Canada's minister of international trade says his government is investing cash in Windsor-Essex directly to attract foreign investment.
Ed Fast, speaking at the Automotive Parts Manufacturers Association conference at Caesars Windsor, has announced a total of $142,000 to help auto suppliers showcase their technologies in Michigan, Ohio and the Silicon Valley. Of that, $114,000 will help pay for travel and marketing plans for those small and medium-sized companies. Another $28,000 will go to the Canadian Mould Makers Association to expand its presence overseas.
The Ontario Automotive Communities Alliance will get some money too. Fast announced approval of a $37,500 grant "to allow them to develop marketing plans, it allows them to travel abroad to pitch their case that their communities should be investment destinations." The Alliance includes bodies in Windsor-Essex, London, Hamilton and Durham.
Fast also reminded delegates at the conference the federal government's Automotive Supplier Innovation Program opened this week, providing parts makers access to $100-million over five years.
