits from access to a reliable source of highly skilled human capital (including over 70,000 STEM graduates every year) thanks to the province’s rich pool of talent coming from a network of world-class universities, colleges, and research and medical centres. Aside from talent, this dynamic ecosystem has enabled OmniaBio to build strong partnerships with leading equipment manufacturers, supply chain alliances, and therapy developers. Sivilotti also stressed the importance of the government’s role in fostering a business environment that promotes growth and innovation. This means a forward-looking vision like Ontario’s life sciences strategy, which aims to establish the province as a global biomanufacturing and life sciences hub. This also means having enabling policies and incentives in place, and government agencies such as Invest Ontario dedicated to supporting high-impact investments like OmniaBio’s. “Simply put, Ontario has the appetite to support and grow CGT companies,” said Sivilotti. In addition to providing a loan of up to $40 million through the Invest Ontario Fund to support OmniaBio’s project, Invest Ontario has helped raise awareness of the company among the industry and ecosystem, promoting local partnership opportunities. Invest Ontario’s support of OmniaBio has helped make our new biomanufacturing facility a reality. They worked with us on an innovative partnership to ensure OmniaBio’s extended impact would directly enrich the biotech and biomanufacturing ecosystems in Ontario and Canada. Invest Ontario has been a positive partner and we’re grateful for their ongoing support. Mitchel Sivilotti CEO, OmniaBio Inc. OmniaBio is collaborating with the Canadian Advanced Therapies Training Institute (CATTI), established by CCRM and Montreal-based CellCAN, to build a comprehensive training system to upskill and maintain their Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) workforce.A “pivotal” moment It’s an exciting time to be in the CGT industry, according to Sivilotti. Over the past decade, only select CGTs have been approved for use by North American regulatory bodies. Now, Sivilotti is witnessing a growing number of CGT companies innovating and running clinical trials, which will lead to more commercial approvals and patients treated. “On a societal level, CGTs are only beginning to enter the mainstream consciousness. It’s a pivotal time to tell the story of regenerative medicine and the incredible impact it will have on patients’ lives around the world,” he commented. Once the project in Hamilton is completed, OmniaBio will begin to evaluate additional expansion plans in new geographies.

September 24, 2024

Jungbunzlauer invests $200 million to build Canada’s first xanthan gum manufacturing facility in Ontario

Invest Ontario is supporting Jungbunzlauer’s $200 million expansion in Port Colborne, Ontario to build Canada’s first xanthan gum manufacturing facility.

Source: Invest Ontario

Jungbunzlauer invests $200 million to build Canada’s first xanthan gum manufacturing facility in Ontario
Invest Ontario is supporting Jungbunzlauer’s $200 million expansion in Port Colborne, Ontario to build Canada’s first xanthan gum manufacturing facility.
Invest Ontario supports Jungbunzlauer’s expansion in Port Colborne, strengthening Ontario’s food supply chain and competitiveness in North American food manufacturing PORT COLBORNE, Ontario, September 24, 2024 – Invest Ontario is supporting a $200 million investment by Jungbunzlauer, a leading producer of high-quality, sustainable ingredients from natural sources, to build Canada’s first xanthan gum manufacturing facility in Port Colborne, Ontario. The expansion will create 50 high-paying jobs, representing a 30% increase in Jungbunzlauer Canadian workforce. The increased capacity will allow Jungbunzlauer to meet increasing demand for xanthan gum in North America, decreasing reliance on international imports. With proximity to the US market, this expansion benefits from Ontario’s strategic location for international companies looking to expand in North America. Subject to reaching a definitive agreement, the Invest Ontario Fund will support the investment with a $4.8 million grant, reflecting its strategic importance in bolstering North American capacity, allowing businesses in both the US and Canada to meet their growing need for a critical ingredient in food and beverage manufacturing from Ontario. Today marks a significant milestone for our North American business as we expand our Ontario facility here in Canada. This site not only reinforces our commitment to providing our partners with top-quality, natural bio-gums but also highlights our dedication to sustainability. I want to extend my deepest gratitude to everyone whose hard work and dedication made this expansion possible and a special mention to the City and people of Port Colborne, and Invest Ontario for their support. Bruno Tremblay CEO Jungbunzlauer The Port Colborne site will produce a high quality, food grade xanthan gum used to improve texture and thickness in plant-based foods, toothpaste, oil-based salad dressings, cosmetics, cleaners and more. Xanthan gum serves as an ecologically responsible alternative that uses sustainable and renewable resources. This expansion is part of the company’s strategy to grow their natural bio-gums and expand their support for North American customers. Thank you to everyone at Jungbunzlauer for your continued confidence in Port Colborne, Ontario workers and our province’s growing manufacturing sector. Our government was proud to support this investment as part of our plan to keep rebuilding Ontario’s economy, including our manufacturing sector, and bringing back better jobs with bigger paycheques for the workers of our province. Hon. Doug Ford Premier of Ontario Ontario is the manufacturing powerhouse of Canada with 20,000+ advanced manufacturing firms and 800,000+ manufacturing workers. With growing demand and limited xanthan gum supply, this investment addresses a gap in the North American market and up-values Ontario grown corn into a premium priced product. By lowering the cost of doing business in the province by $8 billion a year, we’re showing the world that Ontario is a top jurisdiction for multinational manufacturers to invest and expand their operations. We welcome Jungbunzlauer’s investment in Port Colborne, and thank them for their continued commitment to their talented workers. Hon. Vic Fedeli Ontario’s Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade Headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, Jungbunzlauer has been operating for over 150 years and employs nearly 1,400 people across four major manufacturing plants in Austria, Germany, France and Canada and offices in the US, Mexico, Japan, France, The Netherlands, Austria, Germany, India, and Singapore. Jungbunzlauer currently employs 165 people in a nearly 50,000 sq ft facility in Port Colborne and will engage with local universities and colleges to expand their co-op and research opportunities. Ontario’s skilled workforce is one of the leading factors for expanding their operations here. Jungbunzlauer’s expansion demonstrates that international companies who are looking for a strategic foothold in North America will find Ontario is the best choice. As a trusted partner to business, Invest Ontario continues to focus on transformative investments that boost Ontario’s supply chains and strengthen its economic resilience. Michael Fedchyshyn Interim CEO, Invest Ontario Invest Ontario employs a sophisticated evaluation process to identify and support investment projects that strengthen advanced manufacturing in Ontario across automotive, aerospace, advanced materials, chemical and food manufacturing sectors while bringing more high-quality, well-paying jobs to the province. Invest Ontario actively seeks investments that enhance Ontario’s supply chains with new capabilities and customers, delivering economic growth and benefits for all. For more information about Invest Ontario, please visit www.investontario.ca.

August 22, 2024

Invest Ontario unveils new Partner Portal

Source: Invest Ontario

Invest Ontario unveils new Partner Portal
Invest Ontario unveils new Partner Portal
The Partner Portal is a one-stop online resource that centralizes information on industrial sites, demographic data, and provincial resources, making it easier for our municipal partners to support investors in accessing the information they need. Toronto, Ontario, August 22, 2024 — Invest Ontario is proud to unveil its new Partner Portal, a centralized resource hub designed to enhance collaboration between Invest Ontario, municipalities, and other key stakeholders in attracting investment. This innovative digital platform offers sophisticated, essential information from multiple sources, thoughtfully presented to pragmatically support investor decision-making and drive business growth across Ontario. The Partner Portal is a key part of the agency’s 'Team Ontario' framework, which strengthens collaboration between Invest Ontario and its partners. These partnerships streamline investment attraction efforts, ensuring that investors receive consistent and coordinated support from all levels of government when deciding where to invest in Ontario.Key Features of the Partner Portal:GIS Sites and Data Platform: Access to a state-of-the-art GIS platform, powered by ZoomProspector, that automates industrial development site submissions and provides advanced data analytics to help identify prime investment locations in Ontario.Comprehensive Resources: Ability to explore and utilize case studies, infographics, videos, and reports that highlight Ontario’s competitive advantages for investors.Event Calendar: Information and tracking of upcoming investment events and conferences, where Invest Ontario and partners will be available, to maximize collaboration and networking opportunities.Community Discourse Forum: Coming in 2025, a forum exclusively within the Partner Portal for sharing insights and leading practices in economic development among partners. We are proud to launch the Partner Portal, a resource to further empower our partners in their work to attract and retain investment across Ontario. Invest Ontario is deeply committed to fostering inclusive and collaborative economic growth throughout the province. Our partners play a vital role in driving this success, and the Partner Portal will strengthen our joint efforts, ensuring that together we can build a prosperous future for all communities in Ontario. Michael Fedchyshyn Interim CEO and VP Strategies and Business Solutions, Invest Ontario Invest Ontario will continue to expand the portal's offerings, with new content and features being added regularly. For more information about the Partner Portal and to sign up for access, please visit www.investontario.ca/PartnerPortal. For more information about Invest Ontario, please visit www.investontario.ca.

August 12, 2024

Goodyear Canada Inc. invests more than $575 million in Ontario to scale EV and all-terrain tire production

Invest Ontario is supporting Goodyear’s more than $575 million expansion in Napanee, Ontario to produce EV and all-terrain tires

Source: Invest Ontario

Goodyear Canada Inc. invests more than $575 million in Ontario to scale EV and all-terrain tire production
Invest Ontario is supporting Goodyear’s more than $575 million expansion in Napanee, Ontario to produce EV and all-terrain tires
Invest Ontario supports Goodyear’s Napanee plant expansion, further bolstering province’s EV supply chain NAPANEE, Ontario, August 12, 2024 – Invest Ontario is supporting Goodyear Canada Inc. in a substantial expansion of the company’s facility in Napanee, Ontario to produce Original Equipment (OE) and replacement EV and all-terrain tires. This investment of more than $575 million will further expand the province’s manufacturing capacity of key EV components and cement Eastern Ontario’s role as a significant player in the EV supply chain. The expansion is central to the company’s objective to modernize the facility, enabling scaled production of tires designed for EVs, as well as increasing the plant’s capacity to make all-terrain tires. Today’s announcement reinforces our long-term commitment to Canada and enhances our agility and flexibility, positioning Goodyear to meet the evolving needs of our customers now and in the future. We are appreciative to the federal, provincial and local governments for their support and to our Napanee associates for their dedication to building the next generation of tires. Mark Stewart Goodyear Chief Executive Officer and President Ontario, Canada is one of the largest auto manufacturing hubs in North America and has emerged as a leader in the global transition to EVs. Boasting an end-to-end auto supply chain, a skilled workforce, a wealth of critical minerals, and a thriving tech ecosystem, Ontario has everything auto companies need to build the cars of the future. Goodyear Canada’s investment is another significant boost to Ontario’s growing electric vehicle sector, building on the billions of dollars that have been invested in the sector over the past four years. Across Ontario, we’re seeing major investments and new jobs created as we build out our end-to-end EV supply chain, connecting critical minerals in Northern Ontario to world-class manufacturing across the province. Companies are choosing Ontario because of our transportation infrastructure, our competitive business environment and our skilled workforce. Hon. Doug Ford Premier of Ontario Companies from across the world are choosing Canada. Today’s announcement that Goodyear is modernizing its Napanee plant will create manufacturing jobs, grow our EV industry and use modern technology to keep our air clean. It’s another vote of confidence in Canada’s auto sector workers. Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau Prime Minister of Canada Over the last four years, Ontario has attracted billions of dollars in auto and EV‐related investments from global companies with the help of Invest Ontario. Working together with automakers, parts suppliers, and EV battery and material manufacturers, Ontario is more competitive in the global EV manufacturing space than ever before. Today’s announcement is another great step toward the modernization of Canada’s automotive sector. By partnering with Goodyear Canada, we’re driving Canada to the forefront of the clean economy. This investment represents a significant advancement toward innovation in tire technology, helping to modernize the industry. It will not only create high-quality jobs, but also generate substantial economic benefits for Ontarians, reinforcing our commitment to a strong and sustainable automotive sector. Hon. François-Philippe Champagne Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry Boasting a wealth of critical minerals, a highly skilled workforce, and a thriving advanced manufacturing sector, Ontario has emerged as a North American leader in the production of electric vehicles with over billions of dollars in new auto investments over the past four years. Goodyear’s investment in their Napanee production facility represents another essential link in our province’s growing and dynamic end-to-end EV supply chain. Thank you, Goodyear, for your continued commitment to Ontario’s talented auto sector workers. Hon. Vic Fedeli Ontario Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade Goodyear’s Napanee plant has been operating since 1988 and is one of the largest employers locally, currently employing more than 800 workers. Set to create 200 new jobs, this expansion will further boost regional economic development, while helping attract talent and retain the skilled workforce in Napanee and neighbouring communities. Goodyear’s expansion is a significant achievement for both the province and the region. Invest Ontario collaborated closely with partners across all levels of government to support the company’s decision to continue investing in Ontario, a world-class jurisdiction to do business. As a dedicated partner to investors, Invest Ontario is committed to accelerating their success by providing expertise and services specifically tailored to their needs. Michael Fedchyshyn Interim CEO and VP, Strategies and Business Solutions of Invest Ontario Goodyear Canada Inc. will receive federal funding of up to $44.3 million from the Strategic Innovation Fund for this expansion project. Subject to reaching a definitive agreement, the Invest Ontario Fund will support the investment with up to $20 million. In addition to funding, market intelligence, and workforce development support, Invest Ontario facilitated access to local government services and incentives in partnership with municipalities including Lennox and Addington County, Stone Mills, and Napanee. Goodyear has been an important part of our community since 1988. As our major employer, Goodyear has contributed greatly to our regional economy and has been a wonderful corporate partner. Mayor Terry Richardson Town of Greater Napanee This is an exciting time for Goodyear and our municipalities; the expansion will result in a substantial increase in employment and ensures that Goodyear Napanee will continue to be a world-class tire production facility for years to come. We are proud to be home to Goodyear. Reeve John Wise Stone Mills Township For more information about Invest Ontario, please visit www.investontario.ca.

June 24, 2024

Leadership team changes at Invest Ontario

After more than three years leading Invest Ontario, Trevor Dauphinee will be leaving to explore new opportunities. Michael Fedchyshyn, an experienced member of the organization’s leadership team, will now serve as an interim CEO to ensure a smooth transition and to continue the good work of the organization while the Board conducts an executive search.

Source: Invest Ontario

Leadership team changes at Invest Ontario
After more than three years leading Invest Ontario, Trevor Dauphinee will be leaving to explore new opportunities. Michael Fedchyshyn, an experienced member of the organization’s leadership team, will now serve as an interim CEO to ensure a smooth transition and to continue the good work of the organization while the Board conducts an executive search.
TORONTO, ON — After more than three years leading Invest Ontario, Trevor Dauphinee will be leaving to explore new opportunities Michael Fedchyshyn, an experienced member of the organization’s leadership team, will now serve as an interim CEO to ensure a smooth transition and to continue the good work of the organization while the Board conducts an executive search. Since the creation of Invest Ontario, the organization has thrived, bringing billions of dollars of investment into the province. Trevor’s leadership has been crucial to the organization’s early success, and an enormous benefit to all Ontarians. In fiscal year 2022 alone, ending on March 31, 2023, Invest Ontario secured $1.77 billion in investments, creating 2,297 new jobs and generating $279 million in tax revenue. For every $1 of provincial support, there has been $26 in private investment. Further, the close out of the 2023/24 fiscal year will add substantially to the amount of investment already brought to Ontario by the Agency. Invest Ontario will continue to serve as a critical partner for businesses seeking strategic growth in the province. “Invest Ontario has seen enormous success over the last several years, working with businesses across the world to bring billions of dollars of investment to Ontario. I’d like to thank Trevor for his leadership and key role in the creation of the Agency. I wish him all the best as he moves into the next chapter of his career.” Hon. Vic Fedeli Ontario’s Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation, and Trade “Since its inception Trevor as CEO has played an instrumental role in the creation and growth of Invest Ontario. Trevor’s leadership, hard work and commitment to excellence is reflected in the world class team and exceptional success of the agency. On behalf of the Board I cannot thank him enough for his service, and commitment to ensuring an economically strong and prosperous Ontario.” Andrew MacLeod Chair of the Board, Invest Ontario

May 14, 2024

Asahi Kasei chooses Ontario to build Canada’s first EV battery separator plant

Asahi Kasei to build Canada’s first EV battery separator plant in Port Colborne, Ontario

