About Us
The Future of Canadian Automotive Labourforce (FOCAL) Initiative, funded in part by the Government of Canada (Sectoral Workforce Solutions Program), is a collaboration of the Canadian Skills Training and Employment Coalition (CSTEC), Automotive Policy Research Centre (APRC) and Prism Economics and Analysis.
Over a three year lifespan starting in mid-2019, the FOCAL Initiative has produced current labour market information related to Canada’s automotive manufacturing sector, examined key trends affecting the automotive labour market, and produced forecasts of supply and demand for key occupations in the broader automotive sector.
Our research and other findings has been shared with employers at all tiers in Canada’s broader automotive sector, as well as to educators, students, job-seekers, policy makers at all levels of government, labour organizations, and other non-government stakeholders in this important segment of Canada’s manufacturing industry.
FOCAL research, forecasts and findings can
- help industry make informed decisions about workforce planning and skills development;
- provide job seekers and students with a better sense of where employment opportunities will be in the sector; and
- help educators and policymakers better understand the sector’s employment trends.
About the Canadian Skills Training and Employment Coalition (CSTEC)
Operating as a non-profit organization, CSTEC helps employers and employee organizations with multi-stakeholder solutions for a range issues including workplace training, apprenticeship, labour market information and adjustment, and career enhancement for youth and jobseekers. CSTEC is headquartered in Toronto, with regional coordinators in Hamilton, Sault Ste. Marie, and Kitchener/Waterloo.
About the Automotive Policy Research Centre (APRC)
The Automotive Policy Research Centre (APRC) is non-profit organization that conducts research and disseminates knowledge about how public policy supports Canada’s globally competitive automotive industry in an increasingly challenging global environment.
About Prism Economics and Analysis
Prism provides analytical and management-related services to clients in government, non-profit, post-secondary, and labour sectors. Prism’s in-depth knowledge of labour market structures, issues, sources, people, institutions, regulations, and policies leads to credible and practical research.
Project funding, structure & team
The Future of Canadian Automotive Labourforce (FOCAL) Initiative is funded in part by the Government of Canada (Sectoral Workforce Solutions Program).
A team of staff and resource people from CSTEC, the APRC, and Prism Economics and Analysis carry out project coordination, research, and stakeholder engagement, with the advice and support of an industry stakeholder advisory group.
Industry Stakeholder Advisory Group
The initiative’s Industry Stakeholder Advisory Group provides sector specific insights and advice to ensure that research and information disseminated by the initiative are broadly relevant. Advisory Group members represent a unique cross-section of the Canadian automotive manufacturing industry, with senior representatives from major auto assemblers, parts makers at all tiers, organized labour, and the Government of Ontario.
Bob Magee
Chairman
Woodbridge Group
Joe Mammarella
Director, Human Resources
Martinrea International Inc.
Steve Henry
Director of Apprenticeships
Magna International
Angelo DiCaro
Research Director
Unifor
Marlène Chamandy
Manager, Government Relations
Ford Motor Company of Canada, Ltd.
Norm Lasante
Maintenance Planning and Optimization Manager
Algoma Steel
Lauren Tedesco
Senior Vice President
Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association (APMA)
Nicole Vlanich
Administrative & Support Services Coordinator
CAMM/Automate Canada
Hanif Nori
Manager, Government Relations and Environmental Affairs
Honda Canada
Adrian Tylim
Head Business Development USA
Blue Solutions
Brian Kingston
President and Chief Executive Officer
Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers’ Association (CVMA)
Brendan Sweeney
Managing Director
Trillium Network for Advanced Manufacturing