Making it in Ontario: The Official Podcast of the Trillium Network for Advanced Manufacturing

Season 10 of Making it in Ontario wraps up as 2024 ends. This special episode revisits the year’s top insights from advanced manufacturing leaders on electrification, automation, talent, and job quality. Hear from voices like NGen, Toyota, CME, and others as they discuss the challenges and opportunities shaping the industry.

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This episode of Making it in Ontario features hot off-the-press numbers from Trillium’s newly released Automotive 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.

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Brendan Sweeney and Michelle Samson talk with TRBOT CEO Giles Gherson about productivity, technology adoption, skills development, and reducing red tape. Giles emphasizes better planning, streamlined regulations, support for small manufacturers, and collaboration to drive Ontario’s manufacturing competitiveness.

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Michelle Sangster, CHRO of Eclipse Automation and Managing Director at Accenture, shares how Eclipse has evolved since joining Accenture. She explores manufacturing innovation, workforce development, industry partnerships, and nuclear power's growing role. Michelle also highlights authenticity, diversity, and informed career choices in HR.

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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. The episode ends with a segment in French, highlighting Honda's efforts to attract young Franco-Ontarians.

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Join Brendan and Dennis Darby, the CEO of Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME) as they discuss 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.

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This episode features economist Jim Stanford of the Centre for Future Work. We discuss the resilience of Canada’s auto industry, the impact of China’s rise in the EV market, and what defines a “good” manufacturing job. Jim also shares insights on job quality, automation myths, and strategies for Ontario.

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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.

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Part 2 of the conversation with NGen CEO Jason Myers highlights productivity in Ontario's manufacturing sector. A joint report by NGen and the Trillium Network examines Canada's "productivity problem," ways to measure it, and the role of strategic management and leadership in driving growth.

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In this episode, Brendan talks with Scott MacKenzie, Director of Corporate and External Affairs at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada. Scott shares insights on how Ontario’s automotive industry has evolved over the past 25 years, and Toyota’s approach to electrification.

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In this episode of 'Making it in Ontario,' co-hosts Michelle Samson and Brendan Sweeney share highlights from Trillium Network’s latest data bulletin focused on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Ontario's manufacturing sector.

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In this episode, we talk with Jayson Myers, CEO of NGen (Next Generation Manufacturing Canada) and an award-winning economist, about the evolution of manufacturing in Ontario and Canada. Jay discusses why Ontario's unique mix of assets is so powerful, and how NGen is fostering connections within the advanced manufacturing ecosystem.

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