Source: Invest Ontario

Asahi Kasei chooses Ontario to build Canada’s first EV battery separator plant
Asahi Kasei to build Canada’s first EV battery separator plant in Port Colborne, Ontario
Invest Ontario welcomes transformative investment that strengthens province’s EV battery supply chain PORT COLBORNE, Ontario, May 14, 2024 – Invest Ontario welcomes a transformative investment by Asahi Kasei to build Canada’s first industrial-scale electric vehicle (EV) battery separator plant in Port Colborne, Ontario, further bolstering the province’s EV battery supply chain and cementing its leadership in the global EV transition. This expansion marks Asahi Kasei’s first major investment in Ontario, which will help the company meet the growing demand in North America for lithium-ion battery separators used in EVs, while addressing an important gap in Ontario’s EV battery supply chain. The Tokyo-based multinational chemicals company is investing approximately $1.6 billion in constructing the facility. With growth anticipated in the North American EV market, Asahi Kasei expects to make additional multi-billion-dollar investments through multiple phases. Details regarding direct jobs created by this investment are currently being finalized and will be announced at a later date. Asahi Kasei is excited to bring its Hipore™ battery separator manufacturing facility to Port Colborne, Ontario. With its commitment to EV and battery supply chains, and its proximity to key automotive and other partners, Canada was the ideal choice for our North American expansion. Koshiro Kudo President & Representative Director of Asahi Kasei Corporation Today’s announcement is more good news for Ontario’s world-leading electric vehicle manufacturing sector and the thousands of workers who are benefiting from the billions of investments being made in our province. Asahi Kasei’s investment will bring economic growth and good-paying jobs to workers in Port Colborne and across the Niagara Region. It’s also yet another show of confidence in our government’s ongoing work to build a domestic EV supply chain in Ontario that benefits workers across the province, from critical mineral extraction in the Ring of Fire to battery manufacturing in Port Colborne and everywhere in between. Hon. Doug Ford Premier of Ontario Separators are one of the four key components of lithium-ion battery cells (anodes, cathodes, and electrolytes being the other three). Acting as a physical barrier between the anode and cathode, the separator plays an important role in maintaining thermal stability and safety of the battery cell. With battery cells and cathodes already being produced in Ontario, this investment will lead the province another step closer to becoming a jurisdiction that can produce every part of the modern EV battery locally. Over the last four years, Ontario has become the epicentre of Canada’s electric vehicle supply chain, attracting billions in investments by global automakers and suppliers of EV batteries and battery materials. Today, our government is proud to welcome Asahi Kasei as the newest addition to Ontario’s thriving automotive ecosystem. Thank you, Asahi Kasei, for trusting Ontario as a partner in your success. Hon. Vic Fedeli Ontario’s Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade Canada bet big on electric vehicles, and today, the biggest manufacturers in the world are building them right here in Canada. Asahi Kasei’s investment is another vote of confidence in our auto industry and auto workers. We’re creating good-paying jobs, keeping the air clean, and putting Canada at the forefront of this exciting opportunity. Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau Prime Minister of Canada In 2023, Ontario welcomed investment projects including EV battery enclosures, motor core components, advanced thermal management systems, as well as micro-LED technologies for vehicle displays, bringing more skilled jobs to the province and further strengthening its auto/EV supply chain. Asahi Kasei's investment speaks to what companies in the battery supply chain have already realized – that Ontario is a strategic location to develop and manufacture cutting-edge products for the growing EV market in North America. Invest Ontario remains dedicated to partnering with industry leaders and innovators to lead the charge together towards sustainable mobility. Trevor Dauphinee CEO of Invest Ontario Today marks a landmark moment for the entire Niagara region as we welcome a significant investment to Port Colborne. I want to extend our deepest gratitude to Asahi Kasei Corp. for choosing Niagara; it is always heartening to see a firm recognize the immense potential and opportunities our region offers. This announcement is a testament to the strong partnerships that exist between the provincial and federal governments, as well as the Region and the City of Port Colborne – this collaboration has been instrumental in making this announcement a reality. Jim Bradley Niagara Regional Chair Founded in Japan in 1922, Asahi Kasei is a pioneer in battery technology and has been in the battery separator space for over 30 years with five lithium-ion battery separator facilities worldwide. The company currently has more than 48,000 employees globally. Ontario has emerged as a major player in auto electrification, marked by more than $43 billion in automotive and EV‐related investments over the last four years from global automakers, parts suppliers, and EV battery and materials manufacturers, which are expected to create thousands of new jobs. For more information about Invest Ontario, please visit www.investontario.ca.

April 25, 2024

Honda to Build Canada’s First Comprehensive Electric Vehicle Supply Chain, Creating Thousands of New Jobs in Ontario

Honda will build an innovative and world-class electric vehicle assembly plant – the first of its kind for Honda Motor Co. Ltd. – as well as a new stand-alone battery manufacturing plant at Honda’s facilities in Alliston, Ontario.

Source: Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade

Honda to Build Canada’s First Comprehensive Electric Vehicle Supply Chain, Creating Thousands of New Jobs in Ontario
Honda will build an innovative and world-class electric vehicle assembly plant – the first of its kind for Honda Motor Co. Ltd. – as well as a new stand-alone battery manufacturing plant at Honda’s facilities in Alliston, Ontario.
ALLISTON — From mining critical minerals to building cars and batteries, Canadian businesses and workers are attracting historic investments to help secure and create jobs, grow our economy, and keep our air clean. In the last four years, automotive and battery makers have announced more than $31 billion in investments in electric vehicle manufacturing across Canada. They want a reliable partner with world-class talent, and this is exactly what we have to offer. And the world is taking notice. The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, and the Premier of Ontario, Doug Ford, today welcomed Honda Canada’s milestone investment of approximately $15 billion to create Canada’s first comprehensive electric vehicle supply chain, located in Ontario. This large-scale project will see four new manufacturing plants in Ontario. Honda will build an innovative and world-class electric vehicle assembly plant – the first of its kind for Honda Motor Co. Ltd. – as well as a new stand-alone battery manufacturing plant at Honda’s facilities in Alliston, Ontario. To complete the supply chain, Honda will also build a cathode active material and precursor (CAM/pCAM) processing plant through a joint venture partnership with POSCO Future M Co., Ltd. and a separator plant through a joint venture partnership with Asahi Kasei Corporation. Once fully operational in 2028, the new assembly plant will produce up to 240,000 vehicles per year. Honda’s investments in an electric vehicle assembly plant and a battery manufacturing plant in Alliston will create over one thousand well-paying manufacturing jobs in Ontario, with the CAM/pCAM processing plant and separator plant helping to create thousands of additional direct and indirect jobs in Ontario and across Canada, including during the construction phase and across Ontario’s leading auto parts supplier and research and development ecosystems. This investment is a strong vote of confidence in Canada and Ontario’s highly skilled workers, strong economies, and competitive business environments. Canada’s auto sector has been an engine of economic growth, driving innovation and creating good middle-class jobs. As the demand for electric vehicles continues to grow, we will attract even more investment and position our auto, battery manufacturing, and battery material production industries as global leaders across the entire electric vehicle supply chain, to create economic growth and opportunities now and for generations to come.

December 4, 2023

Kainos strengthens presence in Ontario with expansion of Toronto office

Kainos is expanding its Toronto office with Invest Ontario’s support, aiming to triple its headcount to more than 300 employees over the next three years.

Source: Invest Ontario

Kainos strengthens presence in Ontario with expansion of Toronto office
Kainos is expanding its Toronto office with Invest Ontario’s support, aiming to triple its headcount to more than 300 employees over the next three years.
Belfast-based IT provider set to triple headcount in Toronto, Ontario TORONTO, Ontario, December 4, 2023 – Invest Ontario today announced its support for Kainos, a leading digital technology solutions provider, as the company embarks on a substantial expansion of its office in Toronto, Ontario to meet the growing demand for digital transformation across North America. The UK-headquartered company aims to triple its Toronto headcount from 100 to more than 300 employees over the next three years with a new office space, further cementing the Toronto office’s role as a core hub of Kainos’ business in North America. This strategic move reaffirms the strengths of Ontario’s thriving tech ecosystem and the opportunities it presents to technology companies worldwide, as industries seek to futureproof their operations with digital technologies ranging from artificial intelligence (AI), automation, cloud, Internet of Things (IoT), to cybersecurity. Kainos’ choice of Toronto and Ontario as their latest destination for expansion is a strong vote of confidence in our world-class tech sector. Kainos is already making positive contributions to Ontario’s tech sector through their Tech Camps and the young talent they develop. We welcome the new energy, growth, and opportunity this investment will deliver to our tech sector. Vic Fedeli Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade Invest Ontario played an instrumental role in expediting Kainos’ expansion journey, providing advisory services and market intelligence that helped develop the company’s expansion plan. The Agency’s support extended to connecting Kainos with key services offered by different levels of government, while facilitating the company’s access to Ontario’s pipeline of tech talent through collaboration with the academia. Kainos’ continued success advances Ontario’s sector growth enabling technology companies to thrive. With a combination of talent, R&D capability and competitive costs, Ontario’s tech ecosystem enables IT companies to seize the opportunities ahead as the world embraces digitization. Trevor Dauphinee CEO of Invest Ontario In 2018, Kainos chose to launch its Canadian operations in Toronto, Ontario. Boasting an innovation corridor and one of the largest IT clusters in North America, Ontario is home to more than 22,000 ICT firms with a deep talent pool fuelled by over 65,100 new STEM graduates every year. The expanded Toronto office is set to create hundreds of highly skilled IT jobs including data architects, software engineers, cloud engineers, project managers, and more. Kainos’ expansion will not only provide more high value jobs for the Toronto Region’s skilled tech workforce but will also help further integrate innovative technologies across the wide range of industries that make up our region’s business community. We are thrilled to have worked with Kainos on its journey of growth in the Toronto Region’s tech ecosystem. Stephen Lund CEO of Toronto Global Kainos currently operates in 23 countries with more than 3,100 employees around the world, digitally empowering organizations in financial services, insurance, education, healthcare and life sciences, and the public sector. The company offers an array of digital solutions including data and AI, cloud, service and experience design, in addition to a full suite of Workday products and services. We’re delighted to open our new Toronto office and offer our team a space to collaborate and build connections. Over the next three years we plan to expand our team from 100 to more than 300 talented Toronto area professionals as we serve a growing number of local businesses as well as national and global organizations. Padraig Callaghan EVP Americas, Kainos Going forward, Invest Ontario remains committed to partnering with innovative companies looking to invest and grow in Ontario. Through securing strategic investments that bolster Ontario’s technology sector, Invest Ontario strives to foster innovation and contribute to the province’s long-term economic growth. For more information about Invest Ontario, please visit www.investontario.ca.

November 16, 2023

Dana Canada Corporation grows production capacity in Ontario with investment to expand EV technologies

Dana Canada Corporation’s investment will create 105 jobs in Cambridge and Oakville and grow their manufacturing capacity.

Source: Invest Ontario

Dana Canada Corporation grows production capacity in Ontario with investment to expand EV technologies
Dana Canada Corporation’s investment will create 105 jobs in Cambridge and Oakville and grow their manufacturing capacity.
With support from Invest Ontario, the investment will provide 105 jobs in Cambridge and Oakville, Ontario CAMBRIDGE, Ontario, November 16, 2023 – Today, Invest Ontario announced support for Dana Canada Corporation’s investment to grow its advanced thermal management systems manufacturing capacity across two locations in Ontario. This investment will create 105 jobs in the automotive sector by 2025, reinforcing the Cambridge location as a pivotal manufacturing hub within Dana’s Canadian operations, while also supporting the growth of their Oakville Technology Centre. Advanced thermal management systems are critical for cooling sensitive electronics and batteries in modern electric vehicles (EVs). This strategic investment will boost production capacity, help Dana secure new product mandates and meet the increasingly more complex needs of its customers moving forward. This expansion greatly boosts Ontario's electric vehicle and broader automotive supply chain. The Invest Ontario Fund is supporting the approximately $60 million (CAD) investment with a $2.5 million grant, furthering the Agency’s commitment to support significant, high-impact, and high-value investments that enhance Ontario's economic resilience and its role as a leader in auto manufacturing. This investment reflects the ongoing momentum in Ontario’s manufacturing sector, showcasing the successful evolution of the province’s auto industry to meet the rising demand for electric vehicle production in the North American market. Our government is creating the right conditions for multi-national manufacturers to grow in Ontario and create more good-paying jobs across the province. As Ontario continues to build an end-to-end EV and EV battery supply chain, our government is proud to support manufacturers like Dana in expanding their production capacity and increasing their competitiveness. Thank you, Dana, for continuing to choose Ontario. Vic Fedeli Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade Battery cooling is essential for the smooth operation and life of Li-ion batteries in EVs. The addition of this product line strengthens the supply chain in the region, as 70 percent of the suppliers to this facility are Ontario-based. The coolers also enhance Canada’s / Ontario’s export market, as they will be delivered to the United States for final assembly into vehicles that will be sold primarily in the U.S., Canada, and Latin America. Dana's reinvestment in Ontario serves as a strong endorsement of the promising opportunities that international companies can find in the province. Invest Ontario remains committed to backing investments that promote innovation across our entire supply chain and attract further investment into the province. Trevor Dauphinee CEO, Invest Ontario Founded in 1904, Dana operates in 31 countries and is headquartered in Maumee, Ohio. Dana Canada has operated for over 90 years and is headquartered in Oakville, Ontario. It now has four manufacturing facilities and a technical and service centre. Dana Canada and employs over 740 people in Ontario. They are part of a growing number of companies who have found success in the North American market through their operations in Ontario. Dana is grateful for the support we have received from Invest Ontario as we continue to grow our operations here to manufacture advanced technologies. Dana’s thermal-management expertise has been led from our Technology Centre in Ontario since the 1950s, so it is exciting to witness the continued growth of this important technology in the province. Antonio Valencia Dana president of Power Technologies and Global Electrification As the automotive heart of Canada and one of the largest auto manufacturing hubs in North America, Ontario's automotive supply chain includes 700+ parts suppliers, 500 tool, die, and mold makers, and over 400 companies dedicated to connected and autonomous development and smart mobility. The dramatic growth of Ontario as a major player in the automotive field is marked by over $27 billion in transformative EV investments in the last three years. Electric vehicles are re-making the automotive industry and its innovative companies like Dana that have made Waterloo Region a leader in Ontario’s growing EV supply chain. Congratulations to the whole Dana team on its impressive mandate. It was an honour for our team to work with you on this expansion alongside our partners at Invest Ontario and the City of Cambridge. Tony LaMantia President & CEO of Waterloo EDC Invest Ontario works with companies who are looking to expand in Ontario as well as those looking to enter the Ontario or North American market. In the last 18 months the Agency has invested in automotive projects including battery enclosures, motor core components and microLEDs for vehicle screens to bolster the supply chain. Each investment is bringing more jobs to the province and enabling companies to increasing capacity for customers across North America.

July 18, 2023

Ontario welcomes $100 million manufacturing investment

The Ontario government is welcoming a $100 million investment by Siltech Corporation, an Ontario manufacturer of specialty silicone.

Source: Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade

Ontario welcomes $100 million manufacturing investment
The Ontario government is welcoming a $100 million investment by Siltech Corporation, an Ontario manufacturer of specialty silicone.
Siltech Corporation expansion will create good-paying jobs in Fort Erie FORT ERIE – The Ontario government is welcoming a $100 million investment by Siltech Corporation, an Ontario manufacturer of specialty silicone used in the personal care, automotive, agriculture, pulp and paper, and oil and gas industries. The investment, to build a new manufacturing facility in Fort Erie, will create 51 good-paying jobs. As we continue to grow the manufacturing sector in our province, we’re thrilled to see Ontario companies like Siltech invest in their expansion. We’re creating the conditions for long-term economic growth that will create more good jobs and opportunities for workers and businesses across the province. Congratulations, Siltech, on this exciting project, and thank you for choosing Ontario and contributing to our province’s dynamic and growing manufacturing sector. Vic Fedeli Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade Siltech Corporation’s $100 million investment will be used to build a new 210,000 square-foot state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Fort Erie — the company’s third facility in the province. The facility will include new state-of-the-art technology to increase production and help the company meet growing demand and expand to new markets around the world. As part of this investment to expand operations, the government is providing $5 million in funding through the Regional Development Program’s Southwestern Ontario Development Fund. Siltech is excited to be building in Fort Erie. We are a proud Canadian company and look forward to many years of growth in this community. Dag Enhorning PRESIDENT OF SILTECH Ontario is investing $140 million through its Regional Development Program to support distinct regional priorities and challenges. To date, Ontario has provided more than $95 million to support 88 projects through the program, leveraging more than $990 million in new investments and helping to create close to 2,000 jobs in the province.

June 29, 2023

Mitsui High-tec (Canada), Inc. expands Ontario’s EV manufacturing capacity with $102.3 million investment

Discover Ontario's booming electric vehicles sector with Mitsui High-tec (Canada), Inc.’s transformative $102.3 million investment Brantford Ontario, creating 104 jobs.

