Press Room | Invest Ontario

May 15, 2025

Ontario Investment Roundup

Year after year, we have seen billions in investments in the automotive, advanced manufacturing and life sciences industries in Ontario, Canada.

May 13, 2025

Watch this behind-the-scenes video case study to find out why Kainos chose Toronto, Ontario.

Source: Invest Ontario

November 25, 2024

Hitachi Rail invests $100 million in next-generation rail signalling technology

Invest Ontario is supporting Hitachi Rail’s more than $100 million investment to upgrade its rail signalling technology

Source: Invest Ontario

Hitachi Rail invests $100 million in next-generation rail signalling technology
Invest Ontario is supporting Hitachi Rail’s more than $100 million investment to upgrade its rail signalling technology
SelTracTM, the Ontario-invented rail signalling system, will integrate AI and next-generation technologies leveraging Ontario’s tech talent and engineering expertise TORONTO, Ontario, November 25, 2024 – Invest Ontario is proud to support Hitachi Rail’s more than $100 million investment to upgrade its world-leading communication-based train control (CBTC) signalling technology. This investment includes the expansion of Hitachi Rail’s workforce in Toronto, Ontario, creating 100 new jobs and retaining 1,000 highly skilled positions in its York Mills office, including R&D and engineering roles. Hitachi Rail aims to develop a new generation of its CBTC technology, SelTracTM (G9), which will integrate artificial intelligence (AI), 5G communications, edge and cloud computing. The next-generation system will offer transit operators worldwide lower costs, minimized carbon footprint, and enhanced passenger experience. The over $100 million investment in the next generation of our world-leading SelTracTM technology is hugely exciting – and we are grateful to the Government of Ontario and Invest Ontario for their support. By integrating AI, 5G, edge and cloud computing, our system will allow urban rail transportation operators around the globe to improve passenger journeys and operate more efficiently. This Ontario-invented technology is a Canadian success story that is creating jobs and boosting economic growth. Ziad Rizk Managing Director, Urban Rail Signalling, Hitachi Rail CBTC is a modern urban signalling system that uses wireless communication between trains and infrastructure to operate urban transit and subway systems more efficiently and safely than conventional signalling. SelTracTM, invented in Ontario, is the world’s first moving block CBTC signalling system, currently operating in more than 100 lines in 40 major cities around the world including the O-Train in Ottawa. Ontario, home to one of the largest tech clusters in North America, is renowned for its strength in AI, automation, and connectivity technologies. The province’s expertise in smart mobility, combined with Hitachi Rail’s global competence centre, makes Ontario the natural place to develop next-generation digital solutions for urban rail and metros. As one of the largest and most sought-after tech hubs in North America, Ontario is driving the development of next-generation technologies that will strengthen economic growth across key sectors, including automation and transportation. Through Invest Ontario, we are proud to support Hitachi Rail’s expansion in Toronto and thank them for choosing our province as the ideal place for their continued growth and success. Hon. Vic Fedeli Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade The company’s York Mills office in Toronto serves as its engineering centre of excellence, equipped with state-of-the-art facilities including labs, testing areas, and simulation environments. In addition to expanding the R&D team, Hitachi Rail is investing in specialized equipment for product development and prototyping. This expansion adds to Hitachi Rail’s growing presence in Canada that includes around 1,200 employees across the country, who are delivering and maintaining major transit projects in Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal and Ottawa. Under the leadership of Premier Ford, our government is investing $70 billion in the largest transit expansion in North America, connecting millions more Ontarians to reliable and affordable public transit. Today's announcement means Hitachi Rail will be helping even more workers gain the critical expertise needed to deliver Ontario's generational projects. Hon. Prabmeet Sarkaria Minister of Transportation Hitachi Rail’s investment is a testament to Ontario’s strengths in future technologies that are transforming industries from manufacturing to transportation. We are excited to support the company in advancing a made-in-Ontario technology that keeps cities around the world on the move. Jennifer Block Interim CEO of Invest Ontario Subject to reaching a definitive agreement, the Invest Ontario Fund will support the investment with a $4.5 million grant. For more information about Invest Ontario, please visit www.investontario.ca.

November 19, 2024

Roche Canada expands global informatics hub in Ontario

Invest Ontario is supporting Roche Canada’s more than $130M investment to create up to 250 jobs in AI, machine learning, computational biology and data analytics.

