Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced his intention to provide the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) with up to $9.46 million in funding, according to a government news release.
The donation is meant to enhance the UOIT’s Automotive Centre of Excellence in Oshawa, in addition to creating new research and development jobs in the auto sector. The overall project is estimated to cost $12.5 million.
“We’re taking action to support our Canadian workers throughout the auto sector. This project is great news for Oshawa and for Ontarians. It will create good, well-paying jobs in the region and help keep our industry competitive on the world stage,” said Trudeau. “With a skilled workforce, world-renowned companies, and leading-edge research, Canada’s auto sector is well positioned to create the vehicles of the future — ones that will be both safer and more efficient.”
The political drama surrounding NAFTA, in which the U.S. is tempted to move forward with a bilateral deal with Mexico, and Canada aims to maintain its footing in a revised agreement, has led representatives in the Canadian auto industry to put pressure on the government. This latest announcement from Trudeau is likely meant to reassure autoworkers that they, along with the industry’s wellbeing, have not been ignored.
The Government of Canada’s investment is expected to help pave the way for new training opportunities, promote research and development, and “encourage the advancement of cleaner and safer technologies,” according to the news release.
“It will further enhance the Automotive Centre of Excellence’s capacity to support Canadian economic growth and competitiveness, decrease time-to-market for new automotive products, and keep industry partners and jobs right here in Canada,” said Dr. Steven Murphy, President and Vice-Chancellor, University of Ontario Institute of Technology.
NAFTA talks begin on Wednesday, following a short pause in which the U.S. and Canada failed to reach an agreement before Labour Day weekend.