Source: Invest Ontario

Mitsui High-tec (Canada), Inc. expands Ontario’s EV manufacturing capacity with $102.3 million investment
Discover Ontario's booming electric vehicles sector with Mitsui High-tec (Canada), Inc.’s transformative $102.3 million investment Brantford Ontario, creating 104 jobs.
Invest Ontario grant of $3.1 million furthers Ontario’s leadership in electric vehicle manufacturing BRANTFORD, Ontario, June 29, 2023 – Today Mitsui High-tec (Canada), Inc. announced its plans for a significant $102.3 million investment in Brantford, Ontario. This new facility spanning approximately 103,500 square feet, will manufacture motor core components for electric vehicles. By 2025 the expansion is expected to create 104 well-paying jobs in the automotive manufacturing sector. To support this growth and the development of Ontario’s electric vehicle manufacturing supply chain, the Invest Ontario Fund has awarded a grant of $3.1 million, pending a definitive agreement. As a leading manufacturer of motor cores for electric and hybrid vehicles in North America, Mitsui High-tec (Canada), Inc. plays a pivotal role in the EV industry. The company’s initial investment in Brantford in 2015, followed by a recent expansion of 100,000 square feet earlier this year, demonstrates their commitment to meeting the increasing demand for electric cars while strengthening Ontario’s manufacturing capacity. These investments bolster the province’s competitiveness for future ventures and make the province more competitive for new investments. Mitsui High-Tec (Canada), Inc.’s investment to expand its Brantford-based facilities is a huge boost not only for the people of southwestern Ontario, but for our province’s growing manufacturing and auto sectors. With great partners, we’re building an electric vehicle and battery supply chain and making Ontario an auto-manufacturing powerhouse once again. The Hon. Doug Ford Premier of Ontario Ontario’s unique automotive supply chain has 700+ parts suppliers, 500 tool, die and mold makers and over 400 companies working in connected and autonomous development and smart mobility. This has led to $25 billion in new auto investments including nearly $20 billion in electric vehicle and EV battery investments over the last two years. As the sole motor core parts manufacturer for EVs, Mitsui High-tec (Canada), Inc. plays an important role in Ontario’s auto and advanced manufacturing sectors. Their exciting new investment will create more good-paying jobs and help ensure that the cars of the future are built in Ontario by Ontario workers. Thank you, Mitsui High-tec (Canada), Inc., for choosing Ontario. Vic Fedeli Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade This longstanding relationship is a testament to how companies who come to Ontario can continue to grow and flourish here. Our existing infrastructure, strong automotive cluster and talent pool reduce the burden of setting up shop and ultimately retain leading global businesses like Mitsui High-tec (Canada), Inc. Investments like these have catalytic effects on the industry and support Ontario’s automotive cluster as a global leader. Trevor Dauphinee CEO of Invest Ontario The newly expanded manufacturing operations of Mitsui High-tec (Canada), Inc. will not only create opportunities for companies within the EV parts supply chain but also for businesses providing necessary goods and services to maintain the company’s production lines. The precision-manufactured stators and rotors produced by Mitsui High-tec (Canada), Inc. are vital components of motor cores that enable the wheels to turn in electric vehicles. Ontario has been a great place for Mitsui High-tec (Canada), Inc. to settle and build. With the growing focus on the hybrid and EV industry in Canada, and our opportunity to strengthen the supply chain, Ontario is a fantastic location to be close to borders for export, with space and opportunity to continue growing. Brantford has specifically been a great place to expand into, as there is a healthy job force, and space for development. We are looking forward to continuing to foster our relationship with the region of Brantford and Province of Ontario in this next phase of expansion. Yasushi Harada President of Mitsui High-tec (Canada), Inc. The backbone of Ontario’s automotive ecosystem is the highly skilled workforce. The province is home to 12 leading universities and 24 colleges with auto-focused programs and recently announced nearly $6 million funding to continue building the auto manufacturing workforce of the future. From mining critical minerals to building batteries and electric cars, Ontario has the talent and resources to lead the world in building the car of the future. For more information about Invest Ontario, please visit www.investontario.ca.

June 8, 2023

Ontario promotes growing life sciences sector during Trade Mission to Boston

Invest Ontario was at BIO 2023 to promote the province’s growing life sciences and biotech sector and explore new opportunities for investment.

Source: Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade

Ontario promotes growing life sciences sector during Trade Mission to Boston
Invest Ontario was at BIO 2023 to promote the province’s growing life sciences and biotech sector and explore new opportunities for investment.
33 Ontario biotech and pharma organizations showcase province’s innovation and workforce TORONTO — The Ontario government has concluded a successful trade mission to Boston to promote the province’s growing life sciences sector and explore new opportunities for investment and job creation. Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, led a delegation of 33 companies and organizations to the BIO International Convention, the world’s largest life sciences conference. Ontario is building on its long history of innovation and excellence by showcasing our growing life sciences sector around the world. The Ontario companies that exhibited at the BIO International Convention are treating life-threatening diseases, developing transformative medicines and manufacturing innovative medical equipment. Together, we’re attracting new investments, strengthening relationships and fostering new opportunities for Ontario. Vic Fedeli Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade Over the last two and half years, Ontario has attracted more than $3 billion in investments from global life sciences companies and biomanufacturers. This mission built on that success by helping companies explore opportunities to invest in Ontario and forge new partnerships. The mission included meetings with companies like GSK, AbbVie and Moderna to discuss their current operations in Ontario and opportunities for growth. Ontario is the leading hub for life sciences in Canada and by engaging directly with industry executives, Invest Ontario is able to better support businesses interested in investing in the province. We were proud to participate in this year’s BIO International Convention to demonstrate why Ontario stands out as a leading destination for business investment. Trevor Dauphinee CEO of Invest Ontario With its competitive business environment, world-class workforce, state-of-the-art research and development facilities, and abundance of critical minerals, Ontario continues to be a prime location for businesses worldwide to invest and grow.

June 6, 2023

Top Ontario biotech companies to watch in 2023

Ontario biotechnology enterprises are impacting health and wellness globally through the province’s world-class life sciences talent and innovation.

Source: Invest Ontario

Top Ontario biotech companies to watch in 2023
Ontario biotechnology enterprises are impacting health and wellness globally through the province’s world-class life sciences talent and innovation.
Highlighting some of the cutting-edge companies in Ontario’s thriving biotechnology sector As the home to top biotechnology researchers, developers and manufacturers, Ontario has a booming industry doing cutting-edge work at the cross-section of life sciences and digital technology. Whether by conducting breakthrough research, developing life-changing therapies or streamlining manufacturing processes, these companies are making a global impact on health and wellness while capitalizing on Ontario’s world-class talent and innovation. Life sciences companies in Ontario have expertise spanning several subsectors and do meaningful work in many areas of the medical, health and digital tech fields. Here are just a few of the many promising life sciences companies doing important work in biotechnology in Ontario. You can also explore InvestOntario.ca to find out more about Ontario’s vibrant pharmaceutical, medtech and overarching life sciences sectors. Cyclica (recently acquired by Recursion) Toronto, Ontario Founded in 2013 and recently acquired by Recursion, Cyclica specialized in AI and data-driven drug discovery. In addition to forming multiple collaborations and advancing its drug discovery portfolio, the company has built two highly differentiated products in the digital chemistry space which will be integrated into the Recursion Platform. MatchMaker is an AI-enabled deep learning engine that predicts the polypharmacology of small molecules as the foundation for small molecule drug discovery. POEM (Pareto Optimal Embedding Model) is a unique similarity-based property prediction model. In contrast to other AI prediction models, POEM uses multiple types of molecular fingerprints to describe molecules, providing a much richer measure of similarity that leads to greater accuracy. Deep Genomics Toronto, Ontario Deep Genomics is a biopharmaceutical company that aims to combine artificial intelligence (AI) and RNA biology (one of the most influential areas in biomedicine today) to create better treatments for genetic diseases. Its AI Workbench is a game-changer for Deep Genomics in its pursuit to rapidly discover and produce highly successful genetic medicines. Founded in 2015, Deep Genomics’ diverse team includes those from a traditional drug company and experts with backgrounds in machine learning, laboratory automation and software engineering. Microbix Biosystems Mississauga, Ontario Microbix manufactures innovative, proprietary, and branded in vitro diagnostic (IVD) medical devices, such as its Quality Assessment and Proficiency (QAPs) line of test controls that help ensure the accuracy of many companies’ different diagnostic tests and its DxTM viral transport medium to stabilize patient samples for lab-based testing. Also, it makes a wide range of high-quality biological ingredients (native antigens) that enable the industrial-scale production of diagnostic tests for infectious diseases. Microbix sells its medical devices and test ingredients to over 100 leading diagnostics companies and has distribution into over 30 countries. Based in Mississauga, Ontario, Microbix has over 100 employees, is ISO 9001 and 13485 accredited, and is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange. OmniaBio Hamilton, Ontario OmniaBio, a subsidiary of Toronto-based CCRM, is a contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) focused on supporting a broad range of cell and gene therapy companies, from early development to commercial manufacturing. At a planned 400,000 square feet, the OmniaBio facility will be Canada’s largest CDMO exclusively dedicated to cell and gene therapies. OmniaBio will provide commercial-scale manufacturing in Ontario, allowing homegrown companies to commercialize their work domestically while advancing pioneering medicine with the potential to cure many forms of cancer, cardiovascular diseases, Parkinson’s and diabetes. ProteinQure Toronto, Ontario Founded in 2017 in Toronto, Ontario, ProteinQure uses its computational platform to accelerate and optimize the development of protein-based drugs. Its platform uses molecular simulations and machine learning to design completely novel therapeutics, requiring less reliance on data. ProteinQure collaborates with industry leaders on novel treatments for cancer, diabetes and other diseases, its platform enabling world-leading drug discovery companies to create proteins that would otherwise be impossible to discover. Roche Mississauga, Ontario With 88,000 employees in over 150 countries, Roche is the world’s largest biotechnology company and a leader in pharmaceuticals, in vitro diagnostics and health care technology. Roche’s innovations span major disease areas, including oncology, infectious diseases and diabetes, and it continues to expand its expertise in new fields such as artificial intelligence and real-world data. Roche has operated in Canada since 1931, employing over 1,800 people across divisions in Laval, Quebec and Mississauga, Ontario. Sanofi Toronto, Ontario Sanofi is an innovative global health care company, driven by one purpose: to chase the miracles of science to improve people’s lives. With strong foundations in Canada going back over a century, the company is one of the country’s top life sciences investors and its largest vaccine producer. In 2022, Sanofi opened an Artificial Intelligence Centre of Excellence in Toronto, joining its network of existing digital hubs. The Centre uses leading technologies to develop world-class data and AI products that accelerate research and development to improve patient access to life-saving medicine. Triumvira Immunologics Hamilton, Ontario Triumvira Immunologics is an immunotherapy company dedicated to helping millions of patients defeat difficult-to-treat solid tumours by developing new T-cell therapies that work better than current cancer treatments. Triumvira’s proprietary T-cell Antigen Coupler (TAC) platform activates natural T-cell functions differently from other cell therapies and has the potential to help develop therapies for a broader range of patients with cancer. Founded in 2015, the company is headquartered in Austin, Texas, with research facilities in Hamilton, Ontario and a manufacturing suite in South San Francisco, California. Verv Technologies Greater Sudbury, Ontario Verv is now finalizing development of the first affordable, high-quality blood analyzer and disposable test chips that will measure a wide range of analytes such as cholesterol, vitamin levels and hormones. Health care consumers will be able to know their number from a few drops of blood, in about 10 minutes. They’ll have a better view of their health and Verv will wrap clinical and education support around it through partnerships, so they can take action. Verv’s technology can transform access to blood testing and data trending for consumers and improve timely decision-making with physicians. Verv aims to empower people to take control of their health. Virica Biotech Ottawa, Ontario Virica Biotech is a biotech service provider dedicated to positively changing human health by increasing the production efficiency of emerging viral-based therapies. Virica’s breakthrough Viral Sensitizers (VSE) are small molecules that reduce anti-viral defences in cells, increasing manufacturing yields and therapeutic efficacy for a range of products, including vaccines, cell therapies and gene therapies. VSEs remove barriers to manufacturing viral medicines economically at scale, while custom VSE formulations improve research processes and production. Virica was founded in 2018 and is based in Ottawa, Ontario.

May 26, 2023

Ontario highlights growing automotive sector during Investment and Trade Mission to Germany and Poland

Learn about Ontario’s investment mission to Germany to promote the province’s growing automotive sector and explore new opportunities for investment.

Source: Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade

Ontario highlights growing automotive sector during Investment and Trade Mission to Germany and Poland
Learn about Ontario’s investment mission to Germany to promote the province’s growing automotive sector and explore new opportunities for investment.
Province promotes its end-to-end EV supply chain and world-class workforce TORONTO — The Ontario government has concluded a successful investment and trade mission to Germany and Poland to promote the province’s growing automotive sector and to explore new opportunities for investment and job creation. The mission, led by Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, included meetings with German automakers Volkswagen and Mercedes-Benz. We continue to strengthen Ontario’s end-to-end EV supply chain by building a competitive business environment that attracts investments from companies around the world. These investments will create more good-paying jobs for workers across our automotive supply chain and drive economic growth. Vic Fedeli Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade Ontario representatives met with the senior leadership of Volkswagen Group in Wolfsburg and PowerCo SE in Salzgitter to thank them for the Group’s historic $7 billion investment in St. Thomas, the future location of Volkswagen’s first overseas battery cell manufacturing plant. The meeting included discussions about future opportunities with the company as they build out their footprint in Ontario. The province is also working with Volkswagen to organize a suppliers’ day to help source Ontario suppliers for the new battery cell plant, helping to ensure companies across the province can benefit from Volkswagen’s major investment. Additional highlights from the mission included meetings with executives from Mercedes-Benz and global automotive parts suppliers ElringKlinger and Eberspaecher Group to promote Ontario as a leading destination for investment. ElringKlinger currently operates a manufacturing facility in Leamington, and Eberspaecher has subsidiaries in Mississauga and Concord. Ontario is an industry leader in the automotive and EV sectors. Invest Ontario is laser-focused on fostering a dynamic end-to-end supply chain, supported by our impressive assets, including over 700 parts suppliers, and 500 skilled tool, die, and mould makers. Trevor Dauphinee CEO of Invest Ontario Building on the success of the province’s 2022 investment and trade mission, Ontario representatives also met with government representatives from the German state of Baden-Württemberg. Ontario and Baden-Württemberg share a close economic relationship that was formalized in a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) first signed over 30 years ago. The MOU was renewed last year and fosters collaboration on initiatives across a range of sectors, including automotive and electric vehicles. Ontario and Baden-Württemberg are economic powerhouses and global centres for the auto industry. We are pleased to explore opportunities to strengthen trade and investment ties, particularly in the EV and EV battery sector, during this time of transformation for the auto industry. Dr. Nicole Hoffmeister-Kraut Minister of Economic Affairs, Labour and Tourism for Baden-Württemberg With its competitive business environment, world-class workforce, state-of-the-art research and development facilities, and abundance of critical minerals, Ontario continues to be a prime location for businesses worldwide to invest and grow.

April 24, 2023

Unleashing Innovation and Collaboration: Ontario, Canada’s Life Sciences Sector Leads the Way

Senior Economic Officers Aaron Pinto and Chelsea Peet discuss Ontario’s key life sciences value propositions and what makes the province a leader in the sector.

Source: Maple Business Council

April 21, 2023

Volkswagen’s new Electric Vehicle Battery Plant will create thousands of new jobs

The plant, Volkswagen’s largest to date, will create up to 3,000 direct jobs and up to 30,000 indirect jobs. Once complete in 2027, the plant will produce batteries for up to one million electric vehicles per year, bolstering Canada’s domestic battery manufacturing capacity to meet the demand for electric vehicles now and into the future.

Source: Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade

Volkswagen’s new Electric Vehicle Battery Plant will create thousands of new jobs
The plant, Volkswagen’s largest to date, will create up to 3,000 direct jobs and up to 30,000 indirect jobs. Once complete in 2027, the plant will produce batteries for up to one million electric vehicles per year, bolstering Canada’s domestic battery manufacturing capacity to meet the demand for electric vehicles now and into the future.
ST. THOMAS — From mining critical minerals to building batteries and cars, Ontario and Canada continue to attract historic, transformational investments across the electric vehicle supply chain to secure more good-paying jobs for workers today and for decades to come. Last month, Ontario and Canada secured a historic investment from Volkswagen, Europe’s largest automaker. Volkswagen is investing $7 billion to establish its first overseas electric vehicle battery manufacturing plant in St. Thomas, Ontario. This is the largest electric vehicle-related investment in Canadian history, signaling a strong vote of confidence in Ontario and Canada’s highly skilled workers, strong economies, and competitive business environments. Premier Doug Ford and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau were joined today by Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, and the federal Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, François-Philippe Champagne, to highlight this generational deal for St. Thomas, Ontario, and Canada’s entire electric vehicle supply chain. The plant, Volkswagen’s largest to date, will create up to 3,000 direct jobs and up to 30,000 indirect jobs. Once complete in 2027, the plant will produce batteries for up to one million electric vehicles per year, bolstering Canada’s domestic battery manufacturing capacity to meet the demand for electric vehicles now and into the future. The plant, which will generate about $200 billion in value, will be the largest manufacturing plant in Canada. Construction is expected to begin next year. To strengthen and grow St. Thomas and the surrounding communities, Ontario will invest in other important infrastructure projects across the region, including improvements to roads, highways, utility services, and police and fire services. Since 2020, historic new investments have been made in Ontario by global automakers and electric vehicle batteries and battery materials suppliers. From mining critical minerals to building batteries and electric vehicles, Ontario and Canada have the resources and skilled workers to continue leading the world. This means a strong economy, good-paying jobs, and clean air now and into the future.

April 19, 2023

DIE WELT - Börsen-Podcast: Investing in Ontario’s Auto Sector

In an interview with DIE WELT journalist Laurin Meyer, Vic Fedeli, Ontario’s Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade discusses the province’s plans to become a world-leading green industry site.

Source: WELT

April 13, 2023

Ontario, Canada promotes key sectors during trade mission to New York City

The Ontario government has concluded a successful business mission to New York City to promote the province’s financial services, information technology and life sciences sectors, and explore new opportunities for investment and job creation.

