Ontario Unveils Am-Can Growth Plan to Strengthen Cross-Border Economy
TORONTO — Premier Doug Ford has announced Ontario’s Am-Can Growth Plan, a bold initiative aimed at bolstering advanced manufacturing and supply chain integration between Canada and the United States. The plan is central to Ford’s vision for “Fortress Am-Can,” a strategy to create jobs, fuel economic growth, and reduce reliance on countries like China and Russia.
“The enduring economic partnership between Ontario, Canada, and the United States is the envy of the world,” Ford said, emphasizing the need to deepen these ties. The initiative aims to enhance economic collaboration while upholding democratic values and North American security.
Key Measures of the Am-Can Growth Plan
The plan outlines strategic steps to leverage Ontario’s resources and expertise for mutual economic benefit:
- Automotive Leadership: Ontario seeks to attract global investments in automotive and battery production, aiming to produce an additional one million Am-Can vehicles annually by 2028. Regulatory alignment and the elimination of barriers like the federal carbon tax are highlighted as priorities.
- Steel and Agri-Food Trade: The plan sets a target to increase steel trade with the U.S. by 25% and expand the agri-food trade. This includes reducing reliance on imports from countries with lower labour and safety standards, building on the $45 billion in two-way trade conducted in 2023.
- Skilled Workforce Development: Ontario proposes partnerships between post-secondary institutions, industry, and union training centres to enhance skills in strategic sectors such as infrastructure, energy, and manufacturing.
- Transportation and Trade Networks: Investments in integrated rail, road, marine, and air networks are proposed to enhance the movement of goods, people, and services across the border.
- Critical Minerals and Energy Security: Ford’s government plans to establish an Am-Can Critical Mineral Security Alliance and expand energy exports to the U.S., particularly in nuclear energy and electricity.
Economic and Strategic Advantages
Ontario’s efforts are buoyed by a business-friendly environment, including reduced taxes and streamlined regulations, which have lowered the cost of doing business by $8 billion annually. Ford’s government also highlights Ontario’s leadership in clean energy and resource development as unique advantages.
Re-Shoring Supply Chains
A key goal of the Am-Can Growth Plan is to support U.S. efforts to decouple from China by re-shoring supply chains within North America. The plan emphasizes the integration of critical mineral supply chains, increased processing capacity, and stronger border security to protect Arctic sovereignty and foster a secure economic environment.
A Shared Vision
Vic Fedeli, Ontario’s Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation, and Trade, underscored the importance of cross-border collaboration: “The Am-Can Growth Plan will champion workers on both sides of the border by fostering the conditions for good-paying jobs to be created, while also advancing investment opportunities across key industries.”
With this plan, Ontario positions itself as a leader in the economic resurgence of North America, reinforcing its commitment to shared prosperity and security in partnership with the United States.
Looking Ahead
As Ontario advances the Am-Can Growth Plan, the province aims to solidify its position as a global leader in advanced manufacturing, energy, and trade. By championing “made in the U.S.A., made in Ontario, and made in Canada,” the initiative seeks to restore pride in North American production and pave the way for a thriving future.
SOURCE Premier’s Office
