Government of Canada supports electric vehicle (EV) sector in Niagara Region

From: Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario

News release

Regional Municipality of Niagara to receive a $300,000-Government of Canada investment to support growth of Niagara’s EV sector

August 30, 2023  –  Thorold, ON

The automotive industry in Ontario is a pillar of Canada’s economy and provides thousands of jobs for workers and their families. Our country is committed to reducing our carbon footprint. As we move toward more sustainable solutions, southern Ontario has emerged as a prominent hub for automotive manufacturing and innovation, specifically in the electric vehicle (EV) sector. The Government of Canada is supporting our manufacturers as they adopt more sustainable processes and technologies, increase their production capabilities, and create good jobs for Canadians. This funding will create opportunities for workers in the EV sector across Niagara so they can reach their full potential and create endless possibilities for southern Ontario and Canada.

Today, the Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), along with Vance Badawey, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Indigenous Services and Member of Parliament for Niagara Centre, and Chris Bittle, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Member of Parliament for St. Catharines, announced a $300,000-investment that will be delivered by the Regional Municipality of Niagara (Niagara Region) to accelerate the growth of the EV sector in the Niagara region.

With this investment, Niagara Region will develop an EV strategy with support from an EV battery specialist. This new strategy will focus on building partnerships, developing the infrastructure needed,  connecting industry leaders and post-secondary institutions, and enabling Niagara Region representation at industry events. This investment is expected to support over 50 regional businesses and organizations and establish up to five new partnerships to ensure that the region has the opportunity to contribute to this growing and important sector.

Southern Ontario’s automotive industry is the engine that drives our country forward. Today, the Government of Canada is investing in the businesses, organizations, and people that make it run. This announcement builds on our commitment to grow the EV sectors across southern Ontario. Earlier this summer, we made similar announcements in London and Windsor. These key regions are important hubs for this industry, and these investments ensure you can meet the growing demands and strengthen Canada’s domestic EV supply chain.

Quotes

"The Regional Municipality of Niagara is bringing together the right people and organizations to strengthen and grow the EV sector in Niagara. Strategic investments like this one are positioning local communities in southern Ontario for a thriving future in the electric vehicle sector while also creating good local jobs that will benefit Canadians for years to come.”
- The Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario

"Today's announcement brings great news for the EV sector in the Niagara region, positioning the region and local companies to have the resources, tools and support they need to capture new opportunities in EV sector and attract and keep talent."
- Vance Badawey, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Indigenous Services and Member of Parliament for Niagara Centre

“Today's announcement brings great news for the Niagara region, as it not only supports over 50 local businesses and organizations, but also represents a significant step towards supporting a greener future for southern Ontario.”
- Chris Bittle, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Member of Parliament for St. Catharines 

“Today's announcement accelerates Niagara's economy, aligning with our 10-year Economic Development Strategy and propelling our prominence in the EV/Mobility sector. With the support of our Federal government, we are driving sustainable growth, echoing Ontario's automotive innovation drive.”
- Jim Bradley, Regional Chair, Regional Municipality of Niagara 

“We appreciate the support from our federal partners, positioning Niagara into a significant role within the EV/Mobility sector. This investment underscores our commitment to innovation and a sustainable future.”
- George Spezza, Director of Economic Development, Regional Municipality of Niagara

Quick facts

  • Established in 1970, the Regional Municipality of Niagara provides effective, innovative services that encourage investment in and travel to the region, along with business support services to attract, maintain, and increase jobs in Niagara. 

  • On July 19, FedDev Ontario announced a $200,000-investment for Invest WindsorEssex (IWE) to support the long-term growth of the EV sector in the Windsor-Essex region.

  • On July 12, FedDev Ontario announced a $300,000-investment for a pilot project for the London Economic Development Corporation (LEDC) to support the long-term growth of the EV sector in the London Region.

  • Since 2015, FedDev Ontario has invested more than $41.5 million in 12 EV projects, creating and maintaining more than 400 jobs.

  • Since 2015, the Government of Canada, through FedDev Ontario, has invested over $110 million in more than 140 projects in Niagara, estimated to create over 2,000 jobs and maintain  almost 4,000 jobs.

Associated links

Contacts

Edward Hutchinson
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario
Edward.Hutchinson@feddevontario.gc.ca

Media Relations
FedDev Ontario
feddevontariomediarelations-relationsmedias@feddevontario.gc.ca

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