Canadian companies receive $11.5 million to develop technologies for cars of the future

Up to 80 highly skilled jobs to be created in B.C., Ontario and Quebec

MISSISSAUGA, ON, June 2, 2017 /CNW/ - Up to 80 automotive sector jobs will be created in British Columbia, Ontario and Quebec as a result of a Government of Canada investment announced today by the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development.

The funding of up to $11.5 million for six new projects will support the development of lighter, more fuel-efficient cars that produce less air pollution and emit fewer greenhouse gases that cause climate change.

Minister Bains made the announcement at Datec Coating Corporation in Mississauga, Ontario. Datec, which supplies heating solutions to the automotive sector, will receive a contribution of up to $1.3 million to develop technologies that will improve heating management systems for vehicle cabins, lithium-ion batteries and engine fluids. These technologies will maximize the performance of electric and hybrid cars and make them more fuel efficient.

The other companies receiving funding are:

• Tyromer Inc. in Windsor, Ontario (up to $3.4 million), which is using recycled scrap rubber to seal car windows and doors.
• Eurospec Manufacturing Inc. in Newmarket, Ontario (up to $1.7 million), which is developing a best-in-class automotive seat adjustment mechanism.
• Loop Energy Inc. in Burnaby, British Columbia (up to $787,000), which is developing a fuel cell that will generate more power.
• TM4 Inc. in Boucherville, Quebec (up to $4 million), which is developing a low-cost, high-performance electric engine for light trucks.
• Advanced Technology Emission Solutions Inc. in Hamilton, Ontario (up to $272,000), which is developing a catalytic converter designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from car tailpipes.

The funding is being allocated through the Automotive Supplier Innovation Program, which supports research and development activities by companies that provide components, parts and production systems for the cars of the future. This investment is part of the Government of Canada's Innovation and Skills Plan, which aims to make this country a global centre for innovation?one that drives economic growth and leads to better skills, jobs and opportunities for all Canadians.

Quote

"If Canada is to succeed in making the cars of the future, we must embrace greener, more sustainable technologies. The advanced research and development projects that give rise to these technologies create the well-paying middle-class jobs of the future and challenge today's auto workers to enhance their skill set. By having a workforce with skills that are in demand and the technologies that will shape the future of the industry, Canada's auto sector can secure its place in the global supply chain of tomorrow."
? The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development

Quick facts

• The automotive sector is one of Canada's largest manufacturing industries, producing more than 2 million vehicles a year. That translates to roughly one car being manufactured every 14 seconds.
• The auto sector employs more than 500,000 Canadians directly and indirectly. The sector creates more spinoff jobs than any other. For every job created on an automotive assembly line, six jobs are created in various other sectors of Canada's economy.
• This sector contributes $18 billion to the Canadian economy.
• The Automotive Supplier Innovation Program supports research and development activities by companies that provide components, parts and production systems for the cars of the future. The program provides firms with new opportunities to participate in global supply chains.
• Canada is home to approximately 700 suppliers of automotive components and hundreds more suppliers from other industries, such as information and communications technologies.

Follow Minister Bains on Twitter: @MinisterISED

SOURCE Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada