PM Stephen Harper congratulates Honda’s decision to build its new CR-V model in Canada

Toronto: Prime Minister Stephen Harper today welcomed the announcement made by Honda Canada Inc.’s President and Chief Executive Officer Jerry Chenkin that its manufacturing facility in Alliston, Ontario, will produce the next-generation CR-V model destined for the European Union (EU) market. The Prime Minister was joined by Ed Fast, Minister of International Trade, and Dr. K. Kellie Leitch, Minister of Labour and Minister of Status of Women.

Thanks in part to the Canada-EU Trade Agreement, Honda Canada is upgrading its Alliston facility to produce the next-generation CR-V. This project, along with Honda’s current operations, will continue to protect high-quality and well-paying jobs.

This will be the first time that Honda Canada will export vehicles to Europe. Honda Canada’s decision was made possible by the historic market access provided by the Canada-EU Trade Agreement, which is paving the way for increased Canadian exports to the world’s largest integrated market of more than 500 million consumers.

Our Government is helping the advanced manufacturing sector expand and succeed around the world by keeping taxes low, reducing red tape and opening new markets for Canadian businesses to boost exports. Our efforts are creating and protecting jobs, as well as promoting growth and long-term prosperity for Canadians in every region of the country.

“Our Government’s top priority is creating jobs and opportunities for Canadian businesses and ensuring Canadian businesses and investors have market access to remain globally competitive and prosperous. Honda’s decision to build its next-generation of EU-destined CR-Vs in Canada is a result of the historic free trade agreement we reached with the EU, which provides preferential market access to a half-billion new customers.”  Prime Minister Stephen Harper added.

“Today’s announcement is significant for Canada’s automotive and advanced manufacturing industry. Our Government has worked hard to open new markets for Canadian companies and we are pleased that Canadian vehicle manufacturers like Honda are already preparing to take full advantage of the many benefits that the Canada-EU Trade Agreement will generate. Our Government will continue to support our exporters and manufacturers as part of the most ambitious pro-export, pro-jobs plan in Canadian history.”  Prime Minister Stephen Harper concluded.