The Canadian Automotive Partnership Council (CAPC) held a meeting on March 20 to discuss current challenges facing the industry as it braces for another potential round of U.S. tariffs in early April.
CAPC is an industry-led organization aimed at addressing key competitiveness issues facing the Canadian auto sector. Membership includes the CEOs of Canada’s five automotive assemblers, leaders of Canada’s leading parts suppliers, representatives from the battery manufacturing sector, and representatives from labour, academia, aftermarket and the Canadian Automobile Dealers Association (CADA).
“Members outlined the ways in which tariffs stand to disrupt supply chains and vehicle assembly, jeopardizing an efficient industry that supports over 1 million jobs across Canada and the U.S. and ultimately hurting consumers,” said CAPC in its update. “Members also emphasized that Canada-U.S. trade is balanced, with the U.S. importing US$53 billion worth of motor vehicles and parts from Canada, while U.S. domestic exports to Canada totalled US$55 billion in 2024.”
The meeting was chaired by Rob Wildeboer, the Executive Chairman of Martinrea International, and Jean Marc Leclerc, President and CEO of Honda Canada — both Co-Chairs of CAPC. The meeting also provided an opportunity for the organization to introduce members to the federal government’s incoming Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry: Anita Anand.
“The recent tariffs imposed by the United States on Canadian products are unjustified and will have an impact on both sides of the border,” she said in a statement.
