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Auto Pact: The end of an era
In 1965, a landmark agreement with the United States transformed Canada's tiny car-making industry into a world leader. The Auto Pact created thousands of Canadian jobs and was the backbone for a generation of economic growth. But the Auto Pact also tied Canada's fortunes more closely than ever to its southern neighbour.
Canada's auto industry, built on the back of the 36-year-old agreement, is now strong enough to go it alone. Canada's low dollar and skilled work force attract plenty of foreign auto investment. The Japanese and Europeans continue to do business here despite the tariffs. The United States also manufactures more cars and parts in Canada than stipulated in the Auto Pact.
Canada's auto industry has become the sixth largest in the world. Experts say its future success will depend on a strong, competitive industry that can compete in the global market.
. In 1999, nearly 3 million vehicles were produced in Ontario. Eight major global car and truck manufacturers have plants in Ontario — more than any other province or U.S. state.
. The Canadian Auto Workers said that Toyota and Honda spent about $2 billion on Canadian-made parts in 2001, compared with $30 billion by the Big Three.
Program: Sunday Report
Broadcast Date: Feb. 18, 2001
Guest(s): Michael Robinet, Jim Stanford, Brian Tobin, Tayce Wakefield, David Worts
Host: Alison Smith
Reporter: Raj Ahluwalia
Duration: 2:51
Last updated: April 10, 2012
Page consulted on November 19, 2012
All Clips from this Topic
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A look at Canada's struggling auto industry in 1960.
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The Auto Pact signals a new era for the Canadian economy.
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Canadians struggle to adapt to their auto industry marriage with the U...
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How the 1970s recession is affecting the Canadian auto industry.
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James Laxer discusses why he thinks the Auto Pact is bad for Canada an...
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Anger and protests over the troubled auto industry.
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Major government incentives encourage Ford to build a $535 million pla...
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Henry Ford sets up shop in Canada and American domination begins in th...
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A look at Canada's auto parts sector.
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Foreign automakers set up shop as the country's struggling industry co...
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The auto parts manufacturer symbolizes the growing success of the Cana...
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Possible effects of the Asian car market on Canada.
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A look at growing American disenchantment with the Auto Pact in 1987.
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The Americans say they plan to chip away at the Auto Pact during free ...
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Magna International goes through a downturn in 1990.
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History of the Auto Pact and its meaning to Canada.
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The North American Free Trade Agreement gives Canada access to a new m...
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The impact of NAFTA in Mexico.
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Canada must go it alone without the Auto Pact. The agreement that buil...