STRENGTHENING THE COMPETITIVENESS AND RESILIENCY OF CANADA'S AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY

TORONTO, Sept. 10, 2026 /CNW/ -- The Canadian Automotive Partnership Council (CAPC) met on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, in Toronto to discuss challenges facing Canada's automotive industry and potential actions needed to strengthen the sector's long-term competitiveness.

CAPC members were joined by the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry (Government of Canada), and the Honourable Victor Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade (Government of Ontario). The meeting was chaired by Dave Jamieson, President and CEO at Honda Canada Inc.

Members discussed challenges posed by U.S. tariffs to Canada's automotive industry. Members emphasized the highly integrated nature of the North American automotive industry and the importance of restoring greater certainty and predictability for manufacturers and suppliers operating across the region. Members highlighted the importance of maintaining Canada's competitiveness as automotive companies make long-term production and investment decisions in an increasingly challenging global environment.

Members also provided feedback on the measures required to support the sector through the current period of uncertainty and to strengthen its long-term competitiveness. The discussion included the importance of supporting automotive investment, maintaining a skilled workforce, assisting businesses affected by tariffs, and ensuring that Canada remains an attractive location for automotive production.

In closing, members reiterated that a competitive and successful Canadian automotive industry depends on a stable trading relationship with the United States, strong domestic investment conditions, and continued cooperation among governments and industry.

CAPC will continue to engage with governments on measures to address immediate tariff pressures while supporting the long-term strength of Canada's automotive sector.

Following the meeting, CAPC Chair Rob Wildeboer provided the following comment:

"Today's discussion reinforced the significant challenges facing Canada's automotive industry as a result of ongoing trade uncertainty and U.S. tariffs. 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."

The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, noted:

"The Government of Canada's commitment to Canadian workers, businesses and the long-term strength of our economy does not waver. Hearing directly from industry leaders whose workers and businesses are affected allows the government to take informed measures to respond to U.S. automotive tariffs. Canada has already taken action through the Automotive Strategy launched in February 2026, and we will continue working with industry to build a more resilient, competitive and innovative automotive sector that creates good jobs and drives prosperity for generations to come."

The Honourable Victor Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, Government of Ontario, noted:

"In the face of unjustified and illegal U.S. tariffs, Ontario will continue to stand up for our world-class auto industry and the hundreds of thousands of workers it supports. Our $30 billion tariff relief plan is providing the support needed to protect jobs, strengthen our economy, and ensure Ontario emerges from these economic attacks stronger and more resilient than before."

Background

The Canadian Automotive Partnership Council (CAPC) is an industry-led organization whose mandate is to address the key competitiveness issues facing the Canadian automotive industry. Membership comprises the CEOs of Canada's five automotive assemblers, leaders of Canada's leading parts suppliers and battery manufacturers, representatives from labour, academia, and aftermarket and dealer associations.

SOURCE Canadian Automotive Partnership Council (CAPC)

CONTACT INFORMATION: Canadian Automotive Partnership Council: Mr. Neil Forster, Director, Investor Relations and Corporate Development, Martinrea International Inc., [email protected]; Government of Canada: Media Relations, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, 343-291-1777, [email protected]; Government of Ontario: Media Relations, Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, [email protected]