Cambridge, Ontario, July 5, 2011 — The Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State (Science and Technology), on behalf of the Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of Industry, today announced a repayable contribution from the Government of Canada of up to $70.84 million to Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada Inc. for its Project Green Light. Toyota's total investment in the project could reach up to $506.00 million. The Province of Ontario is also providing assistance of up to $70.84 million.
"The development and implementation of innovative, fuel-efficient technologies are key to a competitive, forward-looking automotive industry in Canada," said Minister of State Goodyear. "The presence of Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada has been a tremendous boost to not only the local economies of Cambridge and Woodstock but also to Ontario and Canada."
Project Green Light will focus on maximizing production efficiency, implementing advanced vehicle technologies and carrying out environmental upgrades to plant facilities, which will create jobs both today and in the future. The project includes upgrading the paint shop at Toyota's Cambridge North assembly plant. This will involve the conversion of the base coat paint booths from a solvent-borne system to a water-borne system, which will result in lower emissions and minimize the environmental impact of Toyota's manufacturing facility.
Federal funding for the project was made through the Automotive Innovation Fund (AIF), which provides support for strategic, large-scale research and development projects in the automotive sector. The AIF was established to help automotive-related firms strengthen their capacity for innovation and to position them to compete successfully in the global economy, create jobs and support the development and implementation of innovative, fuel-efficient technologies.
For further information (media only), please contact:
Richard Walker
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Christian Paradis
Minister of Industry
613-995-9001
Media Relations
Industry Canada
613-943-2502
