The Canadian Automotive Partnership Council (CAPC) is calling for greater stability in Canada-U.S. trade as the automotive industry contends with tariffs and uncertainty over future investment.
CAPC members met in Toronto on Sept. 9 with federal Industry Minister Mélanie Joly and Ontario Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade Minister Victor Fedeli. The meeting brought together representatives from automakers, suppliers and other parts of the automotive sector to discuss competitiveness and the effects of U.S. tariffs.
The council emphasized the integrated nature of the North American automotive industry and said greater certainty and predictability are important for manufacturers and suppliers making long-term production and investment decisions.
Discussions also covered support for automotive investment, maintaining a skilled workforce, assistance for businesses affected by tariffs and keeping Canada attractive for vehicle production.
“Today’s discussion reinforced the significant challenges facing Canada’s automotive industry as a result of ongoing trade uncertainty and U.S. tariffs,” CAPC Chair Rob Wildeboer said in the council’s release. “Industry is committed to working closely with governments to address immediate pressures while maintaining a focus on long-term competitiveness to secure the future of Canada’s automotive industry and the thousands of jobs it supports.”
Joly said Ottawa has already taken action through the Automotive Strategy launched in February and will continue working with industry. Fedeli pointed to Ontario’s $30-billion tariff relief plan as part of the province’s response.
CAPC said a competitive Canadian auto sector depends on stable U.S. trade relations, strong domestic investment conditions and continued co-operation between governments and industry. The council plans to continue discussions with governments on immediate tariff pressures and the sector’s longer-term competitiveness.
While the meeting focused heavily on manufacturing and investment, decisions affecting Canadian vehicle production and cross-border trade can have implications further down the automotive value chain.