Source: Invest Ontario

Ontario, Canada promotes key sectors during trade mission to New York City
The Ontario government has concluded a successful business mission to New York City to promote the province’s financial services, information technology and life sciences sectors, and explore new opportunities for investment and job creation.
Province highlights world-class workforce in meetings with U.S. companies TORONTO — The Ontario government has concluded a successful business mission to New York City to promote the province’s financial services, information technology and life sciences sectors, and explore new opportunities for investment and job creation. The mission, led by Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, included roundtable discussions with American companies interested in expanding their presence in Ontario. “This mission was a chance to meet face-to-face with companies in the U.S. to discuss opportunities for business expansion and collaboration across the border,” said Minister Fedeli. “New York City and Toronto are major financial and IT hubs. We’re building on our strong relationships to foster opportunities for companies on both sides of the border to grow and create more good-paying jobs.” From April 10 to 12, Ontario met with leading companies in the financial services and information technology sectors, as well as several software development companies. This included meetings with Globant and Cockroach Labs, two New York-based software development companies that recently opened offices in Toronto. Both companies are growing their teams, with Globant’s expansion expected to add 200 highly-skilled jobs to the province. “We were pleased to join Minister Fedeli in New York City to promote the Toronto Region and Ontario – North America’s fastest growing technology market – to international investors,” said Stephen Lund, CEO, Toronto Global. “The relationships we have built here in-market have yielded thousands of jobs and significant investments to the regional economy, and we look forward to continuing to welcome these new, innovative companies to Ontario.” Additional highlights from the trade mission included meetings with executives from Citi, Crowdbotics, Fever, ThoughtFocus, Justworks and Synechron, as well as a roundtable on foreign direct investment. The roundtable provided a key opportunity to strengthen existing relationships and foster new opportunities for investment. Last year, two-way trade between Ontario and New York was valued at close to $37 billion, with 300 New York-owned companies operating in Ontario. With its competitive economy, world-class workforce, and state-of-the-art research and development facilities, Ontario continues to be a prime location for businesses to invest and grow.

March 27, 2023

VueReal to increase microLED manufacturing and create high-quality jobs with Invest Ontario support

VueReal investing $40 million to enhance their technology manufacturing capabilities and create 75 new jobs in Ontario. VueReal is one of almost 25,000 tech businesses in the province, contributing over $48 billion annually to the technology sector’s GDP.

Source: Invest Ontario

VueReal to increase microLED manufacturing and create high-quality jobs with Invest Ontario support
VueReal investing $40 million to enhance their technology manufacturing capabilities and create 75 new jobs in Ontario. VueReal is one of almost 25,000 tech businesses in the province, contributing over $48 billion annually to the technology sector’s GDP.
VueReal investing $40 million to grow its workforce and support the company’s research and development team WATERLOO, Ontario — Invest Ontario announced today that it will provide investment support to VueReal, a leader in microLED technologies based in Ontario, to enhance their technology manufacturing capabilities in the province. With funding assistance from Invest Ontario and Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC), VueReal plans to create 75 new jobs over three years in the Kitchener-Waterloo area. The project will boost commercial capacity for VueReal's cutting-edge microLED displays. VueReal's innovative printing technology allows for customized display manufacturing for niche and mainstream markets. Their displays are used in various electronic products, including computers, phones, television, and smartwatches, as well as monitors in the aerospace, automotive, and medical technology industries. VueReal’s investment is a vote of confidence in Ontario’s world-class workforce and advanced manufacturing sector. We’re building Ontario by working closely with companies like VueReal to create more opportunities for workers today and for generations to come. Thank you VueReal for choosing Ontario. Vic Fedeli Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade MicroLEDs are considered a gamechanger in the electronic displays industry due to their reduced energy consumption. Market forecasts for microLED displays are estimated to reach US $11.5 billion by 2026, according to Research and Markets. VueReal is positioned to capitalize on this growth and become the North American leader in microLED production. Now is the time for ambitious climate action, and to support cleantech entrepreneurs like VueReal, who are turning vision into reality with help from today’s investments. Our government is proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with these groundbreaking companies as they drive innovation and make their mark as international leaders in clean technology. We will continue to support our companies as they grow the economy and create well-paying jobs in this industry. The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne Canada’s Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry Invest Ontario is contributing a $2 million grant – through the Invest Ontario Fund – subject to executing a definitive agreement, to boost VueReal’s innovation and production in Canada’s largest tech hub. The federal government is also providing $8.5 million through its SDTC fund. The collaboration between Invest Ontario and SDTC to fund VueReal’s microLED technology project marks an important milestone in the evolution of both organizations, demonstrating the value of partnership and cooperation in driving innovation and growth in Ontario’s manufacturing sector. Invest Ontario is proud to support a homegrown Canadian company that has innovated world-class microLED technology right here in Waterloo, Ontario. Our focus is to strengthen the manufacturing supply chain and accelerate financial supports to companies like VueReal that can drive rapid growth and compete in a hyper-competitive market. Trevor Dauphinee CEO of Invest Ontario Ontario’s thriving technology sector comprises over 408,000 skilled IT professionals and more than 65,000 STEM graduates each year. VueReal is one of almost 25,000 tech businesses in the province, contributing over $48 billion annually to the technology sector’s GDP. Canada’s great universities, including the University of Waterloo, combined with government research funds, make it a prime location for developing cutting-edge and sustainable technologies. VueReal has leveraged this ecosystem to develop its microSolid printing technologies, which enable the creation of smart surfaces for next-generation displays and sensor applications. Moreover, a recent collaboration between VueReal, SDTC, and Invest Ontario on a project worth approximately $40 million highlights the potential to scale these technologies into full-scale production in the Waterloo Region and Ontario. These innovative technologies have a significant role in generating employment opportunities in today’s modern economy and hold strategic importance for multiple industries, such as consumer electronics, healthcare, medical, security, automotive, aerospace, and more. We are proud to produce these advanced technologies and products in Waterloo, Ontario. Reza Chaji CEO and Founder of VueReal Other major tech companies, such as Amazon, Blackberry, Cisco, Ericsson, Google, LG, OpenText, and Shopify, have also established R&D operations in Ontario, making it the second-largest IT cluster in North America after California’s Silicon Valley. This collaborative and innovative ecosystem generates value for companies, employees, and the province’s economy. For more information about Invest Ontario, please visit www.investontario.ca.

March 14, 2023

Uken Games: Taking social and mobile gaming to the next level

Known for hits like Jeopardy!, Who Wants to be a Millionaire and Bingo Pop, Uken Games’ access to highly skilled Ontario talent keeps them topping the charts.

Source: Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade

Uken Games: Taking social and mobile gaming to the next level
Known for hits like Jeopardy!, Who Wants to be a Millionaire and Bingo Pop, Uken Games’ access to highly skilled Ontario talent keeps them topping the charts.
Ontario’s STEM talent pipeline credited for Uken Games’ success and growth Known for hits like Jeopardy!, Who Wants to be a Millionaire and Ava’s Manor Solitaire, Uken Games’ access to highly skilled Ontario talent keeps them topping the charts. Based in Toronto, Ontario, Uken Games describes itself as having a quirky, nerdy culture that fosters creativity, collaboration, quality ideas and a data-driven mindset. The company has been building cross-platform social and mobile games that everybody loves since 2009 when it launched its first smash hit, Superheroes Alliance. Now, as it continues to build out its current portfolio, Uken Games has been focusing on how Web3 and blockchain are reshaping the gaming world. “We’re very excited by the opportunities ahead at Uken Games,” says CEO and co-founder Chris Ye.From humble beginnings to big hits Soon after graduating with a finance degree from York University’s Schulich School of Business, Ye and his business partner, Mark Lampert, got their start in gaming with a gifting app they released on Facebook. “It was soon after the platform opened up to third-party developers—the game quickly reached one million users in a week,” says Ye. “We released our first game in 2009. It was called Superheroes Alliance. We began making revenue from day one, and we reinvested all our proceeds into creating a successful studio, which became Uken Games.”Choosing a location your future employees will want to call home Among the many looming decisions for a young, successful startup, the question of where to establish its headquarters had an easy answer. “What it comes down to is Ontario is a great place to live and work,” says Ye. According to him, the company’s biggest competitive advantage has always been the ability to recruit from Ontario colleges and universities. “Building relationships with the University of Toronto and the University of Waterloo and their co-op programs was an important driver for us when it came to building our early team and finding people who wanted to be a part of our growth story,” he claims. What it comes down to is Ontario is a great place to live and work. Chris Ye CEO and co-founder of Uken GamesBuilding a social and mobile games empire in Toronto, Ontario The studio’s first big success was a game called Bingo Pop. “It was our top-grossing game, and at its peak, we had over a million players per month,” remarks Ye. “It was so successful that it garnered attention from large studios who wanted to buy it. Eventually, we ended up selling it to Jam City.” After successfully scaling Bingo Pop, Uken Games worked with Sony Pictures to build Jeopardy! World Tour and Who Wants to be a Millionaire, which both immediately became the top two trivia games in the market. “More recently, we released Solitaire Story: Ava’s Manor in 2020. In this game, you help the main character, Ava, save her Great Uncle’s mansion by unravelling all of its mysteries by playing solitaire.”Strength in numbers: The talent to transform data into powerful insights When it comes to creating the next big hit mobile game at Uken Games, the company’s approach is still very much design-first. “We believe that great games have great designers who truly understand user desires. Our process starts with a design thesis which can come from anyone on our team but is usually driven by a Product Manager or Game designer,” says Ye. They propose features, analyze the costs and benefits of those features and compare and rank them to determine the priority. It’s a very rigorous process. Ye explains that “features then get developed, and typically, we launch most new features as AB tests. After this, we perform retrospectives on how those features performed relative to our initial estimates. We then tune the features to see if we can improve their impact.”A strong culture can future-proof your business With the emergence of Web3—a decentralized internet built on blockchain—dramatic change is inevitable in the mobile gaming space. “We’re used to building an entire game, but in Web3, you’ll have to be comfortable with not knowing everything,” says Ye, “And at the same time, you’ll need to be more transparent and communicative.” Innovating in a Web3 environment requires a greater focus on building a framework for user participation and leaving room for emergent behaviour amongst the community. “I think our culture is one that will make it easier for us to adapt to this new way of creating content because we are comfortable creating frameworks and collaborating in environments marked by rapid change.”Learn, grow, repeat: On a pathway to success So, what’s new for Uken Games? “In the short term, we have committed to continue growing our current portfolio of games, including Ava’s Manor, Jeopardy! and Who Wants to Be a Millionaire. Longer term, we have a lot of new games in various phases of development, and we’re experimenting in a variety of ways, including with blockchain technology to promote digital ownership of in-game goods,” says Ye. Staying plugged into Ontario’s world-class talent supply, Uken Games has what it takes to continue to reach new heights in the global social and mobile games industry. Learn more about Ontario, Canada’s growing Interactive Digital Services and IT sector.

March 13, 2023

Canada and Ontario welcome historic investment from Volkswagen

Earlier today, Volkswagen, Europe’s largest automaker, announced that its subsidiary PowerCo will establish an EV battery manufacturing facility in St. Thomas, Ontario, Canada.

Source: Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade

Canada and Ontario welcome historic investment from Volkswagen
Earlier today, Volkswagen, Europe’s largest automaker, announced that its subsidiary PowerCo will establish an EV battery manufacturing facility in St. Thomas, Ontario, Canada.
German automaker to build its first overseas battery manufacturing plant in Ontario, Canada ST. THOMAS, CANADA — Earlier today, Volkswagen, Europe’s largest automaker, announced that its subsidiary PowerCo will establish an electric vehicle (EV) battery manufacturing facility in St. Thomas, Ontario, Canada. Following this announcement, the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Canada’s Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, and the Honourable Vic Fedeli, Ontario’s Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, issued the following joint statement: Earlier today, Volkswagen announced that it has selected St. Thomas, Ontario, Canada, as the location to build the company’s first overseas battery cell plant. Today’s news is a major vote of confidence in Canada and Ontario, and in our shared work to position the country and the province as a global leader on the electric vehicle supply chain. This historic investment is a testament to Canada’s strong and growing battery ecosystem and Ontario’s competitive business environment. With a highly skilled workforce, clean energy, an abundance of critical minerals, access to markets, and a flourishing automotive and battery sector, we are an attractive investment destination with everything companies need to grow. In addition, Canada and Ontario offer stability and predictability to their business partners. This investment is another significant step forward as we build a clean transportation sector to meet global and North American demand for zero-emission vehicles. We will continue to build on this success by growing our EV ecosystem and supporting clean technology to create well-paying jobs and spur economic growth and prosperity for future generations.

February 27, 2023

Ontario congratulates AstraZeneca on investment in Ontario to advance the fight against cancer and rare diseases

Discover Ontario’s growing life sciences sector with AstraZeneca’s announcement of investment in clinical trials bringing 500 new jobs in Peel and the surrounding region.

Source: Invest Ontario

Ontario congratulates AstraZeneca on investment in Ontario to advance the fight against cancer and rare diseases
Discover Ontario’s growing life sciences sector with AstraZeneca’s announcement of investment in clinical trials bringing 500 new jobs in Peel and the surrounding region.
AstraZeneca announced 500 new, high-paying jobs in Peel and the surrounding region Global pharmaceutical company, AstraZeneca announced plans to expand its research operations and create 500 skilled scientific and research jobs in Mississauga, Ontario. AstraZeneca’s investment in Ontario will help to advance the understanding of investigational compounds that may one day become life-changing medicines. This project will accelerate the development of therapeutic drugs and vaccines through the creation of a new Alexion, AstraZeneca Rare Disease Development Hub and expansion of the AstraZeneca's Research & Development Hub, which is currently spearheading global clinical studies in oncology and immunology. Ontario is home to the largest life sciences ecosystem in Canada. The province is ranked number one in the G7 for active clinical trials per capita, with the world’s top ten pharmaceutical companies by revenue conducting clinical trials in Ontario. The decision to invest in Ontario is a testament to the network of world-class universities, hospitals, and research centers in the GTA and southern-Ontario, and the diverse scientific talent pool that exists in the region. In addition, we’re pleased to see the steps the Ontario government has taken to support the sector by introducing the province’s first ever life sciences strategy, and we look forward to working with them to help improve access to new medicines for all Canadians, to ensure Ontario remains globally competitive for future research and clinical investments. Kiersten Combs President, AstraZeneca Canada AstraZeneca is among Canada’s leading R&D contributors across all industries, investing $135.6M in Canadian health sciences research in 2021. They are working on 174 active clinical studies involving 2,800 patients and their Ontario site is leading 100+ clinical studies worldwide. Invest Ontario, the province’s dedicated investment attraction agency, is committed to fostering innovation and growing the life sciences footprint in the province. The agency works with AstraZeneca and other stakeholders in the sector to foster investment that supports innovation and creates high-value jobs for Ontarians. Invest Ontario congratulates AstraZeneca on this significant new investment which will drive innovation and increase the capacity for the management and delivery of clinical trials in Ontario. Invest Ontario is committed to attracting investments that further accelerate the growth of life sciences and solidify our position as a global leader in the industry. Trevor Dauphinee CEO of Invest Ontario In 2022, Ontario launched a life sciences strategy, Taking Life Sciences to the Next Level whose goal is to maintain and grow Ontario’s biomanufacturing and life sciences sector by targeting 85,000 high-value jobs in the sector by 2030, a 25% increase from 2020.

February 15, 2023

Magna expands Ontario EV operations with new Brampton plant and five upgraded facilities

Invest Ontario is supporting Magna's $471 million expansion across six different locations in Ontario, expected to create more than 1,000 new jobs by 2027.

Source: Invest Ontario

Magna expands Ontario EV operations with new Brampton plant and five upgraded facilities
Invest Ontario is supporting Magna's $471 million expansion across six different locations in Ontario, expected to create more than 1,000 new jobs by 2027.
Invest Ontario supported Magna’s six projects with $23.6 million in funding BRAMPTON, Ontario, February 15, 2023 – Magna, one of the world’s largest suppliers in the automotive industry, announced today that it will expand its operations across six locations in Ontario with a $471 million investment, expected to create more than 1,000 new jobs by 2027. The company’s expansion will strengthen its electric vehicle parts production to meet growing demand and increase local access for original equipment manufacturers OEMs), putting more electric vehicles (EVs) on roads. This investment represents another tremendous show of confidence in the growing strength and resilience of our province’s auto sector. Together, with our industry partners, we’re putting Ontario back on the map as we build up Ontario’s electric vehicle supply chain from mining to manufacturing. The cars of the future and the batteries that power them will be built right here in Ontario, by Ontario workers. Premier Doug Ford Brampton will be home to a new 490,000 square-foot battery enclosures facility that will create hundreds of new jobs in Peel Region. The plant will support Ford Motor Company’s all-electric F-150 Lightning trucks and future OEM programs. This game-changing investment by Magna will create hundreds of new jobs across the province, while further strengthening Ontario’s end-to-end automotive supply chain. We’re creating the right conditions for businesses to succeed and continue to work around the clock to attract new investments that build a stronger economy. Vic Fedeli Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade Subject to reaching a definitive agreement, the Invest Ontario Fund will provide $23.6 million for the six projects. Magna’s increased capacity will accelerate the industry’s shift to electric vehicles, and support Ontario’s skilled auto workers. Magna’s decision to expand in six locations across the province showcases Ontario’s advantages in automotive talent. By diversifying automotive parts manufacturing across the province, Magna’s investments will strengthen EV supply chains in Ontario. Trevor Dauphinee CEO of Invest Ontario The move to electrification is part of a broader Ontario automotive strategy to position the province as a North American leader in building the car of the future. The new projects will secure further investments in the sector, especially EV-related technologies, and increase exports of Ontario-made auto parts. Magna’s roots in Ontario run deep, and we are excited about opening a new facility dedicated to a strategic electrification product. The Brampton facility, coupled with investment and growth in five existing Ontario facilities, allows Magna to keep up with customer demands across several product areas. We are excited to bring new business, more investment and additional jobs to Ontario. Eric Wilds Chief Sales and Marketing Officer of Magna Further details of Magna’s multi-region planned expansion: Belleville: $35 million project to add to its printed circuit board assemblies production Brampton: $265 million project to build a new 490,000 square-foot facility, producing electric battery enclosures Guelph: $140 million upgrade to its electrical coating capabilities and expand its vehicle exteriors plant to 120,000 square feet Newmarket: $24 million project to produce electronic latching units (front, hood and side-door latches) for Magna’s new electric vehicle platforms Penetanguishene: $1.8 million project to grow its tailgate hinges production Windsor: $6 million project to manufacture powered aluminum pickup bed covers

January 5, 2023

First all-Canadian, zero-emission concept vehicle designed in Ontario unveiled at Consumer Electronics Show

Project Arrow makes use of Ontario’s complete end-to-end automotive supply chain and demonstrates the province's world-class automotive capabilities and innovation on the global stage.