Source: Invest Ontario

Roche Canada expands global informatics hub in Ontario
Invest Ontario is supporting Roche Canada’s more than $130M investment to create up to 250 jobs in AI, machine learning, computational biology and data analytics.
Invest Ontario supports more than $130M CAD investment in Mississauga to create up to 250 highly-skilled, technical jobs MISSISSAUGA, Ontario, November 19, 2024 – Invest Ontario is proud to partner with Hoffmann-La Roche Limited (Roche Canada) to support the establishment of a Global Informatics Hub in Mississauga, Ontario. Roche is a world-leader in diagnostics and pharmaceuticals with a passion for addressing real challenges faced by patients around the world. This investment of more than $130 million CAD over five years will create up to 250 new jobs in innovative areas like artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, computational biology and data analytics. Canada is an important part of the global Roche Group network. With this expansion, they will now be considered one of the top five Informatics technology hubs supporting the Roche global business. These highly-skilled, technical jobs are part of the future of healthcare and medical research, and we are pleased to see that Ontario’s life science sector will be at the forefront. Together with our partners, this is one step towards our continued investment and commitment to the life sciences sector in Ontario, our local economy and in healthcare for all Canadians and patients around the world. Brigitte Nolet President and CEO, Roche Canada Pharma Headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, Roche is a multinational organization with a 93-year history in Canada. They currently employ nearly two thousand people at their offices across the country, and their ongoing investments support the entire healthcare value chain in Ontario from research through to commercialization. This collaboration with Roche Canada affirms that Ontario is where medical breakthroughs happen. Ontario is the largest life sciences jurisdiction in Canada. Its businesses generate 59% of overall Canadian revenue and employ 52% of all of Canada’s life science’s personnel. Graduating more than 70,000 Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) graduates annually, Ontario has one of the most highly skilled workforces in the world. This investment by Roche is another testament to Ontario’s growing reputation as a global leader in the life sciences sector. Our government is pleased to support the growth of this Global Informatics Hub with a $3.5 million provincial investment that will create highly skilled, good-paying jobs and drive medical breakthroughs that will improve the lives of people throughout Ontario. Hon. Doug Ford Premier of Ontario Over the last six years, Ontario has attracted over $5 billion in new investments in the life sciences sector, including significant contributions from leading biomanufacturing and life sciences giants. The life sciences sector is a key contributor to Ontario’s economy, employing more than 72,000 people in high-value jobs across 2,000 firms which is 44% of Canada’s total. As one of the largest life sciences jurisdictions in North America, Ontario is a prime location for domestic and international biomanufacturers looking to invest and bring their innovative ideas from lab to market. The new jobs in Roche’s Global Informatics Hub are a welcome addition to our province’s growing life sciences ecosystem and represent a vote of confidence in our highly-skilled workforce and research environment. We look forward to seeing this partnership grow and bring economic growth and good-paying jobs to Mississauga. Hon. Vic Fedeli Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade The province recently launched Phase 2 of the sector strategy, Taking Life Sciences to the Next Level. This comprehensive strategy sets ambitious goals to advance R&D, strengthen biomanufacturing capacity, accelerate commercialization and cements Ontario as a leader in the next generation of life sciences technology. This was Roche Canada’s first partnership with Invest Ontario and we are thrilled to champion Ontario’s talent together. Roche’s continued commitment signifies their confidence in Ontario’s life sciences ecosystem to contribute to a global business. Jennifer Block Invest Ontario Interim CEO Subject to reaching a definitive agreement, the Invest Ontario Fund will support the investment with a $3.5 million CAD grant. This strategically important investment will ensure that the medical innovations of the future are always possible right here in Ontario. For more information about Invest Ontario, please visit www.investontario.ca.

November 14, 2024

Source: Maple Business Council

April 21, 2023

Volkswagen’s new Electric Vehicle Battery Plant will create thousands of new jobs

The plant, Volkswagen’s largest to date, will create up to 3,000 direct jobs and up to 30,000 indirect jobs. Once complete in 2027, the plant will produce batteries for up to one million electric vehicles per year, bolstering Canada’s domestic battery manufacturing capacity to meet the demand for electric vehicles now and into the future.

