Minister Bains celebrates Canadian technology on border-crossing self-driving car

News Release

Canadian and American collaboration results in well-paying auto jobs on both sides of the border

July 31, 2017 – Windsor, Ontario – Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

Canadians and Americans working in the auto sector will benefit from new jobs and business opportunities as emerging technologies lead to the development and production of self-driving cars.

Today, the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, witnessed the demonstration of a vehicle that has the ability to take over driving, monitor the surrounding environment and inform the driver where and when human interference is needed.

This cross-border event demonstrated innovative technology that goes beyond human driver assistance to partial and conditional automation. This marks a milestone in the development of self-driving cars.

Canadian company Magna and U.S. supplier Continental collaborated in demonstrating this technology.

This initiative is part of the Government of Canada’s Innovation and Skills Plan, a multi-year effort to create jobs for the middle class.

Quotes

“Today’s demonstration is an important example of how our ongoing cross-border cooperation is advancing connected and autonomous vehicle technologies. Our government is committed to creating good middle-class jobs, growth and long-term prosperity. By continuing to work with the United States, we will equip our citizens with the skills they need to design and build the cars of the future on both sides of the border.”

– The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development

Quick Facts

  • Budget 2017 allocated $50 million over five years for work with key partners to examine new and disruptive transportation technologies.

  • Canada produces a vehicle every 14 seconds. That is 2.4 million vehicles a year, which has an enormously positive impact on our economy and contributes $18.2 billion to our GDP.

  • Along with Michigan, Indiana, Illinois and Ohio, Ontario is part of the largest automotive manufacturing cluster in North America and produces 29% of light vehicles within that cluster.

  • This cluster is successful because of the integrated nature of the American and Canadian automotive supply chain. In fact, it is estimated that automotive parts produced in Ontario or Michigan can cross the border up to six times before the finished vehicle is ready to roll off the assembly line.

Contacts

Follow Minister Bains on Twitter: @MinisterISED

Nilani Logeswaran
Office of the Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development
343-291-2500

Media Relations
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
343-291-1777
ic.mediarelations-mediasrelations.ic@canada.ca

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