Making it in Ontario

This episode of Making it in Ontario features hot off the press numbers from Trillium’s newly released Auto Trade Data Bulletin. Hosts Brendan Sweeney and Michelle Samson discuss where Canadian-made cars are sold, the sources of cars bought in Canada, and the cross-border movement of automotive parts. With hard facts, they directly address a persistent claim (or is it a myth?) about the number of times automotive parts cross the border.

• 00:17 Hot Off the Press: Trillium’s New Auto Trade Data Bulletin
• 03:04 Canadian Made Cars: Numbers and Destination
• 04:43 The Size of the Canadian Market For Cars and Where They Come From
• 07:03 How to Buy a Canadian Made Car
• 09:09 Canadian Made Automotive Parts: Value and Destination
• 12:05 Canadian Made Cars: Where the Parts Come From
• 13:30 How Many Times Do Automotive Parts Actually Cross the Border?
• 17:06 Where to Find the Report

Highlighted Report

• Auto Trade Data Bulletin trilliummfg.ca/data-bulletin/canadian-automotive-trade-production-and-sales-2014-2023/

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.

In this episode, hosts Brendan Sweeney and Michelle Samson discuss productivity, advanced technology adoption, skills development, and red tape with Toronto Region Board of Trade CEO Giles Gherson. Giles highlights the need for better planning, streamlined regulations, initiatives to support small and medium-sized manufacturers (including a new manufacturing technology hub), and how the TRBOT is bringing leaders together to drive competitiveness and prosperity in Ontario's manufacturing sector.

• 00:26 Upcoming Trillium Events in 2025
• 01:27 Interview with Giles Gherson
• 03:11 Reflections and Key Takeaway of the TRBOT Advanced Manufacturing Conference
• 07:29 Manufacturing and Advanced Technology Adoption
• 09:27 The Importance of Competitiveness
• 10:22 How Journalism Has Influenced Giles Gherson's Work
• 14:12 The Role of Narrative in Economic Policy
• 19:26 Toronto's Labour Advantage and Challenges
• 21:33 Red Tape Reduction (continued at 30:57 and 38:22)
• 22:49 Ontario Advanced Manufacturing Council Purpose, Findings, and What’s Next
• 35:34 Comparing Board of Trade vs. Business Council vs Partnership Councils (continued at 40:24)
• 36:39 Building a Manufacturing Technology Hub in Ontario
• 43:54 Ontario Manufacturing’s Subscale Firm Problem

Highlighted Report

• 2024 Advanced Manufacturing Council final report ontario.ca/page/2024-advanced-manufacturing-council-final-report

Highlighted Events

• December 10, 2024 - TRBOT’s Race for Space bot.com/Events/Race-for-Space-Navigating-Torontos-Industrial-Lands-Crisis
• February 4-6, 2025 - Economic Developers Council of Ontario (EDCO) Conference edco.on.ca/conference
• March 31-April 4, 2025 - Hanover Messe hannovermesse.de/en

Find out more about Toronto Region Board of Trade

• TRBOT Website: bot.com

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.

In this episode, we welcome back Michelle Sangster, CHRO of Eclipse Automation and a Managing Director at Accenture, to explore the evolution of the company since its acquisition by Accenture. Topics include manufacturing innovation, workforce development, industry partnerships, and the growing importance of nuclear power. When it comes to HR, Michelle highlights the importance of authenticity, diversity, and the significance of informed career choices.

• 00:17 Upcoming Events
• 01:04 Spotlight on Eclipse Automation
• 02:13 Interview with Michelle Sangster
• 02:46 Eclipse's Growth and Strategic Focus
• 03:25 The Role of AI and Robotics in Manufacturing
• 11:56 Workforce Development and Recruitment Strategies
• 20:32 The Importance of Branding and Visibility
• 23:14 Eclipse's Talent Strategy and Training Programs
• 29:52 Educational Partnerships and Industry Collaboration
• 34:34 Focus on Nuclear and Future Opportunities
• 39:19 Leadership Insights and the Future of Manufacturing
• 42:45 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Highlighted Events

• November 19-20, 2024 - CME's North American Manufacturing Conference in Ottawa, Ontario cme-mec.ca/connection/2024-north-american-manufacturing-conference
• December 10, 2024 - TRBOT’s Race for Space bot.com/Events/Race-for-Space-Navigating-Torontos-Industrial-Lands-Crisis

Find out More about Eclipse Automation

• Eclipse Automation Website: eclipseautomation.com
• Accenture and NVIDIA Lead Enterprises into Era of AI: https://newsroom.accenture.com/news/2024/accenture-and-nvidia-lead-enterprises-into-era-of-ai
• Michelle Sangster’s Previous Making it in Ontario Episode: trilliummfg.ca/podcast-episode/enabling-innovation-with-eclipse-automation

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.