Source: Invest Ontario

First all-Canadian, zero-emission concept vehicle designed in Ontario unveiled at Consumer Electronics Show
Project Arrow makes use of Ontario’s complete end-to-end automotive supply chain and demonstrates the province's world-class automotive capabilities and innovation on the global stage.
Ontario’s trade mission to the U.S. showcases innovation in IT, automotive and life sciences sectors NEVADA — Today, Project Arrow, the first, all-Canadian, zero-emission connected vehicle, designed and built in Ontario, was unveiled at the Consumer Electronics Show, one of the largest and most influential technology events in the world. Project Arrow makes use of Ontario’s complete end-to-end automotive supply chain and demonstrates the province’s world-class automotive capabilities and innovation on a global stage. “The unveiling of Project Arrow, the first all-Canadian concept vehicle, is a historic milestone that showcases the best of Ontario’s automotive and technology sectors,” said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “Our government is proud to support this innovative project and the continued collaboration between industry partners. Innovations like this will foster new opportunities as we continue to build a stronger Ontario.” With funding and support from the Ontario government through the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network, the Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association led the development of Project Arrow at the Automotive Centre of Excellence in Oshawa. Over the course of the project, 58 Canadian industry partners came together to design and build a revolutionary prototype vehicle. “The Ontario government challenged us to build this vehicle and they were the first to support us when we launched Project Arrow,” said Flavio Volpe, president of the Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association. “This investment is just another part of this government’s incredible and unprecedented commitment to Ontario’s automotive industry.” “Project Arrow is a true testament to Canadian ingenuity, hard work, and determination,” said Raed Kadri, Vice President, Strategic Initiatives and Head of the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network at the Ontario Centre of Innovation. “We are cementing on the international stage that Ontario and Canada’s technology, innovation and manufacturing capabilities are world-class and second to none. OVIN and OCI are proud to play an important role in this vision.” More and more companies are looking to Ontario for their future, and the government is working with sector partners to build on recent successes and further strengthen innovation in Ontario. Through the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network, Ontario is investing $56.4 million over four years to accelerate the development of next generation electric, connected and autonomous vehicle and mobility technologies. Initiatives like this are an important part of the government’s plan to build a stronger Ontario and create new opportunities for workers and businesses across the province. The annual Consumer Electronics Show is the first stop on Ontario’s trade mission to the United States. From January 4 to 10, Minister Fedeli will lead a delegation of 29 innovative companies from Ontario that will showcase the province’s expertise in the automotive, technology and life sciences sectors. Several members of the delegation will also participate in the JP Morgan Healthcare Conference and Biotech Showcase, the largest healthcare investment symposium in the industry. These events will support new relationships and connect Ontario companies with other global industry leaders and innovators.

December 5, 2022

Ontario attracts economic opportunities with Trade Mission to India

The Ontario government has concluded a successful trade mission to India to strengthen relationships with economic partners and attract new investments in key sectors.

Source: Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade

Ontario attracts economic opportunities with Trade Mission to India
The Ontario government has concluded a successful trade mission to India to strengthen relationships with economic partners and attract new investments in key sectors.
Province promotes strengths to attract investment and grow exports across key sectors TORONTO — The Ontario government has concluded a successful trade mission to India to strengthen relationships with economic partners and attract new investments in key sectors, including manufacturing, technology and life sciences. The mission, led by Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, resulted in renewed commitments to collaborate with the states of Maharashtra and Telangana, and in an announcement by 88 Pictures, an animation and media entertainment company based in Mumbai, to expand to Ontario. “Ontario and India have a long history as economic partners and friends, and our government is proud to be back in India to build on that relationship,” said Minister Fedeli. “We continue to drive long-term economic growth by attracting investments and creating opportunities, while promoting the province as a leading destination for international investment.” From November 25 to December 2, Ontario’s delegation met with leading companies based in India to showcase the province as a global hub for innovation and an ideal place for companies to invest. This included a meeting with 88 Pictures, that together with Toronto Global, announced it has selected Ontario as the first location for the company’s international expansion. This investment will create 150 new jobs for workers in Ontario over the next two years. Additional highlights included meetings with HCL Technologies, Motherson Group, Jubilant Bhartia Group, Larsen & Toubro, ITC Infotech, Essar, Tata and ICICI. The Ontario delegation also attended the Canada-India Business Council's Mumbai Business Forum and the Indo-Canada Business Chamber's annual convention to highlight the province’s role as a global innovator, and hosted a roundtable with innovative businesses based in India to discuss their plans for international growth and expansion. As part of the trade mission, Ontario also renewed its longstanding Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the states of Maharashtra and Telangana. The new MOUs will foster continued collaboration on key initiatives across a wide range of sectors, including automotive, aerospace, media and entertainment. This timely renewal will help all three jurisdictions continue to innovate and grow. Ontario remains committed to adopting innovative and forward-thinking approaches to secure and grow the province’s advantages and position it as an attractive destination to do business. With a talented workforce, state-of-the-art research and development facilities, award-winning manufacturing and access to an abundance of critical materials, the province continues to be one of the most competitive places for businesses to invest and grow.

December 5, 2022

Canada’s first all-electric vehicle manufacturing facility opens in Ontario

With support from the province, GM Canada has transformed its CAMI manufacturing plant into an all-EV manufacturing facility, the first of its kind in Canada.

Source: Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade

Canada’s first all-electric vehicle manufacturing facility opens in Ontario
With support from the province, GM Canada has transformed its CAMI manufacturing plant into an all-EV manufacturing facility, the first of its kind in Canada.
GM Canada’s transformed CAMI plant helps secure Ontario’s place as global automotive hub INGERSOLL — Today, the Ontario government is celebrating the opening of General Motors of Canada’s (GM Canada) first full-scale electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing plant in Ingersoll and the first BrightDrop Zevo 600s to be made at the facility. With support from the province, GM Canada has transformed its CAMI manufacturing plant into an all-EV manufacturing facility, the first of its kind in Canada. This project helps secure the province’s position as a global automotive hub with the vehicles of the future being built in Ontario by Ontario workers, from start to finish. “Today’s exciting, made-in-Ontario milestone is more proof that there is no better place to build the cars of the future from start to finish than right here in Ontario,” said Premier Doug Ford. “From the critical minerals in the north to our manufacturing excellence in the south, Ontario has every advantage and will continue to build on our legacy as a global automotive leader for decades to come.” I am especially proud of the BrightDrop and CAMI teams working together to take the Zevo 600 from concept to commercialization in less than two years, making this the fastest launch in GM’s history. Electric-vehicle manufacturing in Canada is no longer something that’s happening in the future. It's here and it's now. That’s good for Canada, and good for the planet. Marissa West President and Managing Director of GM Canada The CAMI plant will be GM Canada’s designated EV hub for its new all-electric commercial vehicle brand BrightDrop. As part of today’s grand opening, the first BrightDrop Zevo 600s also rolled off the CAMI EV line, marking a new chapter in EV production in Ontario. In April, GM Canada announced an investment of more than $2 billion to transform its CAMI and Oshawa manufacturing plants and improve operations across all of its manufacturing and R&D facilities in Ontario. “This is truly an exciting day for Ontario as we celebrate the grand opening of GM Canada’s transformed CAMI manufacturing plant and the first all-electric vehicle manufacturing facility in Canada,” said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “Watching the first BrightDrop vehicles roll off the assembly line, it is clear that Ontario will build the cars of the future. Our government continues to attract transformative investments by creating the right economic conditions and reducing red tape." The size and scope of this investment will accelerate the speed of Ontario’s 10-year vision for the Driving Prosperity ― The Future of Ontario’s Automotive Sector plan. Phase 2 of Driving Prosperity is an important part of the government’s plan to transform the province’s automotive supply chain to build the cars of the future, including the production of hybrid, battery EVs, EV battery production and increasing exports of Ontario-made auto parts and innovations. Over the last two years, Ontario has attracted $16 billion in transformative automotive investments by global automakers and suppliers of EV batteries and battery materials. This includes more than $12.5 billion in EV and EV battery-related manufacturing investments.

December 1, 2022

PointsBet opens Canadian headquarters in Toronto, Ontario

Leading iGaming company, PointsBet, has opened its Canadian headquarters in Toronto, which will serve as a technology innovation hub and home to 50 new jobs.

Source: Invest Ontario

PointsBet opens Canadian headquarters in Toronto, Ontario
Leading iGaming company, PointsBet, has opened its Canadian headquarters in Toronto, which will serve as a technology innovation hub and home to 50 new jobs.
TORONTO, Ontario - Leading iGaming company, PointsBet, has opened an office in Toronto with support from the province’s investment attraction agency, Invest Ontario. Its headquarters, located at the heart of Toronto’s entertainment district, will be home to over 50 new jobs to reinforce their Canadian presence. “Our government is excited to welcome PointsBet to Ontario as part of their Canadian expansion,” said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “Their investment in our province will create 50 new jobs in Toronto, sending a strong message that our province has the talent and skilled workforce needed for tech companies to thrive. Thank you to the team at PointsBet for choosing Ontario.” PointsBet’s Canadian headquarters serves an important function of their operations, where they can scale, innovate, and capitalize on Ontario’s diverse workforce to create additional jobs in the future. “Invest Ontario works with businesses deciding on the right jurisdiction for their new investments,” said Trevor Dauphinee, CEO of Invest Ontario. “We applaud PointsBet for recognizing the strength of Ontario’s technology sector and high-quality talent pool.” Ontario is a leader in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, fintech and digital media. Its technology sector and innovation corridor are home to 25,000 firms that generate over $48.3 billion in GDP annually. With 63,500 STEM graduates every year, Toronto – along with Ottawa and Waterloo – are among the markets in North America with the largest tech talent. “We believe that Ontario has the talent and workforce that can help us be at the forefront of iGaming in Canada,” said Scott Vanderwel, Chief Executive Officer of PointsBet Canada. “Our mission since the very beginning has been to build a homegrown sportsbook, with Canadian employees, for the Canadian market.” PointsBet is one of the fastest growing operators in North America. The company was honoured in April as the top sports betting operator in the continent by eGaming Review, having won two years in a row. The award also recognized the company’s innovation efforts and its commitment to responsible gaming. The province launched iGaming Ontario in April 2022 to regulate the new internet gaming market. The arrival of PointsBet and others legal operators is making iGaming safer for Ontarians. “The official opening of PointsBet Canada’s new Toronto headquarters is a strong signal that businesses continue to choose Ontario as a place to invest and grow,” said Attorney General Doug Downey. “Since the launch of Ontario’s new iGaming market in April 2022, our government has continued to work with industry, responsible gaming advocates and regulatory partners to ensure Ontario is a world leader in building a safe online gaming environment that meets consumer expectations. PointsBet has been successful in bringing innovative offerings to its consumers, all while keeping safe play at the centre of its approach." According to data from iGaming Ontario, the province’s total gaming revenue is estimated at $267 million across 24 operators and 42 gaming websites during the quarter of July 1 to September 30, 2022. For more information about Invest Ontario, please visit www.investontario.ca.

November 24, 2022

Why India’s L&T Technology Services is engineering solutions in Ontario

When it decided to nearshore its North American R&D, India’s L&T Technology Services looked for a robust tech ecosystem—and found it in Toronto, Ontario.

Source: Invest Ontario

Why India’s L&T Technology Services is engineering solutions in Ontario
When it decided to nearshore its North American R&D, India’s L&T Technology Services looked for a robust tech ecosystem—and found it in Toronto, Ontario.
When LTTS decided to build an R&D centre for digital engineering solutions for North American customers, it found a supportive tech ecosystem in Toronto Toronto, Ontario recently saw the expansion of India’s L&T Technology Services (LTTS). This US$1-billion digital engineering consultancy, design, development and testing company boasts 21,400 employees spread across 20 global design centers, 28 global sales offices and 90 innovation labs. It expanded its North American operations with a new office in Ontario in early November 2022. Ontario has become a desirable location for expanding Indian technology firms in recent years, with Infosys, HCL, Tata Consultancy Services and Zoho establishing delivery centres and innovation hubs in the province. Supportive tech ecosystem in Ontario When LTTS decided to build a research and development centre for its North American-based customers, it found a supportive tech ecosystem in Toronto. Toronto, [Ontario] has developed a rich ecosystem of colleges, universities and other employers where we can find the skilled workers we need. Amit Chadha CEO and Managing Director at LTTS “We needed an ecosystem that would allow us to find and leverage the engineering talent we need, where there are robust infrastructures relevant to the industries we operate in and where there’s a culture of innovation,” says Amit Chadha, CEO and managing director at LTTS. In Toronto, Chadha says LTTS plans to focus initially on developing digital solutions—such as railway engineering—for transportation companies, including global aerospace and major rail enterprises. The new centre will specialize in such solutions as rail track defect detection, advanced mobility, digital asset management, digital flyboard, sensors and communication systems. The multinational firm tackles issues facing numerous industry sectors, including transportation, manufacturing, technology and life sciences. It engineers transformative solutions that range from microchips, firmware and software to electrical controls, smart building infrastructure and plant operations. “We’ve developed digital twins for plants. We’ve worked on chips used in cryptocurrency mining, industrial IoT that leveraged the wingtips of a plane, and facial recognition software. We even have our own intellectual property file on artificial intelligence for chest X-ray readings and on robotic arms that provide training on how to do remote surgery,” says Chadha. The best engineering talent To achieve its goal of hiring more than 100 engineers over the next two years in Toronto, LTTS plans to tap into the deep pool of tech talent in Ontario, where almost half of all Canadian IT workers live and where 63,500 STEM students graduate each year. The University of Toronto ranks among the world’s top 20 universities, while the University of Waterloo—located just west of Toronto—produces graduates who are the second most frequently hired by Silicon Valley companies. “We’re looking for the best engineering talent, primarily with a focus on AI and digital products, digital manufacturing and sustainability,” says Chadha. “Toronto has developed a rich ecosystem of colleges, universities and other employers where we can find the skilled workers we need.” A welcoming place with a dynamic culture The high standard of living in Toronto and the rest of the province also makes it easier to bring in talent from other parts of the world. While Toronto may be a big city, it has the warmth of a smaller, tight-knit community, says Chadha. “I was impressed with how welcoming people are in Toronto,” he says. “I was also amazed at the city’s dynamic, hi-tech vibe and with what’s happening in Ontario around electric vehicles. The big build-out of that sector will be beneficial to the work we’ll be doing here.” Ontario’s well-established telecommunication and transportation industries present opportunities for collaboration, says Chadha. While LTTS has not yet identified any partnerships, Chadha says Ontario’s International Trade and Investment Offices have already connected him and his team with numerous companies and programs in the city and province. Close to major North American markets In the first quarter of 2022, LTTS launched a strategy to nearshore its research, design and development operations. It opened centres in France and Poland to serve customers in Europe before setting its sights on North America. Proximity to major markets on the continent is another reason why LTTS chose to build in Toronto. “We did find Toronto’s location to be an advantage because we have customers close by—Canadian clients in Toronto and other parts of Canada, and in the United States,” says Chadha. “What I also find nice about being in Toronto is that you can get to virtually any destination in the city in under 45 minutes. You can’t say that about a lot of other big cities.” As a company intent on engineering change through transformative technologies across industries, LTTS found its strategic location, rich with tech talent and a supportive tech ecosystem in Toronto, Ontario. Grow your business in Ontario’s vibrant technology ecosystem.

November 22, 2022

Indian multinational IT giant Zoho expands to Ontario, Canada

Major Indian IT company Zoho recently expanded into Canada, opening its first office in Cornwall, Ontario.

