To fight climate change and build a clean, strong economy, we need technologies like electric vehicles and batteries. That’s why we are taking advantage of Canada’s abundance of critical minerals and world-leading innovation – to supply the clean economy with the technologies it needs, and deliver clean air and good jobs for Canadians.
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, was joined today by Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, François-Philippe Champagne, to announce a new proposed federal investment of up to $222 million through the Strategic Innovation Fund to help Rio Tinto Fer et Titane (RTFT) to increase its production of critical minerals, including lithium, titanium, and scandium. These critical minerals will go into products like electric vehicles and batteries, which are increasingly in demand within Canada and globally. This investment will help feed clean technology supply chains at home and abroad, setting up Canadian workers and the Canadian economy for success.
This investment will also aim to cut emissions at RTFT’s plant in Sorel-Tracy, Quebec, almost in half by 2030, including by electrifying furnaces and replacing coal. In total, this investment will help create up to 150 good Canadian jobs and maintain a strong workforce at RTFT, including highly skilled positions.
The Government of Canada will continue to take real action on climate change while creating good, middle-class jobs. This includes strengthening our critical minerals supply chains and developing and building clean technologies here in Canada. For today and for generations to come, we will deliver clean air good jobs, and a strong economy.