In this episode, Jean Marc Leclerc, President and CEO of Honda Canada, discusses Honda's recent announcement of the largest manufacturing investment in Canada's history, focusing on electrification, sustainability, and innovation. Additionally, Jean Marc shares insights on workforce development, leadership during crises, and the importance of partnerships and collaborations. The episode concludes with a segment in French, highlighting Honda's efforts to attract young Franco-Ontarians to the manufacturing sector.

Dans cet épisode, Jean-Marc Leclerc, président et chef de la direction de Honda Canada, revient sur la récente annonce de Honda concernant le plus grand investissement manufacturier de l'histoire du Canada, axé sur l'électrification, la durabilité et l'innovation. Jean-Marc partage également sa vision pour attirer et retenir les talents, le rôle du leadership en temps de crise, et l'importance des partenariats et collaborations. L'épisode se termine par un segment en français, mettant en vedette les efforts de Honda pour attirer la prochaine génération de Franco-Ontariens dans le secteur manufacturier.

• 00:17 Teaser: What’s Coming up on Making it in Ontario
• 04:19 This Week's Guest: Jean Marc Leclerc of Honda Canada
• 05:05 Honda’s Speaking Circuit: Key Messages
• 08:22 Jean Marc's Career Journey
• 10:32 Leadership During Crises
• 16:21 Starting Hybrid Production in Alliston
• 17:40 Why Alliston for Canada’s Largest Manufacturing Investment
• 20:42 Why Greenfield Rather Than Retooling
• 22:51 Building a Circular Supply Chain
• 24:18 Workforce and Career Opportunities at Honda
• 29:14 Honda's Long-Term Strategy and Partnerships
• 35:33 Discussion en français avec Jean Marc Leclerc and Denise Deschenes-McKay

Highlighted Event

• 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 Honda Canada

• Honda Canada Website: hondacanada.ca
• Careers at Honda Canada: honda.ca/en/careers

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.

This episode features Dennis Darby, the CEO of Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME). Our wide-ranging conversation covers CME’s role in making the most out of Canada’s trade relationships with the United States and Mexico, CME's work on the Ontario Advanced Manufacturing Strategy Council, the ROI associated with manufacturing, and why robots won't take our jobs. Stay for a fun piece of Ottawa-related trivia at the end.

• 00:16 Daylight Savings Time and Its Manufacturing Origins
• 01:05 Recent Events and Upcoming Conferences
• 03:11 Dennis Darby’s Career Path From Proctor & Gamble to the CME 
• 13:19 Why Ontario Needs a Manufacturing Strategy
• 20:11 Inside Ontario’s Advanced Manufacturing Council
• 31:38 North American Manufacturing Conference Purpose and Outcomes
• 37:52 Canada-U.S. Trade After the U.S. Election
• 39:29 The ROI of Productive Manufacturing

Highlighted Reports

• Advanced Manufacturing Council Final Report 2024: ontario.ca/page/2024-advanced-manufacturing-council-final-report
• NGen and Trillium Productivity Report 2024: trilliummfg.ca/show/the-trillium-network-and-ngens-report-on-manufacturing-productivity

Highlighted Events

• 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 Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters

• CME Website: cme-mec.ca
• YouTube: youtube.com/user/manufacturingTV
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/canadian-manufacturers-exporters
• X/Twitter: x.com/cme_mec

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.

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.

A new report on the current state of manufacturing in Ontario reveals that, compared to ten years ago, the sector is doing better in some ways, and worse in others. The conclusion is that now more than ever, we need a strategy to guide the industry to new heights. In this episode of 'Making it in Ontario,' hosts Michelle Samson and Brendan Sweeney offer a first look at Trillium’s proposed strategy, which is founded on rethinking our approach to investment incentives, talent and workforce development, and technology and automation.

• 00:16 Fall Event Season Recap (So Far) and Upcoming Events
• 02:11 Trillium at 10 Report Overview
• 03:34 How the Manufacturing Sector Has Changed in the Last 10 Years
• 06:15 A New Strategy for Manufacturing
• 07:07 Three Goals/Indicators to Focus On
• 08:05 Three New Approaches to Get There
• 09:12 Investment Incentives
• 13:57 Talent and Workforce Development
• 18:37 Technology and Automation
• 23:33 Accessing the Strategy Report

Highlighted Report

• Trillium at 10 Report trilliummfg.ca/initiatives/news/trillium_at_10/

Highlighted Events

• 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.

