Michigan, Ontario to Partner on Automotive Initiatives

Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder and Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne signed a memorandum of understanding today to jointly promote and grow the auto industry within the state and its neighboring Canadian province.

Snyder announced the agreement this morning during a speech at the Management Briefing Seminars in Traverse City, Mich.

Under the agreement, Michigan and Ontario will collaborate on various innovation initiatives—including research related to self-driving vehicles—and workforce development. This will include creating best practices and cohesive public policies, improving supply chain integration and promoting technology transfer.

The announcement comes just ahead of labor negotiations between Canada’s Unifor labor union and Detroit Big 3 carmakers. The current labor contract expires Sept. 19.