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

This episode revisits key insights from the Trillium Network’s Automotive Trade Data Bulletin. It covers where Canadian-made cars are sold, where Canada’s vehicles come from, and the movement of auto parts across the border.

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As Trump’s first week ends, the tariff question remains uncertain. This episode explores how Canada’s manufacturing industries depend on trade. Using Trillium Network data, we reveal the most and least exposed sectors and what these differences mean for the future of Canadian manufacturing.

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Rob Wildeboer is the Executive Chair of Vaughan-based Martinrea International. As we enter what’s sure to be a dynamic year for politics and industry, Rob shares frank opinions on trade & tariffs, geopolitics, the transition to EVs, lessons learned from past crises, and why he’s still bullish about automotive.

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For the season finale of Making it in Ontario, Ben Whitney, President of Armo Tool and Chair of Trillium’s board, shares his take on the season’s top ideas. As a hands-on manufacturer, Ben evaluates their practicality for SMEs, discusses leading a family business, and highlights his efforts to inspire the next generation in manufacturing.

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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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