Canadian Legislative Issues

Government of Canada Renews Automotive Innovation Fund

Accompanied by the Honourable Lisa Raitt, Minister of Labour, Prime Minister Stephen Harper has announced the renewal of the Automotive Innovation Fund (AIF). During the announcement, the Prime Minister specifically highlighted the vital role that the automotive sector plays in Canada’s economy and job market.

The AIF offers support for revolutionary innovation in automotive manufacturing and research and development (R&D), in order to construct more sophisticated, environmentally friendly products, and processes.

First introduced in the 2008 Federal Budget with an initial commitment of $250 million over five years, AIF investments have assisted with up to $1.6 billion in R&D and innovation investments in Canada’s automotive sector.

The renewed Fund will provide $250 million over five years (2013-2018) to automotive companies in Canada, in support of comprehensive R&D projects. The Government of Canada will consider investment proposals valued at more than $75 million.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper and workers at the Ford Motor Company of Canada Ltd. Oakville Assembly Complex

Province of Manitoba Expands Ignition Interlock Program

Manitoba’s Ignition Interlock Program has now been expanded to include drivers convicted of an impaired driving offense for the first time. The previous mandatory program applied to drivers who are granted conditional licensing during an active alcohol-related suspension, repeat convicted offenders or first offenses with aggravating factors.

Term lengths for the mandatory ignition interlock are as follows:

One year for the first conviction
One year for the second conviction
Three years for the third conviction
Lifetime for the fourth and subsequent convictions

Justice Minister Andrew Swan reiterated that the government remains committed to ending impaired driving in the province, highlighting that drinking and driving will not be tolerated on Manitoba's roads and highways.

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