The Canadian government invests in a clean car and aerospace center in Hamilton

His Excellency Philomena Tassi, Minister of Labor and Member of the Hamilton West-Ancaster-Dundas Council, announced a $10 million FedDev Ontario advanced manufacturing network for McMaster University.

The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for FedDev Ontario.

iHub, located at the McMaster Innovation Park, will bring together industry experts at state-of-the-art facilities to support manufacturers, automotive and aerospace suppliers and SMEs to develop, test and incorporate the latest technologies required for the production of next-generation electric and autonomous vehicles and energy-efficient and intelligent aircrafts. iHub will then connect participants with large automotive and aerospace manufacturers that require these solutions, expanding opportunities for local suppliers from across southern Ontario to integrate into these global supply chains.

“Today’s investment will boost our economy by supporting almost 170 local jobs and helping Canadian innovators succeed in a thriving industry,” said Minister Tassi. “iHub will help position Hamilton as a global destination for electric automotive and aerospace technologies, while providing direct industry training for at least 200 highly qualified personnel to ensure that our workforce is at the forefront of these technologies for the years to come.”

The project is expected to support more than 230 SMEs, spanning the automotive corridor from Windsor to Oshawa, to facilitate the commercialization of 100 new products or services, support up to 170 direct jobs and leverage $16.8 million from industry partners including Ford, Honda, Bombardier, Stellantis (Fiat Chrysler), Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and De Havilland. iHub will also provide direct industry training of at least 200 high-quality personnel in SMEs looking to join global aerospace and automotive value chains.

“Our Government is committed to supporting our innovators and businesses through the creation of good jobs, while creating a greener healthier future for all Canadians,” said The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for FedDev Ontario. “iHub will bring together the major players in the automotive and aerospace sectors to ensure that innovative Ontario SMEs have an opportunity to integrate their solutions into these global supply chains. Advancing the shift toward electrification in these sectors is critical for reaching the Government’s goal of accelerating Canada’s net zero emissions future. The work accomplished by iHub will set us on the right path.”

This project will enhance Ontario’s position as a global destination to develop, test and commercialize hybrid, electric and autonomous vehicles and intelligent aircraft technologies while accelerating the path to net zero emissions. iHub will provide access to expertise and resources in electrification in southern Ontario to support the shift to electrification, encouraging investments in expertise to be made domestically. As we work towards recovery from the global pandemic, protecting our environment and continuing to innovate while creating good jobs is essential to creating a brighter, healthier future for all Canadians.

"McMaster University has a record of successful cooperation with the industry in the following areas. We are pleased to have the opportunity to advance our cooperation with Canadian manufacturers in the electrification of automobiles and aerospace through iHub. FedDev Ontario This investment will help iHub achieve great goals by connecting our manufacturers and small and medium-sized enterprises, providing training and access to technology, and commercializing new products," said David Farrar, President and Vice President of McMaster University.