Government of Canada invests in an end-to-end electric vehicle supply chain

From: Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario

News release

Government of Canada celebrates Canadian unveiling of Project Arrow, the first Canadian-made fully electric vehicle and announces support for the Canadian International AutoShow, and Myant Inc, a Project Arrow supplier

February 16, 2023 - Toronto, Ontario

The automotive sector in Ontario is a key economic driver for all of Canada. Investing in electric and zero-emissions vehicles ensures that we will be a pillar of the industry and will help us achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.

The Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), visited the Canadian International AutoShow (AutoShow) today. The AutoShow has been Canada’s largest celebration of the automobile industry for 50 years, welcoming more than 330,000 visitors annually. As the show returns from a two-year hiatus, it is bringing together manufacturers, part suppliers, auto enthusiasts and experts who will take what they learn to drive forward the future of mobility.

Minister Tassi joined ministers and manufacturers to celebrate the Canadian unveiling of the Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association (APMA) Project Arrow, the first Canadian-made zero-emissions concept vehicle, which previously received an over $5-million FedDev Ontario investment. Project Arrow is a great example of collaboration and Canadian excellence. APMA delivered on this challenge to show the world what Canada can achieve by bringing together over 50 Canadian manufacturers to build this incredible concept vehicle. It will now be available for the automobile sector to study and connect with the companies that built it.

Minister Tassi also visited the new Electric Vehicle (EV) exhibit, Electric City, which our government supported with $500,000 in repayable funding. The Minister also announced $1.5 million for Myant Inc., which provided knitted sensors and actuators into the fabric of Project Arrow’s steering wheel, enabling it to measure vital signs and display readings to warn of any potential medical situation. The funding they received will help with them scale-up in the wearables tech market, notably to support the expansion of their Health Digital Platform in Canadian, United States, and United Kingdom markets, and create 15 jobs. This technology has widespread impact and will be now be used to support Canada’s healthcare system. A more efficient system means more patients are diagnosed and treated.

Today’s announcement supports the Government of Canada’s call for a Zero-Emissions future by 2050 by bringing together the best of Canada’s electric-drive, alternative-fuel, connected, and autonomous technology companies, manufacturers and suppliers. It shows the far reach of the government’s investments and their impact on Canadians. These investments trickle all the way down to workers in each company involved. The Government of Canada will continue to invest in workers that will fuel to transition to a net-zero future. The auto sector is the heart of Ontario and making these important investments means more jobs for Ontarians and economic growth for Canada.

Quotes

“Manufacturers and suppliers from around Canada put their best foot forward to create the first-ever, all Canadian-made, zero emissions vehicle with Project Arrow. Today, the Government of Canada is investing in the Canadian International AutoShow and Myant Inc. because the auto sector in Ontario is at the heart of economic growth. Congratulations to APMA on its Project Arrow Canadian unveiling and for showing the world what Canadian auto parts suppliers and manufacturers can do when they work together.”
– The Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario

“In 2019, the Prime Minister dared us to imagine Canada’s net zero mobility future.  Through the generous support of partners like FedDev Ontario, we were able to prove that Canada can offer a complete, globally relevant mobility solution to the world.”
– Flavio Volpe, President, Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association (APMA)

“The Show this year will benefit tremendously from the support the Federal Government has provided to facilitate both Electric City, as we’ll as the experiential EV test drive zone in the South Building. These initiatives will not only help showcase the industry and support networks available to consumers as the contemplate a new electric vehicle purchase, but will also allow us to dramatically increase the number of consumers able to experience an electric vehicle for the first time, and provide a unique hands-on driving experience right on the show floor.”
– Jason Campbell, General Manager, Canadian International AutoShow

"Myant is the global leader in textile computing - we have created the platform for continuous, remote and holistic healthcare to everyone. Through FedDev Ontario’s funding, Myant has been able to expand its facility and create many new jobs in the local southern Ontario economy.” 
– Tony Chahine, Chief Executive Officer, Myant Inc. 

Quick facts

  • Transportation accounts for 25 percent of total greenhouse gas emissions in Canada which is why the Government of Canada is committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. 

  • The Canadian International AutoShow is the country’s largest consumer show, featuring more than 650,000 square feet of exhibits, displays and attractions, and is a leader in lifestyle, technology, and all things automotive as it is a showcase for the latest cars, trucks, SUVs, concept cars, exotics, classics, muscle cars, electric and alternative fuel vehicles.

  • Founded in 1952, APMA represents OEM producers of parts, equipment, tools, advanced technology and services for the worldwide automotive industry. In 2018, APMA’s automotive parts shipments were over $35 billion and the industry employment level was more than 100,000 people. 

  • Established in 2010, Myant Inc. is a Toronto-based textile computing company and a Canadian leader in digital health technology, developing and commercializing smart textiles (wearable and washable medical clothing branded as Skiin) embedded with biometric sensors, trademarked by Myant as Textile Computing™.

  • Since 2015, FedDev Ontario has invested more than $47 million in 12 Electric Vehicle (EV) related projects, creating and maintaining more than 700 jobs.

Associated links

Contacts

Edward Hutchinson
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario
Edward.hutchinson@feddevontario.gc.ca

FedDev Ontario
Media Relations
feddevontariomediarelations-relationsmedias@feddevontario.gc.ca

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