Productivity in Ontario's manufacturing sector is the subject of Part 2 of our chat with NGen CEO Jason Myers. The conversation revolves around a new joint report by NGen and the Trillium Network for Advanced Manufacturing addressing Canada's “productivity problem”. The episode highlights the importance of understanding productivity to solve it, different ways to measure productivity, and the role of strategic management and leadership skills in driving future growth in manufacturing. Missed Part 1? Catch up here: Season 10, Episode 2. 

• 04:50 What is Productivity and Why is it Important?
• 08:59 How Manufacturers Will Generate More Money in the Future
• 10:47 Highlights from the NGen-Trillium Report
• 15:02 Is Canadian Manufacturing Productivity Growing Fast Enough?
• 17:02 What Economic Developers Need to Know About Productivity 
• 20:30 Getting Ahead of an Aging Workforce
• 23:15 Workforce and Skills Development
• 24:27 The Impact of Technology and Outsourcing
• 26:16 A Vision for the Future of Manufacturing

Highlighted Report

• NGen and Trillium Productivity Report 2024: trilliummfg.ca/show/the-trillium-network-and-ngens-report-on-manufacturing-productivity

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’s hosted by Michelle Samson and produced by Storied Places Media.

This episode features an in-depth discussion with Scott MacKenzie, Director of Corporate and External Affairs at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada. We cover a lot of ground, including his take on how the automotive industry in Ontario has changed over the past 25 years, Toyota's approach to electrification, a glimpse inside Toyota's battery plant Japan, the automotive industry labour market, and a manufacturing strategy for Ontario.

• 00:16 Upcoming Trillium Events and Reports
• 02:55 Introducing Scott Mackenzie of Toyota
• 05:16 US and Canadian Election Impacts on Trade
• 10:34 Demand for Electric and Hybrid Vehicles
• 15:06 Challenges and Future of EV Infrastructure
• 22:20 Impact of Electrification on the Industry and Supply Base
• 27:27 What People Need to Know About Battery Plants
• 31:21 Labour Market and Recruitment Challenges
• 37:09 Strategic Vision for Ontario's Manufacturing
• 43:42 Collaboration with Suppliers and Government

Highlighted Events

• October 23, 2024 - Emerging Technologies in Automation in Windsor, ON emergingtechnologies.ca
• October 24, 2024 - Downsview Aerospace Innovation and Research Hub’s DAIR To Innovate dairhub.com/dair-to-innovate-2024-register
• October 25, 2024 - Ontario West Municipal Conference in Chatham, Ontario reg.eventmobi.com/OWMC
• November 6-7, 2024 - Ontario Craft Brewers Conference in Hamilton, Ontario https://ontariocraftbrewers.com/conference/

Upcoming Reports

• October 18, 2024: Trillium and NGen Productivity report
• October 25, 2024: Trillium at Ten report 

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’s hosted by Michelle Samson and produced by Storied Places Media.

In this episode of 'Making it in Ontario,' co-hosts Michelle Samson and Brendan Sweeney share highlights from Trillium’s latest data bulletin focused on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in Ontario's manufacturing sector. A key finding is the inverse relationship between pay and the proportion of women and visible minorities in various industries, with some notable exceptions. The episode delves into the impact of education and immigration patterns on workforce demographics and underscores the necessity for systemic change to include underrepresented groups in trades.

• 00:18 New to the Podcast: Hot Off the Press Mini Episodes
• 00:58 Trillium’s Data Bulletin Series on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)
• 01:29 Gender Diversity in Manufacturing
• 02:25 An Exceptional Industry: Pharmaceutical Product Manufacturing
• 04:09 New Data Bulletin: Visible Minorities in Manufacturing
• 04:46 Key Findings and Analysis
• 07:45 Implications and Future Directions

Highlighted Reports

• Occupational Diversity and Ontario Manufacturing Data Bulletin trilliummfg.ca/data-bulletin/occupational-diversity-ontario-manufacturing
• Gender and Ontario’s Manufacturing Workforce trilliummfg.ca/data-bulletin/gender-and-ontarios-manufacturing-workforce

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’s hosted by Michelle Samson and produced by Storied Places Media.