Ontario's Auto Mayors' caucus gathered in Stratford recently to discuss the future of Ontario's automotive sector.
Forty-five municipal leaders and industry representatives met at the Tom Patterson Theatre on November 1 to tackle some of the industry's most pressing issues, including trade policy impacts and opportunities presented by electric vehicle (EV) expansion.
Stratford Mayor Martin Ritsma welcomed attendees, highlighting the city’s deep-rooted connection to the automotive industry.
“It was a privilege for Stratford to host this meeting, especially as the first city outside the GTA to do so. With record-breaking attendance, this gathering underscores Stratford’s commitment to supporting the automotive industry and fostering partnerships that drive innovation across Ontario,” he said.
Two keynote speakers headlined the event: Ford Canada CEO Bev Goodman, who discussed the potential impact of the upcoming United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) review on the Canadian auto industry, and Brent Hinson, CFO of PowerCo, Volkswagen’s battery subsidiary, who highlighted the company’s landmark $7 billion EV investment in St. Thomas.
Perth-Wellington MPP Matthew Rae spoke on the provincial government’s commitment to fostering growth in Ontario’s automotive sector, stressing the importance of skilled labour development and supply chain stability to attract more investments. The Ontario Auto Mayors are set to meet again in 2025 in Guelph.