Source: Invest Ontario

Indian multinational IT giant Zoho expands to Ontario, Canada
Major Indian IT company Zoho recently expanded into Canada, opening its first office in Cornwall, Ontario.
From India to Canada: Zoho finds the ideal mix of talent, market access and quality of life in Cornwall, Ontario India-based Zoho Corporation has set up its first Canadian location and has found a new home in Ontario. When the time was right to expand into Canada, this multinational technology company that makes cloud- and web-based software as a service chose to build in the talent- and culture-rich community of Cornwall. We wanted to take our jobs to where the talent is. Chandrashekar LSP Managing director in Canada for Zoho In the fall of 2022, this IT giant joined the growing number of Indian IT firms that have expanded in Ontario in recent years, including Infosys, HCL and Tata Consultancy Services. Zoho believes in global expansion that builds on the talent and culture of local communities. “We wanted to take our jobs to where the talent is,” explains Chandrashekar LSP, managing director in Canada for Zoho. We are thinking about building out as a hub-and-spoke model, with small teams in other cities. But the hub—the heart of our operation—will be in Cornwall. This belief underlies a business case that draws a direct line between the value of happy, talented workers and the success of an enterprise. Employees who can work in communities where they have ties to family and friends and where they enjoy a great standard of living are more likely to stay and contribute meaningfully to the business, says Chandrashekar. But finding the right community is critical, he adds. For Zoho’s Canadian expansion, Cornwall was unquestionably the right choice. Easy access to Canada, the United States and the world Ontario’s easternmost city, Cornwall, sits next to the French-speaking Canadian province of Quebec and right above the American state of New York. “It’s a 20-minute drive from New York,” points out Chandrashekar. “Having easy access to the U.S. is a big bonus for us.” As a multinational company with a national strategy in Canada, Zoho also values proximity to major airports with domestic and international routes. Cornwall is just a one-hour drive from two international airports: one in Canada’s capital city of Ottawa, Ontario and another in Montréal, Quebec. Cornwall’s location along Highway 401—the longest and one of the widest freeways in Canada—and quick access to the Canadian National Rail network also provide greater ease of movement for people and product. “We need to be mobile and be able to travel across Canada and internationally,” says Chandrashekar. A vast pool of highly skilled workers When the company started planning its expansion into Canada, it knew it needed to hire workers with a good understanding of information technology and who could speak, read and write in English and French, the country’s two official languages. Zoho’s team in Cornwall handles technical pre-sales, marketing and customer service for the Canadian market. Cornwall stood out immediately. Nearly four in 10 of its residents are familiar with both English and French, and when it comes to finding knowledgeable workers, Zoho has a vast pool of talent from which to choose. Cornwall is surrounded by world-class post-secondary schools that include the University of Ottawa, Carleton University, St. Lawrence College and Algonquin College. And the talent pool isn’t just limited to the Cornwall area. The province is home to 48% of Canada’s IT workers and boasts a higher-education attainment rate of 71%—higher than any OECD country. Affordable, community-centric and a great place to live As a place to live, Cornwall has much to offer, including housing that’s affordable. When Zoho started to explore Cornwall as the potential site for its first Canadian office, it found that the city had a relatively low cost of living, said Chandrashekar. A feature that’s hard to miss is the city’s waterfront along the St. Lawrence River, where residents can go boating, fishing and engage in water sports. About 75 kilometres of bike trails run along the waterfront, which also features baseball fields and a golf and country club. “It’s a very community-centric place—with plenty of families and a lot of family-run business—which I think enhances people’s quality of life,” says Chandrashekar. “And like the rest of Ontario, Cornwall is culturally rich and diverse, with different kinds of food and different languages spoken. The educational institutions in the area have attracted a lot of international students. It’s a very vibrant and interesting place, and we’re excited to build here.” As Zoho grows in Canada, it will likely set up other offices in Ontario and other provinces. When that happens, Cornwall will become the company’s main office in Canada, says Chandrashekar. “We are thinking about building out as a hub-and-spoke model, with small teams in other cities,” he says. “But the hub—the heart of our operation—will be in Cornwall.” Discover more reasons to invest in the IT ecosystem of Ontario.

October 17, 2022

Nokia selects Ottawa, Ontario as their Canadian home for R&D in 5G, artificial intelligence and machine learning, and cybersecurity

Nokia’s investment in the Ottawa region will lead the way for R&D in telecommunication equipment and infrastructure in Canada.

Source: Invest Ontario

Nokia selects Ottawa, Ontario as their Canadian home for R&D in 5G, artificial intelligence and machine learning, and cybersecurity
Nokia’s investment in the Ottawa region will lead the way for R&D in telecommunication equipment and infrastructure in Canada.
With support from Invest Ontario, the new project will boost Ottawa’s telecommunications infrastructure and create new jobs OTTAWA, Ontario, October 17, 2022 – Nokia Canada have selected Ottawa as home to their redevelopment project that will transform their Ottawa facility into a world-class telecommunications and technology hub, and further establish their global leadership in 5G, artificial intelligence and machine learning, and cybersecurity. The project will secure the telecommunications leader’s Canadian headquarters in Ontario for the next 20 years, and create new lab infrastructure, offices, and research and development spaces that will create up to 344 highly sought-after jobs including new research and development positions. Nokia's transformed campus will nearly double its lab space to 17,000 square metres with increased seating capacity for up to 2,280 employees. “Nokia’s investment and expansion project are strong signals that Ontario continues to be the best place for businesses around the world to invest and grow,” said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “Ontario is home to a wealth of world-renowned research institutes and top talent who work collaboratively with businesses to create game-changing solutions. Working closely with Invest Ontario, our government is proud to support global innovators like Nokia as part of our plan to build Ontario.” This project has the potential to bring in future Nokia global mandates that will make Ontario the centre of global innovation excellence for the company. This transformative investment in the technology sector will help keep talent in Ontario, bolster Nokia’s competitiveness globally and become an anchor in the Ottawa technology ecosystem. Building on the success of its Ontario operations, Nokia’s expansion will strengthen Ottawa’s technology expertise and connect Nokia to the province’s innovative network, and cutting-edge capabilities. “Invest Ontario is focused on strategic investments that build the province’s capacity and long-term sustainability in the telecommunications and technology sectors,” says Trevor Dauphinee, CEO of Invest Ontario. “We’re pleased that Nokia recognizes the value of being in Ontario and its potential in reaching the world stage. Our appeal as an economic powerhouse with a skilled workforce and great market access makes Ontario even more attractive to international investments.” Subject to executing a definitive agreement, Invest Ontario will provide a loan of up to $30 million to Nokia to support its growth and job creation. The federal government has also contributed an investment through its Strategic Innovation Fund. Nokia Canada plans to invest $340+ million in labs and equipment, labour, and operating costs between 2023 and 2027. This project will play a critical role in growing and sustaining Ontario’s technology and telecommunications ecosystem. “Nokia is helping to drive Ontario’s tech leadership,” says Pekka Lundmark, President and CEO of Nokia. “This world-class, sustainable R&D hub will be one of Nokia’s most dynamic developments that will create cutting-edge innovations and solutions to advance the global technology ecosystem.” “Today’s announcement reinforces Nokia’s commitment to the Ontario and Canadian markets, where we have invested $1.4 billion in over the past five years,” says Jeffrey Maddox, President of Nokia Canada. “Nokia’s Ottawa-based R&D hub will generate net-new IP and bring innovative advanced telecommunications and cyber security technologies to market, helping us achieve our goal of improving people’s lives in Ontario, in Canada, and across the world.” Nokia’s investment in the Ottawa region will lead the way for R&D in telecommunication equipment and infrastructure in Canada, elevating the province's global attractiveness for technology investment.

September 27, 2022

After years of decline, the auto industry in [Ontario], Canada is making a comeback

In the final installment of his two-outlet mini-series, National Public Radio’s HJ Mai reports on Ontario’s transition towards electric vehicles and building on Canada’s automotive legacy.

Source: NPR

August 10, 2022

Invest Ontario strengthens the leadership team with appointment of two Vice Presidents

Today, Invest Ontario announces the appointment of two senior executives to the agency’s leadership team: Khawar Nasim and Michael Fedchyshyn.

Source: Invest Ontario

Invest Ontario strengthens the leadership team with appointment of two Vice Presidents
Today, Invest Ontario announces the appointment of two senior executives to the agency’s leadership team: Khawar Nasim and Michael Fedchyshyn.
Khawar Nasim as Vice President of Business Development and Michael Fedchyshyn, Vice President of Strategies and Business Solutions August 10, 2022 – Today, Invest Ontario announces the appointment of two senior executives to the agency’s leadership team. Khawar Nasim joins Invest Ontario from New York, where he was Canada’s Acting Consul General, working with businesses to grow their footprint in Canada. He brings over 25 years of international experience in both the private and public sectors. Nasim will be leading the agency’s specialized, business development sector-oriented teams in life sciences, advanced manufacturing and technology to ensure best-in-class investment attraction for Ontario. He will be responsible for investor care and be a key relationship builder on behalf of the agency. Michael Fedchyshyn brings years of experience in private equity, renewable energy development, waste-to-energy development, project finance and management consulting. He joins the agency from Infrastructure Ontario, where he created and led the Transit Oriented Communities Program. As the Vice President, Strategies and Business Solutions, Fedchyshyn will be responsible for establishing the agency’s strategic planning, transactional risk management and business intelligence functions. In addition, he will manage the long-term relationship with other provincial, regional and federal government stakeholders to develop a “Team Ontario approach” for successful investment attraction. “Invest Ontario was created to support economic development, resiliency and job creation in Ontario through strategic business deals and capital investments,” says Trevor Dauphinee, CEO of Invest Ontario. “I am delighted to announce the strengthening of our leadership team today. In our first year, we have already had some significant successes, and I know that Khawar and Michael will bring their networks and expertise to ensure we are delivering the best for investors.” As the province’s principal agency for new and expanding businesses and investors, Invest Ontario is uniquely positioned to attract strategic companies and capital that help build a stronger and more resilient Ontario.

July 20, 2022

AutoMobil Podcast – Ontario, Canada: A location for the German car industry?

In the first of a two-outlet mini-series, HJ joins the AutoMobil podcast to discuss why the German auto industry should be considering Ontario for future investments.

Source: AutoMobil

July 13, 2022

Eastern Ontario, Canada joins province’s EV revolution with game-changing battery materials manufacturing investment

Umicore plans to make a $1.5 billion CAD investment to build a first of its kind industrial scale cathode and precursor materials manufacturing plant, in eastern Ontario, Canada.

Source: Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade

Eastern Ontario, Canada joins province’s EV revolution with game-changing battery materials manufacturing investment
Umicore plans to make a $1.5 billion CAD investment to build a first of its kind industrial scale cathode and precursor materials manufacturing plant, in eastern Ontario, Canada.
Umicore to build industrial scale battery materials manufacturing plant in Loyalist Township, first of its kind in North America KINGSTON, CANADA — Umicore plans to make a $1.5 billion CAD investment to build a first of its kind industrial scale cathode and precursor materials manufacturing plant, in eastern Ontario, Canada. This investment would support Ontario’s vision of building an end-to-end electric vehicle (EV) supply chain in the province and becoming a North American hub for building the cars of the future. Building the facility will provide employment for around 1,000 people in the construction phase and employment for several hundred in operations. Umicore N.V., a multinational circular materials technology company based in Belgium, will build a near-carbon-neutral facility in Loyalist Township to manufacture cathode active materials (AM) and precursor cathode active materials (pCAM). The components are critical in the production of EV batteries. The investment represents an important step forward on the path towards Ontario’s goal to develop a vertically integrated battery supply chain in the province able to support large-scale EV production in North America. Cathodes account for about 50% of the value of an EV battery and contain key critical minerals such as nickel, cobalt, manganese, and lithium. This historic investment in eastern Ontario would further connect Northern Ontario’s mineral sector to EV manufacturing in the south. Each component of the battery supply chain plays an important and interconnected role in the production of EVs. “Today is another perfect example that our plan to rebuild Ontario’s auto industry is gaining speed and will deliver huge wins for communities,” said Premier Doug Ford. “Ontario has everything it needs, up and down our homegrown supply chain, to remain and strengthen its position as a North American auto manufacturing powerhouse. Umicore plans to bring this part of the EV supply chain to Ontario which will continue to transform our auto sector and create good jobs.” At full production, the plant will produce annual cathode material volumes sufficient to manufacture batteries for one million battery-electric vehicles – almost 20 per cent of all North American EV production at the end of the decade. Umicore’s plant will leverage Ontario’s clean electricity system, that was more than 90% emissions-free in 2021. Ontario is also developing a clean energy credit (CEC) registry that will enable companies like Umicore to voluntarily purchase CECs to demonstrate that all of their electricity has been sourced from non-emitting resources. The Umicore plant would be the first of its kind industrial scale facility that combines production of precursor cathode active materials (pCAM) and cathode active materials at the same facility. Spanning about 350 acres, construction is targeted to begin in 2023 with operations planned for the end of 2025. “This important investment by Umicore will turn Ontario into a North American leader in this high-value segment of the EV supply chain and further connect Northern Ontario’s mineral sector to EV manufacturing in the south,” said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “With recent success attracting major investments to the province, our government is staking Ontario's claim to developing and building the batteries that will power vehicles of the future.” This investment in eastern Ontario accelerates the province’s 10-year vision for the Driving Prosperity ― The Future of Ontario’s Automotive Sector plan. Phase 2 of Driving Prosperity, announced in November 2021, demonstrates the government’s ongoing commitment to transforming the province’s automotive supply chain to build the cars of the future, including the production of hybrid and fully battery electric vehicles, EV battery and component production, and increasing exports of Ontario-made auto parts and innovations. This project is also strategically aligned with the government’s Critical Minerals Strategy announced in March 2022. This strategy will strengthen Ontario’s supply chains, attract new investment in the mining and manufacturing sectors, and build economic development opportunities for Indigenous partners. “Canada and Ontario have all it takes for Umicore to establish a full-fledged, sustainable supply chain for battery materials, all the way from the mine right to the end-market of electric vehicles. Once the key customer contracts are in place, this expansion in North America would complete our global rollout of regional supply chains for our automotive and battery cell customers to now three continents,” said Mathias Miedreich, CEO of Umicore. “Moreover, we are most grateful to the Canadian and Ontario governments for their support and for their readiness to co-fund this planned project. The facility will help Canada and Umicore in their shared objective of achieving a carbon-neutral battery supply chain.” Since 2020, Ontario has attracted nearly $14 billion in transformative automotive manufacturing investments, with upgrades and new technology for facilities across the province. This includes more than $11 billion in electric vehicle (EV) and EV battery investments.

May 2, 2022

Major Investments Secure Automotive Manufacturing Futures for Windsor and Brampton

Ontario is quickly becoming a leader in developing and building the car of the future by attracting a $3.6 billion investment from Stellantis in the automaker's Windsor and Brampton plants.

Source: Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade

Major Investments Secure Automotive Manufacturing Futures for Windsor and Brampton
Ontario is quickly becoming a leader in developing and building the car of the future by attracting a $3.6 billion investment from Stellantis in the automaker's Windsor and Brampton plants.
Province’s run of landmark investments continues as Stellantis to make Ontario, Canada a hub for building the car of the future through modernized assembly plants and new R&D centres WINDSOR – Ontario is quickly becoming a leader in developing and building the car of the future by attracting a $3.6 billion investment from Stellantis in the automaker’s Windsor and Brampton plants. These investments will accelerate the creation of one of the most vertically integrated electric vehicle supply chains in North America. Stellantis will retool and modernize the plants in Windsor and Brampton, converting them to flexible, multi-energy vehicle assembly facilities ready to produce the electric vehicles of the future. The company will also build two new research and development centres focusing on electric vehicles and EV battery technology. Stellantis will build a new, flexible, multi-energy vehicle assembly line at its Windsor plant. This strategic retooling will diversify the company’s capacity by introducing battery-electric or hybrid models to the production line to meet growing consumer demand for low-emissions vehicles. “These investments re-affirm our long-term commitment to Canada and represent an important step as we move toward zero-emission vehicles that deliver on our customers’ desire for innovative, clean, safe and affordable mobility,” said Mark Stewart, Chief Operating Officer, FCA – North America. “We’re grateful to both the Federal and Provincial governments for their shared vision to create a sustainable future. And to Unifor and our workforce for their support in helping ensure the viability of our Canadian operations for the long-term.” Stellantis will also modernize its Automotive Research and Development Centre in Windsor by expanding and building two Centres of Competency. The Electric Vehicle and Battery Pack Testing Centres of Competency will establish Ontario as a major R&D hub for the company across all stages of production – from design to development. In addition to R&D, the centres will provide major opportunities for local talent, universities, colleges, and start-ups to participate in the development of Ontario’s EV ecosystem. The hubs will be central to Stellantis’ R&D operations in North America and serve the company’s worldwide needs for technology, process and product development. At its Brampton Assembly Plant, Stellantis will install a flexible assembly line capable of producing battery-electric and hybrid vehicles. This overhaul will diversify the automaker’s capacity to meet growing consumer demand for low-emission vehicles. Stellantis is emerging as a trailblazer in creating an integrated supply chain and EV ecosystem in Ontario through EV assembly, cutting-edge R&D assets, and battery cell manufacturing. Its recent investments totaling almost $6 billion will help transform the province’s auto industry. This includes the company’s recently announced joint investment with LG Energy Solution, Ltd. of $5 billion to build Ontario’s first large-scale electric vehicle battery manufacturing plant in Windsor. Ontario continues to be a destination of choice for major investments due to its clean and competitive electricity network, reduction in red tape, and status as one of the top auto-producing jurisdictions in North America.

April 4, 2022

Ontario, Canada, secures another milestone auto investment

General Motors of Canada’s investment in Oshawa and Ingersoll plants secures Ontario’s place as a North American automotive hub.

