The federal government is investing $8 million for the Ontario Centre of Innovation, through the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network, to create two live-environment piloting sites.
Officials announced the pilot program on Thursday at the 2024 Canadian International AutoShow.
The live-environment piloting sites will support the development and commercialization of new transportation technologies and innovative solutions in southern Ontario.
In Windsor/Sarnia, the focus will be on cross-border efficiencies and multi-modal transportation challenges.
The Toronto hub will focus on urban transportation needs like the required EV charging network and accessibility needs.
Officials say these live-testing sites will act as a launch pad for over 40 small and medium-sized enterprises as they pilot and commercialize over 40 new technologies, predominantly within the Zero Emission Vehicles and Connected and Autonomous Vehicle space.
The Technology Pilot Zones not only aim to fill a gap in Canada’s market for those vehicles, but to also break down the high barriers to entry and facilitate technology piloting in real-world environments.
The project will also create and maintain 345 jobs and contribute to Canada’s goal of reaching net zero emissions by 2050 through the deployment of cleaner and more efficient technologies.
Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario, says it’s all about preparing for what’s next when it comes to electric vehicles.
“It’s really to ensure that we are providing the support needed for the innovation in the EV space. So a very exciting announcement at the Canadian International AutoShow and really this is about looking to the future,” she said.
Tassi says there is an opportunity in the EV space to really demonstrate the ability and people that Canada has, especially given the unprecedented foreign investment the country is attracting.
“In order to build up this space. You know, Windsor with Stellantis and the EV battery plant, but also St. Thomas and Volkswagen. Really supporting that space, and growth. We want to ensure that we are providing opportunities for small and medium sized businesses to commercialize products.”
She says making sure research is being done in Canada is so important, and much preferred as opposed to relying on another country to provide that data.
Tassi says the government is looking to ensure that every opportunity is seized, not only for the main investments, but also those that help to create an end-to-end supply chain in this country.
“We want Stellantis for example to be looking right next door at various products. And so this is another example of really looking to the future and saying we recognize that we are creating a space here in southern Ontario that is really going to attract, I think, the attention of the world in the EV space,” she said.
Tassi concluded by saying the federal government is committed to supporting innovators as they evolve, adopt more sustainable practices like EV technologies, and create good jobs for Canadians.
– with files from AM800’s The Shift with Patty Handysides
TORONTO – Canada’s main stock index was up more than 100 points in late-morning trading, helped by strength in base metal and utility stocks, while U.S. stock markets were mixed.
The S&P/TSX composite index was up 103.40 points at 24,542.48.
In New York, the Dow Jones industrial average was up 192.31 points at 42,932.73. The S&P 500 index was up 7.14 points at 5,822.40, while the Nasdaq composite was down 9.03 points at 18,306.56.
The Canadian dollar traded for 72.61 cents US compared with 72.44 cents US on Tuesday.
The November crude oil contract was down 71 cents at US$69.87 per barrel and the November natural gas contract was down eight cents at US$2.42 per mmBTU.
The December gold contract was up US$7.20 at US$2,686.10 an ounce and the December copper contract was up a penny at US$4.35 a pound.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 16, 2024.
TORONTO – Canada’s main stock index was up more than 200 points in late-morning trading, while U.S. stock markets were also headed higher.
The S&P/TSX composite index was up 205.86 points at 24,508.12.
In New York, the Dow Jones industrial average was up 336.62 points at 42,790.74. The S&P 500 index was up 34.19 points at 5,814.24, while the Nasdaq composite was up 60.27 points at 18.342.32.
The Canadian dollar traded for 72.61 cents US compared with 72.71 cents US on Thursday.
The November crude oil contract was down 15 cents at US$75.70 per barrel and the November natural gas contract was down two cents at US$2.65 per mmBTU.
The December gold contract was down US$29.60 at US$2,668.90 an ounce and the December copper contract was up four cents at US$4.47 a pound.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 11, 2024.
TORONTO – Canada’s main stock index was little changed in late-morning trading as the financial sector fell, but energy and base metal stocks moved higher.
The S&P/TSX composite index was up 0.05 of a point at 24,224.95.
In New York, the Dow Jones industrial average was down 94.31 points at 42,417.69. The S&P 500 index was down 10.91 points at 5,781.13, while the Nasdaq composite was down 29.59 points at 18,262.03.
The Canadian dollar traded for 72.71 cents US compared with 73.05 cents US on Wednesday.
The November crude oil contract was up US$1.69 at US$74.93 per barrel and the November natural gas contract was up a penny at US$2.67 per mmBTU.
The December gold contract was up US$14.70 at US$2,640.70 an ounce and the December copper contract was up two cents at US$4.42 a pound.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 10, 2024.
