This episode of 'Making it in Ontario' features Jim Stanford, an economist and Director of the Centre for Future Work. We discuss the resilience of Canada's automotive industry through economic highs and lows and the existential implications of China's rise in the electric vehicle market. All this before getting into a substantial discussion of what a “good” manufacturing job is, how to prioritize job quality over quantity, myths about automation and the future of work, and the necessary ingredients for a successful manufacturing strategy in Ontario.

• 00:42 Upcoming Events and Conferences
• 03:05 Background on Jim Stanford and the Centre for Future Work
• 07:34 Automotive Industry Labour Market Changes From the 1990s to Today
• 12:10 China’s Existential Implications for Canada’s Auto Sector
• 16:50 The Effectiveness of Tariffs
• 20:00 The Characteristics of a “Good” Manufacturing Job
• 32:16 Prioritizing Job Quality Over Quantity 
• 35:55 The Future of Manufacturing Jobs
• 49:55 Guiding Ontario's Manufacturing Strategy

Highlighted Events

• November 1, 2024 - Ontario Auto Mayors Meeting in Stratford automayors.ca
• November 4, 2024 - Simcoe County Manufacturers Forum in Alliston edcns.ca/north-simcoe-events/manufacturers-forum
• November 6-7, 2024 - Ontario Craft Brewers Conference in Hamilton, Ontario ontariocraftbrewers.com/conference
• November 19-20, 2024 - CME's North American Manufacturing Conference in Ottawa, Ontario cme-mec.ca/connection/2024-north-american-manufacturing-conference

Find Out More about Trillium

• Trillium website: trilliummfg.ca
• Trillium GIS: trilliumgis.ca
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/trilliummfg
• X/Twitter: x.com/TrilliumMfg
• Instagram: instagram.com/trilliummfg
• Facebook: facebook.com/trilliummfg
• Old ‘Making it in Ontario’ Episodes: https://soundcloud.com/making-it-in-ontario-past

About the Making it in Ontario Podcast

Making it in Ontario is your window into what's next in manufacturing. Ontario’s economy depends on manufacturing, but the latest research reveals concerning trends that could undermine the sector’s strength—if we don’t address them. Join us as we talk to CEOs and other leaders at the forefront of the sector about productivity, strategy, talent markets and career opportunities, and the role of manufacturing in a prosperous and sustainable future.

This podcast is an initiative of the Trillium Network for Advanced Manufacturing. It is produced by Storied Places Media.