Source: Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade

Ontario, Canada, secures another milestone auto investment
General Motors of Canada’s investment in Oshawa and Ingersoll plants secures Ontario’s place as a North American automotive hub.
Supporting General Motors of Canada’s investment in Oshawa and Ingersoll plants secures Ontario’s place as a North American automotive hub OSHAWA, CANADA — The Ontario government is supporting a more than $2 billion investment by General Motors of Canada Company with up to $259 million in grant support to transform the company’s Oshawa and CAMI manufacturing plants, as well as improvements across all of GM’s manufacturing and R&D facilities in the province. These investments will pave the way for GM’s first electric vehicle (EV) production line in Ontario in Ingersoll and the continuation of vehicle production in Oshawa, while ensuring the vehicles of the future are built in Ontario and sold across North America. “This vote of confidence by General Motors in Ontario is more proof that by attracting game-changing investments our government is securing our auto sector for the next generation of workers,” said Premier Doug Ford. “This investment will secure 2,600 jobs here in Oshawa and is a huge win for the people of Durham and Ontario’s auto sector. It shows once again that the cars of the future will be made right here in Ontario, by Ontario workers.” With support from the provincial and federal governments, GM Canada’s historic investment will add light-duty Chevy Silverado pickup production and a third shift at its Oshawa plant, creating more than 2,600 new, local jobs since operations resumed at the plant. The investment will also secure electric commercial vehicle production at the CAMI plant in Ingersoll, becoming GM’s designated EV hub for its new all-electric commercial vehicle brand BrightDrop, and the first full-scale electric vehicle production facility in Canada. The size and scope of this investment will accelerate the speed of Ontario’s 10-year vision for the Driving Prosperity ― The Future of Ontario’s Automotive Sector plan. Phase 2 of Driving Prosperity is an important part of the government’s plan to transform the province’s automotive supply chain to build the cars of the future, including the production of hybrid, battery electric vehicles, EV battery production and increasing exports of Ontario-made auto parts and innovations. “Ontario is proud to support GM’s major investment in their Oshawa and Ingersoll plants to manufacture the company’s next-generation models, including the new all-electric BrightDrop commercial vehicle,” said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “By reducing the cost of doing business in Ontario by nearly $7 billion annually, our government has created the right economic conditions to attract yet another historic investment that further positions Ontario as a North American leader in developing and building the cars of the future.” Through this game-changing investment, GM has deepened its commitment to Ontario and advanced Ontario’s drive to become one of the most vertically integrated automotive jurisdictions in North America. It will secure thousands of well-paying, high-quality jobs and manufacturing operations in Oshawa and Ingersoll for years to come while also bolstering the province’s presence in the EV space. Ontario’s top-quality manufacturing talent, clean and competitive electricity, access to investment-ready sites, and commitments to streamline the approvals process continue to make the province a destination for major investments.

March 31, 2022

Invest Ontario supports new biomanufacturing facility in Hamilton

Invest Ontario supports new biomanufacturing facility in Hamilton, Canada. Project with OmniaBio Inc. drives global leadership in cell and gene therapy.

Source: Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade

Invest Ontario supports new biomanufacturing facility in Hamilton
Invest Ontario supports new biomanufacturing facility in Hamilton, Canada. Project with OmniaBio Inc. drives global leadership in cell and gene therapy.
Project with OmniaBio Inc. drives global leadership in cell and gene therapy HAMILTON, CANADA – Invest Ontario is supporting OmniaBio Inc. in launching a new biomanufacturing facility that will catalyze Ontario life sciences jobs and innovation while advancing pioneering medicine with the potential to cure, not just treat, many forms of cancers, cardiovascular diseases, Parkinson’s and diabetes. OmniaBio, a Canadian cell and gene therapy contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO), will be the anchor tenant in a new biomanufacturing campus being built in Hamilton’s McMaster Innovation Park. Subject to reaching a definitive agreement, Invest Ontario will provide a loan of up to $40 million, contributing to an overall project investment of over $580 million, creating 250 jobs by 2031. Invest Ontario will also be providing non-financial support to OmniaBio, including helping the company meet its future talent needs and promoting opportunities to enhance local skills development partnerships. As a contract manufacturer, OmniaBio will support a broad range of cell and gene therapy companies – both homegrown and international – by providing process development and clinical/commercial production services in compliance with global health standards. The OmniaBio investment supports Ontario’s new Life Sciences Strategy that will advance the province’s leadership as a North American life sciences hub offering a collaborative ecosystem for the development, commercialization and adoption of innovative health products and services. OmniaBio is being spun out of the Toronto-based Centre for Commercialization of Regenerative Medicine (CCRM), a leader in developing and commercializing regenerative medicine-based technologies and cell and gene therapies. OmniaBio will build on CCRM’s existing global client base, with the project ultimately creating a six-fold increase in biomanufacturing capacity. Ontario’s life sciences sector is the largest in Canada (representing more than 50 per cent of related economic activity) and comprises about 1,900 firms employing around 66,000 people.

March 23, 2022

Ontario, Canada, secures largest auto investment in province’s history

LG Energy Solution and Stellantis investing in Ontario, Canada, for province’s first large-scale EV battery manufacturing plant.

Source: Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade

Ontario, Canada, secures largest auto investment in province’s history
LG Energy Solution and Stellantis investing in Ontario, Canada, for province’s first large-scale EV battery manufacturing plant.
LG Energy Solution and Stellantis investing in Windsor for province’s first large-scale EV battery manufacturing plant WINDSOR, CANADA – With the support of the Ontario, federal and municipal governments, LG Energy Solution and automaker Stellantis are joining forces to build the province’s first large-scale electric vehicle (EV) battery manufacturing plant. The joint venture between LG Energy Solution, Ltd. (LGES) and Stellantis N.V. will invest more than $5 billion CAD ( USD $4.1 billion) to build a facility in Windsor to manufacture batteries for EVs in Canada, representing the largest automotive manufacturing investment in the history of the province. This historic investment puts Ontario on a path to becoming one of the most vertically integrated automotive jurisdictions in the emerging North American EV market. The battery facility, with a production capacity of 45 gigawatt hours (GWh) that will supply Stellantis plants in the North American market, will employ an estimated 2,500 people. Construction activities are scheduled to begin later this year with production operations planned to launch in the first quarter of 2024. The facility will be fully operational by 2025. “Attracting this multi billion-dollar investment will secure Ontario’s place as a North American hub for building the cars and batteries of the future,” said Premier Doug Ford. “As we secure game-changing investments, we’re also connecting resources, industries and workers in northern Ontario with the manufacturing might of southern Ontario to build up home-grown supply chains. Every region of Ontario will benefit with thousands of jobs being created and a stronger economy that works for everyone.” This investment will accelerate Ontario’s 10-year vision for the Driving Prosperity ― The Future of Ontario’s Automotive Sector plan. Phase 2 of Driving Prosperity demonstrates the government’s commitment to transform the province’s automotive supply chain to build the cars of the future, including the production of hybrid and fully battery electric vehicles, EV battery and component production, and increasing exports of Ontario-made auto parts and innovations. Ontario’s top-quality manufacturing talent, clean and competitive electricity, access to investment-ready sites, and commitments to streamline the approvals process continue to make the province a destination for major investments, ensuring that everyone in Ontario benefits from the auto sector’s long-term growth and success. This game-changing investment helps secure the province’s position as a competitive player in the low-carbon economy of the future. Each component of the battery supply chain plays an important and interconnected role in the production of electric vehicles. Today’s investment will advance the province’s efforts at becoming a globally competitive, vertically integrated EV battery manufacturing jurisdiction. “Through our Driving Prosperity auto plan, strategic investments across our integrated supply chains, and by reducing the cost of doing business in Ontario by nearly $7 billion annually, our government is staking Ontario's claim as a leader in the emerging North American EV battery industry,” said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “By harnessing advanced manufacturing processes and emerging technologies, and leveraging the critical mineral wealth in Northern Ontario, our province has what it takes to develop and build the car of the future, and the batteries those cars need.”

March 16, 2022

Ontario, Canada, secures another game-changing auto investment

Landmark investment from Honda Canada secures thousands of jobs and moves Ontario one step closer to becoming a North American hub for building the cars of the future

Source: Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade

Ontario, Canada, secures another game-changing auto investment
Landmark investment from Honda Canada secures thousands of jobs and moves Ontario one step closer to becoming a North American hub for building the cars of the future
Landmark investment from Honda Canada secures thousands of jobs and moves Ontario one step closer to becoming a North American hub for building the cars of the future ALLISTON, CANADA – The Ontario government is supporting a historic investment by Honda of Canada Mfg. (HCM), a division of Honda Canada Inc., to upgrade and retool its plants in Alliston. Honda Canada’s nearly $1.4 billion investment, including $131.6 million in grant support from the province, will ensure next-generation vehicle models are built here in Ontario, by Ontario workers and sold across North America. “Our government has a plan to build the future of auto manufacturing right here in Ontario,” said Premier Doug Ford. “We’re attracting more skilled workers to fill critical jobs and connecting resources and industries in northern Ontario to the future of manufacturing electric and hybrid vehicles so that every region can enjoy the economic benefits of these game-changing investments. We are so pleased that Honda has made this investment in Ontario and know that the cars of the future will be built here in Alliston and all across Ontario for decades to come.” With support from the provincial and federal governments, Honda’s major investment will upgrade assembly lines to begin manufacturing hybrid models. Currently, Honda of Canada Mfg.’s vehicle and engine production facilities produce gas engine-based variants of the CR-V and Civic. This investment will accelerate Ontario’s 10-year vision for the Driving Prosperity ― The Future of Ontario’s Automotive Sector plan. Phase 2 of Driving Prosperity is an important part of the government’s plan to transform the province’s automotive supply chain to build the cars of the future, including the production of hybrid, battery electric vehicles, EV battery production and increasing exports of Ontario-made auto parts and innovations. “Ontario is proud to support Honda Canada’s major investment to retool its Alliston plant to manufacture the company’s next-generation models, including hybrid versions. Through Phase 2 of our Driving Prosperity plan we are focusing on transitioning Ontario’s automotive supply chain,” said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “By reducing the cost of doing business in Ontario by nearly $7 billion annually, our government has created the right economic conditions to attract yet another historic investment that further positions Ontario as a North American leader in developing and building the cars of the future.” Honda’s global electrification strategy includes targeting sales of 100 per cent zero-emission vehicles in North America by 2040 through an incremental plan over the next two decades. Pivoting to hybrid technologies and production will allow Honda of Canada Mfg. to continue its critical role in meeting that goal while strengthening Ontario’s capacity to produce in-demand next-generation vehicles. This historic investment will secure thousands of well-paying, high-quality jobs and manufacturing operations in Alliston for years to come while also bolstering the Ontario auto sector’s hybrid and EV transition. “This represents an important milestone for Honda as we move forward in our ambitious vision to make battery electric vehicles represent 100 per cent of our North America vehicle sales by 2040. HCM is home to a team of remarkably talented associates who build some of Honda’s most popular and fuel-efficient products,” said Jean Marc Leclerc, President and CEO of Honda Canada Inc. “This investment not only ensures our product and manufacturing competitiveness within Ontario, Canada and abroad, but also significantly bolsters our ongoing efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to help Canada attain its overall climate targets.”

March 1, 2022

Invest Ontario Appoints CEO

On behalf of Invest Ontario’s Board of Directors, Chair Elyse Allan announced the appointment of Trevor Dauphinee as Chief Executive Officer.

Source: Invest Ontario

Invest Ontario Appoints CEO
On behalf of Invest Ontario’s Board of Directors, Chair Elyse Allan announced the appointment of Trevor Dauphinee as Chief Executive Officer.
TORONTO, ONTARIO (MARCH 1, 2022) – On behalf of Invest Ontario’s Board of Directors, Chair Elyse Allan announced the appointment of Trevor Dauphinee as Chief Executive Officer. As the Agency’s CEO, Trevor will lead the team in targeting, attracting and securing high impact investments for Ontario. Invest Ontario is committed to delivering seamless, responsive services to current and potential investors that leverage the Province’s breadth of programs and depth of capabilities around talent, site selection, regulatory navigation and financing. “The Board is delighted that Trevor has accepted the role as the Agency’s founding CEO. Trevor's track-record of success in securing strategic investments, his collaborative approach to building partnerships and his commitment to client service excellence make him an excellent choice to lead Invest Ontario.” Trevor brings over 20 years of progressive experience leading sales and investment teams in both the private and public sectors. As the agency’s interim CEO since April 2021, Trevor established and operationalized the agency. He has led all aspects of investment attraction with the support of a growing team of business development, client service and research professionals. Previously, Trevor served as Assistant Deputy Minister at the Ontario Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade where he was instrumental in securing significant investment in the manufacturing, life sciences and technology sectors. He also held several roles at the province’s Treasury Board and Ministry of Infrastructure where he specialized in capital planning and developing social and health infrastructure. Trevor’s private sector experience includes more than a decade in the automotive, chemical and consulting sectors with significant sales and account management experience. Trevor received his MBA from the Rotman School of Management and a Bachelor of Arts degree from McGill University. He lives in Toronto with his wife and two daughters.

February 15, 2022

Ontario, Canada, invests in clean steelmaking technology to support future of auto sector

Ontario, Canada, invests in clean steelmaking technology to support sustainable auto sector.

Source: Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade

Ontario, Canada, invests in clean steelmaking technology to support future of auto sector
Ontario, Canada, invests in clean steelmaking technology to support sustainable auto sector.
Investment supports province’s steel industry supply chain, auto sector transformation through emerging technologies and reduction in greenhouse gas emissions HAMILTON, CANADA – ArcelorMittal Dofasco and the Ontario government are joining forces on a once-in-a-generation investment to transform the province into a world-leading producer of green steel that will boost the province’s robust auto parts supply chain and skilled workforce in communities with deep roots in steel manufacturing to help meet the global demand for low-carbon auto production. The approximately $1.8 billion project by ArcelorMittal Dofasco will see its Hamilton facility among the first of its global operations to replace coal-fed coke ovens and blast furnaces with new, low-emission technology. The move to a hydrogen-ready direct reduced iron-fed electric arc furnace (EAF) would take advantage of Ontario’s clean electricity supply to eliminate the use of coal and coke from ArcelorMittal Dofasco’s steelmaking process, which is one of the largest sources of greenhouse gas emissions in the province. The Government of Ontario is contributing up to $500 million in loan and grant support to the project, which will reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by about three million tonnes annually. The CO2 reduction is equivalent to taking almost one million cars off the road. The shift to “green steel” technology is critical as large automakers and other major manufacturers around the world look to reduce emissions along all their supply chains. Phase 2 of Driving Prosperity ― The Future of Ontario’s Automotive Sector, demonstrated the government’s commitment to transform the province’s automotive supply chain to build the cars of the future. That commitment includes supporting the shift to low-carbon steel production that will give Ontario a competitive advantage in attracting game-changing investments, create and retain skilled, local jobs for Ontario workers, and help the province meet its greenhouse gas emissions target by 2030. “Not only is this investment great news for the people of Hamilton, this is great news for people across the province as we take another step towards making Ontario a global innovation hub for building the car of the future,” said Premier Doug Ford. “By investing in innovative technologies, we’re strengthening our economy and protecting good local jobs for Ontario workers.” “Reducing ArcelorMittal’s CO2 emissions intensity worldwide by 25% by 2030 is an ambitious target for a steel and mining company; but we believe it is achievable and that it is our responsibility to invent or innovate the processes and technologies that will enable us to reach that goal,” said John Brett, CEO North America, ArcelorMittal. “As part of that, we understand that in the coming years, the assets used to make steel will undergo a transformation on a scale not seen for many decades.” “This investment puts us on a path to low-carbon, sustainable steel and is possible only through partnership with government,” said Ron Bedard President and CEO, ArcelorMittal Dofasco. “All options for the newest, most advanced technology that achieves maximum carbon reduction for steelmaking, enhanced product capability and quality, and advanced manufacturing employment opportunities were explored. Extensive benchmarking and modelling were also completed in preparing the ultimate plan for the sustainability of the environment, the company, employees, customers, and the community.” “From day one, our government’s plan has been to unleash Ontario’s economic potential and attract investment by making the province an attractive place to do business once again – and by lowering taxes, reducing electricity costs and red tape, we have reduced the cost of doing business in Ontario by nearly $7 billion a year,” said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “This exciting investment in innovative green-steel manufacturing with ArcelorMittal Dofasco will give automakers and other industries yet another reason to buy Ontario and hire Ontario workers when they look to transform their supply chain.” Ontario is home to one of the cleanest electricity grids in the world, with more than 90 per cent of the province’s electricity generation producing zero emissions. At the same time our government has made significant investments to reduce electricity prices for industrial customers, including through the Comprehensive Electricity Plan which has reduced costs by about 15 per cent. This investment in clean steel making will take advantage of that clean and now affordable electricity supply giving ArcelorMittal Dofasco a competitive advantage as businesses look to reduce emissions in their supply chain. “As companies like ArcelorMittal Dofasco make significant investments to electrify and reduce emissions, they do so knowing they can rely on Ontario’s clean and affordable electricity system giving them a competitive advantage,” said Todd Smith, Minister of Energy. “Our government is proud to support this expansion of clean steelmaking that will support local jobs in Hamilton. We will continue to build on our significant investments that have reversed the trend of skyrocketing electricity prices as we continue to make Ontario an even better place to do business.” In cooperation with the federal government, Ontario’s domestic steel industry and its customers, including major automotive, mining, energy, and construction companies, are working together to reduce the environmental impact of their operations and products. This investment will significantly reduce the province’s greenhouse gas emissions (helping move the province toward its 2030 target) and accelerate the province’s pivot to carbon-neutral manufacturing. Ontario’s investment will match the Government of Canada’s investment in the project, announced in July 2021. The goal is to have the project completed by 2028.

February 8, 2022

Ontario, Canada, invests in Windsor electric vehicle battery Innovation Lab

Ontario, Canada, invests in Windsor electric vehicle battery innovation lab. Project will strengthen province as a hub for tomorrow’s EV.