Source: Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade

Volkswagen’s new Electric Vehicle Battery Plant will create thousands of new jobs
The plant, Volkswagen’s largest to date, will create up to 3,000 direct jobs and up to 30,000 indirect jobs. Once complete in 2027, the plant will produce batteries for up to one million electric vehicles per year, bolstering Canada’s domestic battery manufacturing capacity to meet the demand for electric vehicles now and into the future.
ST. THOMAS — From mining critical minerals to building batteries and cars, Ontario and Canada continue to attract historic, transformational investments across the electric vehicle supply chain to secure more good-paying jobs for workers today and for decades to come. Last month, Ontario and Canada secured a historic investment from Volkswagen, Europe’s largest automaker. Volkswagen is investing $7 billion to establish its first overseas electric vehicle battery manufacturing plant in St. Thomas, Ontario. This is the largest electric vehicle-related investment in Canadian history, signaling a strong vote of confidence in Ontario and Canada’s highly skilled workers, strong economies, and competitive business environments. Premier Doug Ford and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau were joined today by Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, and the federal Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, François-Philippe Champagne, to highlight this generational deal for St. Thomas, Ontario, and Canada’s entire electric vehicle supply chain. The plant, Volkswagen’s largest to date, will create up to 3,000 direct jobs and up to 30,000 indirect jobs. Once complete in 2027, the plant will produce batteries for up to one million electric vehicles per year, bolstering Canada’s domestic battery manufacturing capacity to meet the demand for electric vehicles now and into the future. The plant, which will generate about $200 billion in value, will be the largest manufacturing plant in Canada. Construction is expected to begin next year. To strengthen and grow St. Thomas and the surrounding communities, Ontario will invest in other important infrastructure projects across the region, including improvements to roads, highways, utility services, and police and fire services. Since 2020, historic new investments have been made in Ontario by global automakers and electric vehicle batteries and battery materials suppliers. From mining critical minerals to building batteries and electric vehicles, Ontario and Canada have the resources and skilled workers to continue leading the world. This means a strong economy, good-paying jobs, and clean air now and into the future.

April 19, 2023

In the final installment of his two-outlet mini-series, National Public Radio’s HJ Mai reports on Ontario’s transition towards electric vehicles and building on Canada’s automotive legacy.

Source: NPR

August 10, 2022

Invest Ontario strengthens the leadership team with appointment of two Vice Presidents

Today, Invest Ontario announces the appointment of two senior executives to the agency’s leadership team: Khawar Nasim and Michael Fedchyshyn.

Source: Invest Ontario

Invest Ontario strengthens the leadership team with appointment of two Vice Presidents
Today, Invest Ontario announces the appointment of two senior executives to the agency’s leadership team: Khawar Nasim and Michael Fedchyshyn.
Khawar Nasim as Vice President of Business Development and Michael Fedchyshyn, Vice President of Strategies and Business Solutions August 10, 2022 – Today, Invest Ontario announces the appointment of two senior executives to the agency’s leadership team. Khawar Nasim joins Invest Ontario from New York, where he was Canada’s Acting Consul General, working with businesses to grow their footprint in Canada. He brings over 25 years of international experience in both the private and public sectors. Nasim will be leading the agency’s specialized, business development sector-oriented teams in life sciences, advanced manufacturing and technology to ensure best-in-class investment attraction for Ontario. He will be responsible for investor care and be a key relationship builder on behalf of the agency. Michael Fedchyshyn brings years of experience in private equity, renewable energy development, waste-to-energy development, project finance and management consulting. He joins the agency from Infrastructure Ontario, where he created and led the Transit Oriented Communities Program. As the Vice President, Strategies and Business Solutions, Fedchyshyn will be responsible for establishing the agency’s strategic planning, transactional risk management and business intelligence functions. In addition, he will manage the long-term relationship with other provincial, regional and federal government stakeholders to develop a “Team Ontario approach” for successful investment attraction. “Invest Ontario was created to support economic development, resiliency and job creation in Ontario through strategic business deals and capital investments,” says Trevor Dauphinee, CEO of Invest Ontario. “I am delighted to announce the strengthening of our leadership team today. In our first year, we have already had some significant successes, and I know that Khawar and Michael will bring their networks and expertise to ensure we are delivering the best for investors.” As the province’s principal agency for new and expanding businesses and investors, Invest Ontario is uniquely positioned to attract strategic companies and capital that help build a stronger and more resilient Ontario.

July 20, 2022

In their op-ed for DOT Magazine, Kathrin Seitz, Ontario’s representative in Germany, and Philipp Kornitzky, Senior Account Executive for the Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, discuss the province’s robust cybersecurity ecosystem, and the opportunities the growing industry presents.

Source: DOT Magazine

October 14, 2021

Unleashing Ontario - Fall 2021

Unleashing Ontario is an official economic development newsletter from the Ontario Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade.

October 7, 2021

Your Future in Ontario: A Roadmap for Innovation and Collaboration at the Heart of North American Markets

In his feature article, Minister Fedeli sets out how Ontario is working proactively across industry sectors as forward-looking companies position for long-term growth in an economy shaped by technological disruption and the need for environmental sustainability.

Source: Trade & Industry Development Magazine

August 18, 2021

Ontario and Michigan Partnering on Cross-Border Transportation Technologies

Ontario and Michigan partnering on cross-border transportation technologies. Projects will help people and goods move safely and efficiently across the border by land, air and water.

