Workshops

Driving Forward: Canada’s Auto Strategy and EV Transition

May 29, 2026 • 9:30 am - 5:00 pm

Ontario Investment and Trade Centre, 250 Yonge St 35th Floor, Toronto, ON

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Canada is at a pivotal moment in the future of its auto sector as global competition in advanced manufacturing and electric vehicles accelerates. While the new Canadian Auto Strategy sets an ambitious direction, success will depend on execution across the full automotive ecosystem.

With strengths in critical minerals, skilled labour, and manufacturing, Canada is well positioned—but challenges remain, including charging infrastructure, grid capacity, consumer adoption, policy fragmentation, and trade uncertainty. At the same time, the country must strengthen EV supply chains and support auto parts suppliers as they transition to new manufacturing opportunities.

Against this backdrop, the Lawrence National Centre for Policy and Management at Ivey Business School is convening a one-day workshop to move from strategy to execution. Bringing together policymakers, automakers, infrastructure providers, utilities, investors, and researchers, the workshop will focus on strengthening Canada’s automotive ecosystem—connecting production with adoption, infrastructure with demand, and policy with outcomes.

Join us on Friday, May 29^th, 2026 at the Ontario Investment and Trade Centre in downtown Toronto for a day of discussion, knowledge mobilization, and networking. Participants will contribute to a set of actionable insights and recommendations to support coordinated action among business, government, and other key stakeholders.

Workshop Themes

With a focus on unlocking Canada’s full potential across the automotive value chain, the workshop will explore:

Manufacturing & Supply Chain Resilience: Strengthening Canada’s role in the North American automotive value chain, developing critical minerals, and attracting investment in battery and vehicle production.
Trade & Geopolitics: Navigating U.S. policy shifts, tariffs, and the upcoming CUSMA review.
Workforce Development & Transition: Reskilling the automotive workforce and building talent pipelines for emerging EV-related roles, while strengthening the capabilities of SME component manufacturers to transition to EVs and adjacent sectors.
Charging Infrastructure & Grid Readiness: Expanding public and private charging networks, upgrading grid capacity, and addressing municipal considerations including zoning and equitable access.
Incentives & Consumer Adoption: Aligning policies and incentives to accelerate EV uptake and support consumer readiness.

Event Information

Friday, May 29th, 2026
Ontario Investment and Trade Centre
250 Yonge St, 35th Floor
Toronto, ON

9:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. : Registration
10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. : Workshop (Including lunch and coffee breaks)
4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. : Networking Reception (Hors d'oeuvres and refreshments)