Source: Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade

Ontario, Canada, invests in Windsor electric vehicle battery Innovation Lab
Ontario, Canada, invests in Windsor electric vehicle battery innovation lab. Project will strengthen province as a hub for tomorrow’s EV.
Project will strengthen province as a hub for tomorrow’s EV WINDSOR, CANADA – The Ontario government is supporting an $18.5 million investment by auto parts manufacturer Ventra Group to help strengthen local manufacturing and Ontario’s automotive and domestic manufacturing sectors, while creating jobs, attracting investment to the local economy and supporting the province’s economic recovery. The province is investing $1.5 million through the Regional Development Program, which will help create 18 jobs. “Our government is making targeted investments in local manufacturers to help them create good local jobs,” said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “We thank Ventra Group for contributing to our province’s vibrant, innovative, and growing automotive sector. Investments like this one will help further develop Ontario’s EV battery supply chain and play a pivotal role in Phase 2 of our Driving Prosperity auto plan. Ventra Group is also making a significant impact on the Windsor regional economy by investing in Ontario’s talented workforce and creating the conditions for long-term economic growth.” Ventra Group, part of the Flex|N|Gate group of companies will invest $18.5 million to create the Flex-Ion Battery Innovation Centre. The company is building a pilot line to produce advanced lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles and will conduct basic product and manufacturing technology research and development. Collaborating with world-class local academic researchers and Ontario businesses in the growing zero-emission mobility and energy storage sectors, Ventra Group will assess, develop and optimize materials and performance in the commercialization of prototype batteries and emerging storage technologies, helping to ensure durable competitiveness. “The Flex-Ion Battery Innovation Centre marks a critical first milestone in our strategy to level up our next-generation battery design, material localization and manufacturing skills,” said Shahid Khan, Flex|N|Gate’s CEO, COO and President. “We are privileged and delighted that Ontario’s warm welcome and generous support has allowed us to create an Ontario-first ecosystem within the global markets for advanced traction batteries and battery manufacturing technologies.” In November, the government released Phase 2 of Driving Prosperity ― The Future of Ontario’s Automotive Sector. The next phase of the 10-year plan will help Ontario’s auto sector pivot to producing the automotive technologies of the future, including the next generation of electric vehicles and the electric batteries those vehicles need. Phase 2 positions Ontario as a North American leader in developing and building the vehicle of the future through emerging technologies and advanced manufacturing processes.

December 2, 2021

Ontario, Canada, launches flagship initiative to lead development of EV and smart transportation technologies

Ontario launches flagship initiative to lead development of EV and smart transportation technologies.

Source: Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade

Ontario, Canada, launches flagship initiative to lead development of EV and smart transportation technologies
Ontario launches flagship initiative to lead development of EV and smart transportation technologies.
Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network will help province attract investments in next-generation auto and mobility solutions MARKHAM, CANADA – The Ontario government has launched a flagship program to drive innovation and investment across Ontario’s electric, connected and autonomous vehicle sector. The $56.4 million investment in the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN) is part of Driving Prosperity ― The Future of Ontario’s Automotive Sector, the government’s plan to drive deals and secure production mandates for hybrid and electric vehicles, create a domestic battery ecosystem, and strengthen Ontario’s position as a North American automotive and electric vehicle (EV) innovation hub. At GM Canada’s Canadian Technical Centre (CTC) in Markham, Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade announced the province’s latest commitment to putting Ontario at the forefront of global demand for cleaner, safer, more sustainable transportation solutions. Delivered in partnership with the Ontario Centre for Innovation (OCI), OVIN is Ontario’s response to the rising global demand for EV and Connected and Autonomous Vehicle (CAV) technologies and infrastructure. Building on the success of previous programs that encourage partnerships between small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), industry, academia and municipalities – OVIN will help to strengthen Ontario’s auto industry and make the province more competitive for new investments in EV and CAV technologies. It will act as Ontario’s hub for the province-wide coordination of activities and resources related to EV and CAV research and commercialization. OVIN is anchored by six main objectives: Bridge Ontario’s technology and manufacturing clusters to support the growth of Ontario’s automotive sector. Advance the growth of regional clusters and world-class testing locations to drive the deployment, adoption, and piloting of smart mobility technologies across the province. Deliver ongoing support for SMEs in commercializing technologies, scaling-up, attracting investment, and accessing global markets. Strengthen Ontario’s automotive and mobility workforce and talent pipeline through skills development and training programs. Drive public education, research, analysis, thought leadership activities, and raise awareness of the opportunities for Ontario – and our global competitive advantages. Convene stakeholder groups, act as a bridge for collaborative partnerships, and serve as a concierge for new entrants into Ontario’s thriving ecosystem. Combined with the province’s $85 million investment in the previous Autonomous Vehicle Innovation Network (AVIN), Ontario’s total investment in this flagship initiative is almost $142 million. Bold new initiatives include: An R&D Partnership Fund stream focused on electric vehicle and battery technologies Regional Technology Development Sites, with a new site to be established in Northern Ontario An OVIN Demonstration Zone, that will support real-time, on-road demonstrations to help Ontario firms showcase made-in-Ontario technologies to potential customers A Talent Development Program expanded to help attract and develop world-leading talent in the EV and CAV sector. As a key element of the province’s Driving Prosperity Phase 2, OVIN will be the driving force behind the programming, province-wide coordination of activities and resources, and Ontario’s push to lead in the future of the automotive and mobility sector globally. Together, Driving Prosperity and OVIN will position Ontario as a leading jurisdiction for new investments in for EV, CAV, battery technology, critical minerals and advanced manufacturing – reinforcing Ontario as the manufacturing hub of Canada. “Together, OVIN and Driving Prosperity Phase 2 will support domestic parts producers, workers, and innovators across the province in responding to the global demand for electric and autonomous vehicles, and related technologies and infrastructure,” said Fedeli. “Right now across our province, over 300 businesses are already working on inventing the future of clean, connected transportation. Through OVIN, we’re continuing to invest in Ontario’s innovation ecosystem − making sure our innovators, entrepreneurs, and SMEs have the capital and support they need to bring Ontario-made EV and CAV solutions to the world.” Positioning Ontario as a leading jurisdiction for investment in electrified and less carbon-intensive transportation technology is also part of the province’s plan to meet emission reduction targets and build a stronger, more sustainable Ontario. “Ontario’s wheels are in motion to create a more sustainable future for the transportation sector. A critical pillar in our plan is strengthening Ontario’s position as an electric vehicle production hub, making these vehicles more accessible to drivers across the province,” said Caroline Mulroney, Minister of Transportation. “Our new flagship program will go a long way towards supporting our talented workforce, driving electric vehicle research and development, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.” “Ontario’s OVIN initiative will drive made-in-Ontario electric and low-carbon vehicle technology development through collaborations with our many partners to help transform the province’s auto tech sector to build safer, cleaner and more efficient transportation,” said Dr. Claudia Krywiak, President and CEO of Ontario Centre of Innovation.

December 1, 2021

Ontario, Canada, boosting electric vehicle charging availability

Ontario, Canada, boosting electric vehicle charging availability. Partnership building Electric vehicle chargers at all ONroute locations.

Source: Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade

Ontario, Canada, boosting electric vehicle charging availability
Ontario, Canada, boosting electric vehicle charging availability. Partnership building Electric vehicle chargers at all ONroute locations.
Partnership building Electric Vehicle chargers at all ONroute locations KING CITY, CANADA – Ontario is bringing electric vehicle (EV) fast chargers directly to the province’s busiest highways with the deployment of Ivy Charging Network chargers at all ONroute locations. Chargers at 17 ONroute locations will be open in time for next summer, with another three ONroute locations opening before the end of 2022. “Ontario is putting shovels in the ground to build critical infrastructure including highways,” said Todd Smith, Minister of Energy. “Our agreement with Ivy, ONroute and Canadian Tire to construct EV chargers at all of the province’s 23 ONroute stations is an important step forward, allowing EV owners to travel our great province with more freedom and confidence. This deployment will reduce barriers to EV ownership, supporting Ontario’s growing EV manufacturing market and critical minerals sector, and help achieve Ontario’s goal of building at least 400,000 electric and hybrid vehicles by 2030.” The deployment of charging infrastructure will see ONroute locations along highways 401 and 400 equipped with at least two EV chargers at each site, with busier sites equipped with more. The EV chargers will be available to all drivers on a pay per use basis and will serve all vehicle types. “With more electric vehicles coming onto our roads each year, it’s vital that drivers have the ability to conveniently charge their vehicles along the province’s busiest highways,” said Caroline Mulroney, Minister of Transportation. “In addition to building new highways that will alleviate congestion in Ontario, the installation of Ivy Charging Networks at all ONroute locations is a big step forward to support EV owners.” These chargers will further encourage the electrification of the transportation sector in Ontario by making EV charging more accessible, and as the EV population grows more chargers may be added at each site. The electrification of the province’s vehicles will continue to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by shifting away from gas-powered vehicles and utilizing Ontario’s 94 per cent emissions-free electricity supply. “I welcome the news on a further expansion of electric vehicle charging across the province. This joint venture signals Ontario’s continued efforts to drive down emissions in the province, while making electric vehicles more accessible to Ontarians,” said David Piccini, Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks. “Increased charging across Ontario ONroute locations means more opportunities for clean, green transportation in the future.” This initiative builds on the government’s Driving Prosperity: The Future of Ontario’s Automotive Sector plan to create a domestic EV battery ecosystem in the province and position Ontario as a North American automotive innovation hub, by working to support the continued pivot to electric, low-carbon, connected and autonomous vehicles. “The future of the automotive sector is shifting to electric vehicle production, and this critical announcement in partnership with Ivy, ONroute and Canadian Tire means that Ontario will have the infrastructure in place to support the shift to more EVs on our roads,” said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “Through the second phase of our Driving Prosperity plan, our government is preparing Ontario to be a world-leader in the transition to EVs by closing deals for new automaker mandates for hybrid and battery EVs, attracting a new battery assembly plant to the province and increasing exports of Ontario-made auto parts and innovations around the globe.”

November 17, 2021

Ontario, Canada, stakes its claim to compete for future auto sector investments

Phase 2 of Driving Prosperity plan will grow Ontario’s auto sector and secure new investments in electric vehicles and battery manufacturing

Source: Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade

Ontario, Canada, stakes its claim to compete for future auto sector investments
Phase 2 of Driving Prosperity plan will grow Ontario’s auto sector and secure new investments in electric vehicles and battery manufacturing
Phase 2 of Driving Prosperity plan will grow Ontario’s auto sector and secure new investments in electric vehicles and battery manufacturing GUELPH, CANADA – The Ontario government has released the next phase of its Auto Strategy to secure production mandates for hybrid and electric vehicles, to create a domestic battery ecosystem, and position Ontario as a North American automotive innovation hub. At Linamar in Guelph, Premier Doug Ford and Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, unveiled the province’s commitment to the future of Ontario’s auto sector in Phase 2 of Driving Prosperity ― The Future of Ontario’s Automotive Sector. Following the release of the first phase of the plan in 2019, this second phase will strengthen Ontario’s auto industry and make the province more competitive for new investments. New Initiatives in Phase 2 respond to the global demand for electric vehicles and will support domestic parts producers, workers, and innovators across the province. “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 Premier Doug 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!” Phase 1 of Driving Prosperity had three action pillars: competitive business climate, innovation, and talent. Phase 2 builds on the successes of the government’s partnership with the industry through Phase 1 and positions Ontario as a North American leader in developing and building the vehicle of the future through emerging technologies and advanced manufacturing processes. Driving Prosperity Phase 2 is anchored by the objective to maintain and grow Ontario’s auto sector by building at least 400,000 electric and hybrid vehicles by 2030. The province will partner with the auto sector to achieve four goals: 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 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 auto industry responded to the three pillars in Phase 1 by accelerating its shift towards next-generation vehicle technologies. Recent announcements show automakers are investing around $4 billion in transformative electric vehicle investments at their Ontario assembly plants, including: Ford with $1.8 billion to produce battery EVs and five new EV models at its Oakville assembly complex; Stellantis with $1.5 billion to upgrade its assembly plant in Windsor to build new electrified vehicles; and GM investing $1 billion in its plant in Ingersoll to produce their BrightDrop EV delivery van, the first all-electric vehicle produced by a mainstream automaker in Canada. By capitalizing on Ontario’s numerous advantages in the auto sector — innovation, award-winning manufacturing, state-of-the-art research and development facilities, a skilled workforce, a leading tech cluster in North America, and access to key minerals and resources — the province will continue to transform and grow the auto sector. This will provide good jobs for workers and support for their families and communities. “ Phase 2 of Driving Prosperity, together with programs like the Regional Development Fund, will have a real impact on regional economies across Ontario,” said Fedeli. “ Phase 2 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 2 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.” By lowering taxes, reducing electricity costs and red tape, the government has reduced the cost of doing business in Ontario by nearly $7 billion a year. These measures continue to lay the foundation to ensure that the auto sector is successful, competitive, and ready to meet shifting global demand.

October 26, 2021

Fortifying Cyberspace: How Innovative Companies from Ontario, Canada are Protecting Against Cyber Attacks

In their op-ed for DOT Magazine, Kathrin Seitz, Ontario’s representative in Germany, and Philipp Kornitzky, Senior Account Executive for the Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, discuss the province’s robust cybersecurity ecosystem, and the opportunities the growing industry presents.

Source: DOT Magazine

October 14, 2021

Unleashing Ontario - Fall 2021

Unleashing Ontario is an official economic development newsletter from the Ontario Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade.

October 7, 2021

Your Future in Ontario: A Roadmap for Innovation and Collaboration at the Heart of North American Markets

In his feature article, Minister Fedeli sets out how Ontario is working proactively across industry sectors as forward-looking companies position for long-term growth in an economy shaped by technological disruption and the need for environmental sustainability.

Source: Trade & Industry Development Magazine

August 18, 2021

Ontario and Michigan Partnering on Cross-Border Transportation Technologies

Ontario and Michigan partnering on cross-border transportation technologies. Projects will help people and goods move safely and efficiently across the border by land, air and water.

Source: Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade

Ontario and Michigan Partnering on Cross-Border Transportation Technologies
Ontario and Michigan partnering on cross-border transportation technologies. Projects will help people and goods move safely and efficiently across the border by land, air and water.
Cross-border testing environment will spur technology innovations and transportation solutions, enhancing crossings by land, air and water TORONTO, CANADA – Ontario and Michigan are expanding their longstanding collaboration through a new partnership to advance automotive, transportation and mobility technologies to help people and goods move safely and efficiently across the border by land, air and water. The Ontario government, through Ontario’s Autonomous Vehicle Innovation Network (AVIN), and the State of Michigan, through the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to explore the implementation of a cross-border testing environment that will further support the commercialization and adoption of auto and transportation technologies in Ontario. Goals of the collaboration include: Identifying the potential economic, social and environmental benefits from increased collaboration in automotive and transportation technologies between Ontario and Michigan. Identifying issues and challenges for both people and goods related to specific types of border crossing (by land, air and water) and how transportation technologies could offer solutions. Exploring the regulatory and policy considerations involved. Developing a roadmap for implementation, including steps to establish cross-border pilots for transportation technologies. Combined, Ontario and Michigan are responsible for about 22 per cent of North America’s automotive output. The state and province share a highly integrated automotive supply chain, with vehicle parts crossing the border several times before rolling off the assembly line in finished vehicles. In addition, many companies operate on both sides of the border, with engineering expertise and technology innovation shared between the two autotech hubs. As a first action under the new MOU, a joint Request for Proposals (RFP) is now underway to study and analyze the economic potential of expanded border capacity and other benefits that can be achieved by leveraging advanced automotive and smart mobility solutions at international border crossings. The closing date for RFP submissions is September 13, 2021. For further information, please visit AVIN’s RFP page or MDOT’s eProposal site.

March 19, 2021

Ontario, Canada Appoints Board of Directors for Province’s new Investment Attraction Agency Invest Ontario

The Ontario government has appointed the first members to the Board of Directors of Invest Ontario, the new provincial agency focused on promoting the province as a key investment destination.

Source: Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade

Ontario, Canada Appoints Board of Directors for Province’s new Investment Attraction Agency Invest Ontario
The Ontario government has appointed the first members to the Board of Directors of Invest Ontario, the new provincial agency focused on promoting the province as a key investment destination.
New agency will position Ontario as a top-tier destination for investment TORONTO, CANADA — The Ontario government has appointed the first members to the Board of Directors of Invest Ontario, the new provincial agency focused on promoting the province as key investment destination. The board will lead the new agency and will report to Vic Fedeli, Ontario’s Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade and will advise on key opportunities to showcase the province’s unique value propositions in an increasingly competitive global marketplace. Heading the agency as Chair is Elyse Allan, an accomplished executive with experience in driving growth, technology and innovation. Board members Anna Barrett, Janet Ecker, Ernie Eves, Cecil Hawkins, Andrew MacLeod, Joseph S. Mancinelli, Gadi Mayman, Carmine Nigro, Ajay Virmani and James Wallace will bring extensive experience and expertise in advanced manufacturing, technology and life science sectors that serve as initial areas of focus for the agency. “Now more than ever, it's critical to position Ontario as a top-tier destination for investment. A key measure to support this objective is the creation of a new investment attraction agency, Invest Ontario,” said Minister Fedeli. “Invest Ontario will be supported by a team of business development executives who bring a private-sector approach to attracting large-scale, high-quality investments to help drive our economy forward and cement our position as the economic engine of Canada.” Invest Ontario will include greater business development and deal structuring expertise and build on the many benefits of investing in Ontario, including: a good quality of life, a highly skilled talent pool, a strong and growing innovation sector, and a pro-job creation jurisdiction that can help businesses thrive. “Ontario offers a wealth of opportunities for investors and businesses looking to grow. Our talented workforce, leading postsecondary institutions, strong innovation and manufacturing sectors and business-friendly climate are just a few of the attributes that make our province highly attractive,” said Elyse Allan, Board Chair of Invest Ontario. “Invest Ontario will promote these qualities and provide an all-in-one experience to prospective global investors that results in finding and closing the best deals to bring value and opportunity to the province.” Invest Ontario will promote the province as a key investment destination, making Ontario more competitive while sending a strong signal to investors that the province is open for business. It will be a “one stop shop” for businesses and investors. It will move at the speed of business and drive greater economic growth, support strategic domestic firms, and attract business from around the world to create good jobs in Ontario.

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