General Motors announced an investment of more than $2-billion to create jobs and increase electric vehicle production in Ontario, a plan backed by funding by the Ontario and the federal government of up to $259 million each.
The announcement took place at the GM Plant in Oshawa, Ont., on Monday morning. The funding also goes to GM’s Ingersoll, Ont., CAMI plant which will manufacture electric commercial vans.
“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,” Premier Doug Ford said.
“It shows once again that the cars of the future will be made right here in Ontario, by Ontario workers,” Ford added.
The investment is aimed at supporting vehicle assembly, engine manufacturing, research and development, and vehicle testing.
“We will convert our Ingersoll operation to become Ontario’s very first full-scale electric vehicle manufacturing plant with production to begin before the end of this year,” Steve Carlisle said the GM Executive Vice President and President North America.
Scott Bell, GM’s Global Chevrolet Vice president, said that with this investment, “Oshawa will become the only plant producing both heavy-duty and light-duty pickup, which positions us very well for optimal flexibility as we meet strong North American demand for our great product.”
“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,” said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade.
Over the past few years, the auto sector got $12-billion in new investments, including $4-billion in Ontario, Premier Ford said.
“We are cementing Ontario’s place as the second-largest automotive jurisdiction in North America. And that is a big thing,” said François-Philippe Champagne, the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry.
“We are going to make sure that we have our place for generations to come. Today proves that the Canadian auto sector is here for the long term. That means more jobs, more economic growth, and certainly more vehicles,” he added.
Champagne said that 50 percent of the new jobs that this investment will create will go to female workers.
“I say to all of you today, let’s seize the moment. Let’s be ambitious. And let’s make sure that the car of the future builds right here in Canada for the future,” Champagne said.