The federal and provincial governments each announced investments of $295 million into the conversion of the Ford of Canada Oakville Assembly Complex into a global hub for battery electric vehicle production.

The combined investment of $1.8 billion from the public and private sectors represents one of the most significant investments in the province's auto sector in a generation.

"By making this investment in Ford Canada, we are ensuring our province continues to lead North America and the world in automotive manufacturing and innovation, while boosting our competitiveness in this key sector," said Premier Doug Ford. "We are also securing thousands of good-paying jobs, not just at the facility in Oakville, but across the province. This project will help support our auto parts sector and other suppliers and service providers."

"Today's announcement is a testament to Canada's attractiveness as a destination for clean technology, talent, and infrastructure in the automotive industry," said Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. "Companies like Ford are helping accelerate our transition to a low-carbon, clean-growth economy, which will help protect our environment, drive innovation, and create many good jobs."

The Ford plant in Oakville employs more than 3,000 people. It will be modernized with a flexible manufacturing system able to accommodate multiple battery electric vehicle (BEV) models. It will also include the installation of a battery-pack assembly line. The Oakville Assembly Complex will become one of Ford's highest volume BEV plants in North America, with the first electric vehicles expected to roll off the production line in 2025.

"With this investment, Ford will expand its award-winning portfolio to include a family of battery-electric SUVs built at Oakville Assembly, marking the first time ever that a full-line automaker has produced full BEVs in Canada for the North American market," said Dean Stoneley, president and CEO of Ford Canada.

Ford employs approximately 8,000 people in Canada, including three vehicle assembly and engine manufacturing plants, two parts distribution centres, two research and development sites, and three connectivity and innovation centres.

The automotive sector is one of Canada's largest manufacturing sectors with over 500,000 direct and indirect jobs, contributing $16 billion to Canada's GDP. It is one of the country's largest export industries.