February 21st Weekly Update

Ontario Building Up Critical Minerals Supply Chain for Electric Vehicles

The Ontario government has invested $5.8 million to help junior mining companies explore for critical minerals used in manufacturing batteries for electric vehicles, smartphones, pharmaceuticals and advanced manufacturing technologies. This funding is part of the government’s Ontario Junior Exploration Program (OJEP) to help increase and expand mineral exploration, growth and job creation in the province, particularly in northern and Indigenous communities.

“These investments are an important part of our government’s plan to build our economy as we support industry exploration for the critical minerals Ontario is blessed with,” said Premier Doug Ford. “We’re building a supply chain ecosystem, connecting resources and workers in the north to the future of clean steel and electric vehicles, and ensuring the cars of the future can be built in Ontario from start to finish by Ontario workers.”

Ontario is investing a total of $12 million over four years for critical mineral exploration in the OJEP. Since the launch of the program in 2021, 32 mining companies have received funding for exploration of minerals such as nickel, copper, cobalt and lithium. These companies have invested an additional $12.8 million in these projects.

“Early exploration is the first step to finding future mines including critical minerals,” said George Pirie, Minister of Mines. “The Ontario Junior Exploration Program is helping unlock the province’s vast mineral exploration potential and paving the way for unprecedented growth in our mining sector.”

Under the new program, children’s aid societies will begin focusing on helping children plan for the future at an earlier age. Starting at age 13, they will begin learning practical life skills and planning educational goals. At age 15, the emphasis will expand to financial literacy and preparing for the workforce, including managing personal finances, setting up a bank account, grocery shopping, resumé building, and how to access social services and other supports.

The Ready, Set, Go program will also allow youth to remain in care until the age of 23, up from age 21. Monthly financial support will also increase to provide youth better quality of life and safer housing opportunities so they can focus on their studies or working.

Funding is increasing from $850 per month to:

• Age 18 – $1,800
• Age 19 – $1,500
• Age 20 – $1,000

Youth who will remain in care at age 21 will now receive $1,000 per month. Youth in care at age 22 will receive $500 per month. Youth will also be able to work up to 40 hours per week at Ontario’s minimum wage without affecting their financial supports. Those pursuing a post-secondary program or training in skilled trades and apprenticeships, will receive an additional $500 per month starting at age 20.

The Ready, Set, Go program was developed with input and advice from former youth in care, child welfare advocates, partners and is informed by research. These changes are part of Ontario’s plan to transform the child welfare system and hold children’s aid societies accountable to better prepare youth leaving care.

Ontario has secured a $471 million investment by Magna International, one of the world’s largest automotive suppliers, to expand the company’s Ontario operations. With support from the government, this transformative investment will strengthen Ontario’s end-to-end electric vehicle supply chain while adding more than 1,000 new good-paying jobs for workers across the province.

“This investment represents another tremendous show of confidence in the growing strength and resilience of our province’s auto sector,” said Premier Doug Ford. “Together, with our industry partners, we’re putting Ontario back on the map as we build up Ontario’s electric vehicle supply chain from mining to manufacturing. The cars of the future and the batteries that power them will be built right here in Ontario, by Ontario workers.”

Magna’s investment will support the opening of a new $265 million EV battery enclosure facility in Brampton later this year. Approximately 560 new jobs will be added in Brampton and to the surrounding region once the facility is at full production. The company will also expand their existing automotive manufacturing facilities across the province. Up to 475 new jobs will be created across Magna’s five other facilities in Guelph, Windsor, Belleville, Newmarket and Penetanguishene. These projects are supported by $23.6 million in funding from the province through Invest Ontario.

A true Ontario success story, Magna started as a tool-and-die manufacturer in Toronto more than 65 years ago. The company has since grown into a multinational automotive supplier with 168,000 employees in 29 countries.

“Magna’s roots in Ontario run deep, and we are excited about opening a new facility dedicated to a strategic electrification product. The Brampton facility, coupled with investment and growth in five existing Ontario facilities, allows Magna to keep up with customer demands across several product areas,” said Eric Wilds, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer of Magna. “We are excited to bring new business, more investment and additional jobs to Ontario.”

Ontario recently met with Magna as part of a successful trade mission to the United States. The meeting provided an opportunity to showcase the province as an ideal place to invest with a competitive business environment and world-class workforce. Ontario’s automotive sector directly employs nearly 97,000 workers, and indirectly supports hundreds of thousands of jobs.