Source: Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade

Ontario and Michigan Partnering on Cross-Border Transportation Technologies
Ontario and Michigan partnering on cross-border transportation technologies. Projects will help people and goods move safely and efficiently across the border by land, air and water.
Cross-border testing environment will spur technology innovations and transportation solutions, enhancing crossings by land, air and water TORONTO, CANADA – Ontario and Michigan are expanding their longstanding collaboration through a new partnership to advance automotive, transportation and mobility technologies to help people and goods move safely and efficiently across the border by land, air and water. The Ontario government, through Ontario’s Autonomous Vehicle Innovation Network (AVIN), and the State of Michigan, through the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to explore the implementation of a cross-border testing environment that will further support the commercialization and adoption of auto and transportation technologies in Ontario. Goals of the collaboration include: Identifying the potential economic, social and environmental benefits from increased collaboration in automotive and transportation technologies between Ontario and Michigan. Identifying issues and challenges for both people and goods related to specific types of border crossing (by land, air and water) and how transportation technologies could offer solutions. Exploring the regulatory and policy considerations involved. Developing a roadmap for implementation, including steps to establish cross-border pilots for transportation technologies. Combined, Ontario and Michigan are responsible for about 22 per cent of North America’s automotive output. The state and province share a highly integrated automotive supply chain, with vehicle parts crossing the border several times before rolling off the assembly line in finished vehicles. In addition, many companies operate on both sides of the border, with engineering expertise and technology innovation shared between the two autotech hubs. As a first action under the new MOU, a joint Request for Proposals (RFP) is now underway to study and analyze the economic potential of expanded border capacity and other benefits that can be achieved by leveraging advanced automotive and smart mobility solutions at international border crossings. The closing date for RFP submissions is September 13, 2021. For further information, please visit AVIN’s RFP page or MDOT’s eProposal site.

March 19, 2021

Ontario, Canada Appoints Board of Directors for Province’s new Investment Attraction Agency Invest Ontario

The Ontario government has appointed the first members to the Board of Directors of Invest Ontario, the new provincial agency focused on promoting the province as a key investment destination.

Source: Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade

Ontario, Canada Appoints Board of Directors for Province’s new Investment Attraction Agency Invest Ontario
The Ontario government has appointed the first members to the Board of Directors of Invest Ontario, the new provincial agency focused on promoting the province as a key investment destination.
New agency will position Ontario as a top-tier destination for investment TORONTO, CANADA — The Ontario government has appointed the first members to the Board of Directors of Invest Ontario, the new provincial agency focused on promoting the province as key investment destination. The board will lead the new agency and will report to Vic Fedeli, Ontario’s Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade and will advise on key opportunities to showcase the province’s unique value propositions in an increasingly competitive global marketplace. Heading the agency as Chair is Elyse Allan, an accomplished executive with experience in driving growth, technology and innovation. Board members Anna Barrett, Janet Ecker, Ernie Eves, Cecil Hawkins, Andrew MacLeod, Joseph S. Mancinelli, Gadi Mayman, Carmine Nigro, Ajay Virmani and James Wallace will bring extensive experience and expertise in advanced manufacturing, technology and life science sectors that serve as initial areas of focus for the agency. “Now more than ever, it's critical to position Ontario as a top-tier destination for investment. A key measure to support this objective is the creation of a new investment attraction agency, Invest Ontario,” said Minister Fedeli. “Invest Ontario will be supported by a team of business development executives who bring a private-sector approach to attracting large-scale, high-quality investments to help drive our economy forward and cement our position as the economic engine of Canada.” Invest Ontario will include greater business development and deal structuring expertise and build on the many benefits of investing in Ontario, including: a good quality of life, a highly skilled talent pool, a strong and growing innovation sector, and a pro-job creation jurisdiction that can help businesses thrive. “Ontario offers a wealth of opportunities for investors and businesses looking to grow. Our talented workforce, leading postsecondary institutions, strong innovation and manufacturing sectors and business-friendly climate are just a few of the attributes that make our province highly attractive,” said Elyse Allan, Board Chair of Invest Ontario. “Invest Ontario will promote these qualities and provide an all-in-one experience to prospective global investors that results in finding and closing the best deals to bring value and opportunity to the province.” Invest Ontario will promote the province as a key investment destination, making Ontario more competitive while sending a strong signal to investors that the province is open for business. It will be a “one stop shop” for businesses and investors. It will move at the speed of business and drive greater economic growth, support strategic domestic firms, and attract business from around the world to create good jobs in Ontario.

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