The Member of Parliament for Saint-Maurice-Champlain and Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, on behalf of the Member of Parliament for Ahuntsic-Cartierville, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED), the Honourable Mélanie Joly, along with the Minister of Finance and Minister of Economy and Innovation, Eric Girard, made the announcement today accompanied by the Minister of Labour, Employment and Social Solidarity and Minister Responsible for the Mauricie Region, Jean Boulet, and the Member for Laviolette-Saint-Maurice and Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Forests, Wildlife and Parks (forests), Marie-Louise Tardif.
Taiga Motors' overall project involves, among other things:
- building an assembly plant for snowmobiles, personal watercraft, electric powertrains, and battery packs in Shawinigan, in the Mauricie region; and
- developing new advanced technologies for electric powertrains and an electric off-road vehicle platform at its Montréal‑based technical centre. However, this component is not covered by the financial assistance granted today by the Government of Quebec.
The $30-million loan from the Government of Quebec, which includes up to $6 million that may be forgiven, is being granted through the Ministère de l'Économie et de l'Innovation's ESSOR program. For its part, the Government of Canada intends to grant up to $10 million in financial support through CED to Taiga Motors over two years. This funding is conditional on the signing of a contribution agreement between the two parties.
Quotes
"Our government is supporting the country's businesses as they become global leaders in the manufacture of green vehicles, creating dependable jobs. Taiga Motors' arrival in the Mauricie region is a key part of our efforts to enable the region to participate fully in the economic recovery by showcasing local talent. Our government will continue to support businesses so they can participate in efforts to build a clean-growth economy, including by investing in the manufacture of carbon‑neutral vehicles."
The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Member of Parliament for Saint‑Maurice‑Champlain and Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry
"Innovation is at the core of our government's priorities, and we proudly support projects such as the one by Taiga Motors, which will contribute a cleaner environment. By driving a new 100%‑electric sector of activity in Quebec, the project is fully in line with our recovery plan for a sustainable, green, and innovative economy. Taiga Motors' values also align with our priorities around electrifying transportation, the fight against climate change and structural regional economic development. By leveraging this innovative project in Shawinigan, we are also investing in the well-being of future generations."
The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Member of Parliament for Ahuntsic‒Cartierville, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for CED
"Taiga Motors has the potential to become a major player in the thriving off-road electric vehicle market. This project aligns with our willingness to invest in this manufacturing sector to create a comprehensive electric transportation industry, a niche market with high growth potential supporting a greener, more prosperous, and more sustainable economy. It is through these kinds of initiatives that Quebec stands out thanks to its creativity and spirit of innovation."
Eric Girard, Minister of Finance and Minister of Economy and Innovation
"The trend towards electric vehicles is growing fast right around the world. Taiga Motors, which specializes in recreational vehicles, has everything it needs to position itself at an advantage on this market. By building a new plant in the Mauricie region, the business will be able to benefit from a stimulating business environment and a qualified workforce to pursue its growth."
Jean Boulet, Minister of Labour, Employment and Social Solidarity and Minister Responsible for the Mauricie Region
"Taiga Motors has been a source of pride in the Mauricie region since it was created in 2015, at the Centre d'entrepreneuriat Alphonse-Desjardins Shawinigan. This cutting-edge business is now moving into high gear with this ambitious project. Establishing its new plant in Shawinigan will enable our region to further develop its expertise in electric transportation and give a substantial boost to the Mauricie economy in this time of recovery."
Marie-Louise Tardif, Member for Laviolette-Saint-Maurice and Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Forests, Wildlife and Parks (forests)
"The confirmed funding for Taiga Motors and the decision to locate in Shawinigan are of great benefit to the city and its electric transportation strategy. The business will be a leader in producing electric vehicles for motorized sports. This niche market comes in addition to the market for electric vehicle charging stations, which is already established in our region, and all the related businesses in our area. This future plant is a dream facility that all Quebec and Canadian cities would want to have themselves. Above all, it aligns with a 21st-century economy focused on environmental issues and the future."
Michel Angers, Mayor of Shawinigan
Quick facts
- Taiga Motors was founded in 2015 to design, manufacture and commercialize fully electric recreational vehicles. It currently employees approximately 100 people.
- Since it was launched, the business has developed three electric snowmobile models and two electric personal watercraft models, including the powertrain, battery, and smart connectivity. Taiga Motors holds the intellectual property for several strategic elements of these components.
- The ESSOR program, managed by Investissement Québec on behalf of the Government of Quebec, aims to support investment projects in Quebec with the aim of boosting competitiveness and productivity, creating jobs and fostering sustainable development.
- CED is a key federal partner in Quebec's regional economic development. With its 12 regional business offices, CED accompanies businesses, supporting organizations and all regions across Quebec into tomorrow's economy.
