Minister Clement Tours Canadian International Auto Show

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Feb. 18, 2011) - Industry Minister Tony Clement today toured the Canadian International Auto Show (CIAS) in Toronto. His tour focused on the five manufacturers currently assembling vehicles in Canada: General Motors Company, Chrysler Group LLC, Ford Motor Company, Toyota Motor Corporation, and Honda Motor Company. 

"The Canadian-assembled vehicles and products I saw today showcase the positive changes occurring in the industry. Today is evidence that the automotive industry in Canada is competitive, healthy and breaking new ground. This, and the jobs saved, is a measure of the Government of Canada's success through the Economic Action Plan and the restructuring financing provided to the automotive industry in Canada," Minister Clement said.

"Our Government has been working hard to create one of the world's most competitive investment climates, and to ensure Canada's manufacturing sector remains strong. We have kept taxes low for job creators, improved capital cost allowances, reduced unnecessary regulation and red tape, and supported the creation of a skilled workforce."

The CIAS is the largest Canadian auto show and most prestigious consumer event in Canada. It is a major tourist attraction and is extremely popular in Ontario, bringing in an average of 300,000 visitors. Primarily focussed on products available to the consumer, there are about 125 exhibitors displaying 1,000 vehicles.