BRAMPTON, ON (May 12, 2023) – The Ontario Auto Mayor‘s Event 2023, held in Brampton on May 12, drew attendees from across the province and beyond. The event highlighted the latest in automotive technology and innovation and allowed attendees to connect with industry leaders, automotive enthusiasts, and the public.
Members of the Ontario Auto Mayors Caucus met in Brampton’s Fire Station 203 for the first in-person meeting of the municipal advocacy group since 2019. Chaired by Town of Oakville Mayor Rob Burton and hosted by City of Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown, the group included representatives from 32 Ontario municipalities, Ontario’s OEMs, and automotive industry associations.
“The future of the automotive landscape is being forged in Ontario,” said Mayor Rob Burton, Chair of the Ontario Auto Mayors. “Major investments made by industry in partnership with the Federal and Provincial governments are transforming the sector, and the Auto Mayors remain committed to working hand-in-hand with industry to support this exciting transformation.” The meeting opened with a showcase of Project Arrow, the Automotive Parts Manufacturers Association’s (APMA) electric concept vehicle. APMA President Flavio Volpe spoke to the strength of Ontario’s manufacturing supply chain and the incredible talent concentrated within the province. Magna International’s Senior Manager of Government Affairs, Dex Battista presented the meeting keynote address and set the tone for an engaging discussion among Mayors and industry partners, highlighting opportunities to work together in partnership to strengthen the ecosystem and promote continued investment and growth.
A new 2023 Action Plan was approved by the group and includes a strategic focus on supporting the industry’s transition to electric vehicles, as well as advocating for a coordinated government response to address rising vehicle thefts.
As the industry undergoes transformative change, the Auto Mayors reaffirmed their commitment to work together with industry as a collective group to strengthen the Canadian economy through advancements and investments in the automotive sector.
The Auto Mayors will continue this important work with the next meeting to be held in the City of Vaughan, hosted by Mayor Steven Del Duca.
“It was a pleasure to host the Ontario Auto Mayors Caucus in the City of Brampton’s new Fire Station 203 today. The city’s automotive sector is critical to the local economy, investing in innovation and creating good jobs for the people of Brampton. I look forward to continuing to work in partnership with the Auto Mayors to advocate for key issues facing the industry, including vehicle theft.”
Mayor Patrick Brown, City of Brampton
“This is one of the most exciting times ever for Ontario’s automotive industry. Having support from all levels of government – including municipalities – is vital to the ongoing growth of the industry. The past, present, and future leadership demonstrated by the Ontario Auto Mayors signals to stakeholders that the province’s municipalities have a role to play, and plan to play that role emphatically.”
Brendan Sweeney, Managing Director,
Trillium Network for Advanced Manufacturing
The Ontario Auto Mayor’s Event 2023 in Brampton was a testament to the city’s commitment to innovation and technology and provided an opportunity for attendees to learn about the latest in automotive technology and innovation. For more information about the event, visit the event website at www.automayors.ca.
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About the City of Brampton
As one of the fastest-growing cities in Canada, Brampton is home to 700,000 people and 100,000 businesses. People are at the heart of everything we do. We are energized by our diverse communities, we attract investment, and we are embarking on a journey to lead technological and environmental innovation. We partner for progress to build a healthy city that is safe, sustainable, and successful. Visit brampton.ca to learn more.
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