While Ontario Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy delivered a rousing speech that took MPPs on a virtual winding road trip — a victory lap, of sorts — of automotive investment in the province, the budget he tabled Thursday was light on new money, incentives and tax breaks for the industry.
Bethlenfalvy highlighted virtually every auto investment announced in the province over the last three years or so. From the $5-billion EV battery plant being built by Stellantis and LG Energy Solution in Windsor, to Magna’s nearly $500-million expansion of several plants announced earlier this year, to Volkswagen’s March 13 announcement that it will build its EV battery plant in St. Thomas, the minister didn’t miss an opportunity to pat his government on the back for a number of investments.
Frank Notte, government relations director for the Trillium Automobile Dealers Association, which represents 1,100 franchised, new-car dealers in Ontario, praised the recap on Twitter.