Ontario Defends Subsidies to Ford as Company Shifts Focus to Gas-Powered Trucks

The Ontario government maintains that the nearly $300 million in electric vehicle subsidies offered to Ford Motor Company four years ago were not wasted, even though the automaker opted to manufacture gas-powered trucks instead. The government emphasizes that the new factory will still generate new job opportunities.

Ontario’s Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation, and Trade, Vic Fedeli, expressed that this move by Ford will contribute to job creation in the province without compromising the overall electric vehicle production strategy.

Mr. Fedeli shared in an interview with The Epoch Times, “We’ve secured $43 billion in new EV and auto business in Ontario. Bringing back manufacturing was the primary objective. This development from Ford Canada is incredibly positive as it will result in the creation of hundreds of jobs in Ontario.”

Mr. Fedeli highlighted that Ford’s receipt of funding is contingent on the hiring of individuals, ensuring that the money is disbursed only when jobs are secured and employees are actively working.

Mr. Fedeli affirmed that Ford remains committed to manufacturing “multi-energy” vehicles in Oakville, setting the stage for future EV production at the plant.

He added, “This lays the groundwork for the production of multi-energy vehicles, leading to a complete transition to the electrified sector in the near future.”