Feds investing $5M for first made-in-Canada electric vehicle

Orilliamatters.com
Aug. 13, 2021

The government of Canada is investing in the first made-in-Canada electric vehicle, Minister Deb Schulte announced in Woodbridge this week.

Minister of Seniors and MP for King-Vaughan announced that the federal government is investing $5 million in the Automotive Parts Manufacturers' Association (APMA) for Project Arrow.

The project is aimed at building the first Canadian-made, zero-emission concept vehicle.

“Cutting transportation emissions is one of the most achievable and beneficial steps Canada can take to reach net-zero emissions by 2050,” Schulte said. “Today’s investment showcases the advanced skills of the Canadian automotive and digital technology sectors, and puts southern Ontario at the forefront of technology development for zero emission and connected and autonomous vehicles. Canada can compete on the global stage and win.”

The investment is coming from the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario).

APMA, which was founded in 1952, represents producers of parts, equipment, tools, advanced technology and services in southern Ontario.

They will use their industry connections to facilitate the electric vehicle project.

“Today’s announcement is great news for the future of our region and country. Organizations like APMA are putting southern Ontario manufacturers at the forefront of the shift in the automotive manufacturing sector and are leading the way to help create a robust electric vehicle supply chain in Canada, increasing our domestic electric vehicle development capacity,” said Francesco Sorbara, MP for Vaughan-Woodbridge.

The investment from FedDev Ontario will also support 80 jobs, at least 40 automotive suppliers and technology firms, and leverage further funding and investments.