The Liberal Party has made a surprise, mid-campaign announcement of $1 billion over five years for the automotive, aerospace and other manufacturing sectors. The funding — to be cobbled together from five departments — appears to be aimed at shoring up sagging support in vote-rich Ontario and accelerates plans to introduce a package of incentives for the auto sector to complement a similar commitment by the Ontario government.

Half of the amount targets Ontario’s automotive sector, which is under intense competition from competing jurisdictions. That includes $200 million for General Motors of Canada Ltd and $100 million for Ford of Canada Ltd. Both are planning new plants but have not decided upon locations. Unspecified amounts will flow to the aerospace industry and other manufacturing sectors.

The auto sector funding would support R&D, skills training and unspecified innovation — presumably energy efficiencies, production processes and techniques and environmental technologies.

In April, the Ontario government announced $500 million as part of an automotive investment strategy and has been seeking federal support.

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