Ont. and Michigan form trade ties to support job creation in manufacturing

OTTAWA — Ontario and Michigan are building on their longstanding economic relationship through a new partnership that will increase trade, attract investment and encourage job creation in both jurisdictions. The new Economic Cooperation Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) will support joint initiatives in priority areas, such as electric vehicles and related supply chains. These initiatives could include joint trade promotion and missions, new post-secondary exchange programs, and efforts to identify opportunities for strategic partnerships that will help businesses compete internationally.

The agreement was signed on Jul. 25 by Premier Doug Ford and Governor Gretchen Whitmer during a virtual ceremony. They were joined by Vic Fedeli, Ontario’s Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade.

“Ontario and Michigan share deep economic ties as partners, neighbours and friends,” said Premier Ford. “This agreement will help open even more opportunities to work together and drive further economic growth. As we navigate global uncertainty, now is the time to strengthen this important relationship to build our economies, further integrate our supply chains and create good-paying jobs on both sides of the border.”

“As home to the busiest border crossing for goods between the U.S. and Canada, Michigan and Ontario have deeply shared economic interests on issues from future mobility to agriculture,” said Governor Whitmer. “Canada was the top destination for Michigan exports last year, putting $27 billion into our economy and creating thousands of jobs across our state. Today’s Memorandum of Understanding will reaffirm our partnership and foster greater collaboration on trade, technology, cybersecurity, agriculture, and more. Let’s continue to work together to grow our economies, invest in our people, and usher in a bright future.”

Ontario and Michigan share the busiest border crossing in North America and are each other’s largest trading partner with total trade valued at over CAD $80.6 billion last year. Under the new Ontario-Michigan MOU, the two jurisdictions will reportedly work together to identify opportunities for strategic partnership and joint trade promotion, improve access to information and facilitate more efficient border crossings.

As part of the MOU, Ontario and Michigan will establish a Procurement Cooperation Council. The council will support an open dialogue on government procurement, improving transparency and engagement on government purchasing for businesses from both jurisdictions.

“Strengthening our relationship with our partners in Michigan will help create the right conditions to ensure that businesses in both jurisdictions, including those in our auto sector, remain globally competitive,” said Vic Fedeli, Ontario’s Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “As we continue to build Ontario’s end-to-end electric vehicle supply chain and other priority sectors, we look forward to working with Michigan on initiatives to help businesses grow and create more good-paying jobs.”