Canadian Automotive Partnership Council Proposes Strategic Board Uniting Industry and Government

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Nov. 24, 2014) - The Canadian Automotive Partnership Council (CAPC) met in Toronto today to discuss key factors affecting the success of the Canadian automotive industry. The meeting focused on updates and progress since the issue of last year's report, A Call for Action: II, and highlighted tactics to sustain and develop the competitiveness of the industry in Canada. In particular, CAPC proposed establishing an automotive advisory board that would unite industry and government in efforts to compete for new investment.

"Members of CAPC are united in their commitment to ensuring the auto industry continues to provide high-quality jobs for Canadians and stimulus for economic growth," said Don Walker, CAPC Chair and CEO of Magna International Inc. "Similar to the model we have seen in other successful jurisdictions, the proposed automotive advisory board could be a strategic partnership of private and public sector influencers who can mobilize to advance the clear and achievable path we laid out in 2013."

Discussions at today's meeting confirmed Canada's competitive strengths and emphasized the important role of automotive manufacturing in Canada. However, the discussion also focused on factors that could undermine the strengths of the sector, including aggressive steps being taken by competitor jurisdictions that are proving effective at attracting new investment. This highlights the need for industry and government to continue to work together to support Canada in securing increased investment. Today's report includes a series of recommendations, including the creation of a CAPC automotive advisory board to bolster Canada's competitiveness.

"Canada's automotive industry is a key pillar of our national economy," said Industry Minister James Moore. "The Government of Canada looks forward to continuing its strong relationship with the Canadian Automotive Partnership Council as we work together to strengthen investment in Canada's auto sector. We are confident that Canada's suite of policies and reputation as a world-leading automaker will persuade more companies to continue to expand in Canada. Canada is a great place to build cars."

The discussion also highlighted the strengths and challenges of Canada's large supplier base. Innovation in the supply chain will be a key determinant of Canada's future competitiveness and an important aspect of investment attraction.

"The auto sector has been and continues to be a leading force in Ontario's economy," said the Honourable Brad Duguid, Ontario Minister of Economic Development, Employment and Infrastructure. "Our government has partnered with the auto sector more than any other government in our history, which demonstrates our willingness and determination to foster investment in innovation, develop a highly skilled workforce and create well-paying jobs. Today's discussion is a prime example of how the Ontario government is working with industry to ensure the province continues to be a global automotive leader."

The Canadian Automotive Partnership Council is an industry-led organization whose mandate is to address the key competitive issues facing the Canadian automotive industry. Membership includes the CEOs of Canada's five automotive assemblers, the CEOs of Canada's leading parts suppliers, representatives of industry associations, the President of Unifor, the President of the University of Windsor, and provincial and federal ministers responsible for industry.

The report and recommendations from today's meeting were prepared by the CAPC Competitiveness Committee, co-chaired by Ray Tanguay, Chairman of Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada Inc., and Rob Wildeboer, Executive Chairman of Martinrea International Inc.