Making it in Ontario

Storied Places Media

Making it in Ontario is your window into what's next in manufacturing. Ontario’s economy depends on manufacturing, but the latest research reveals concerning trends that could undermine the sector’s strength—if we don’t address them. Join us as we talk to CEOs and other leaders at the forefront of the sector about productivity, strategy, talent markets and career opportunities, and the role of manufacturing in a prosperous and sustainable future. This podcast is an initiative of the Trillium Network for Advanced Manufacturing. It is hosted by Brendan Sweeney and Michelle Samson and produced by Storied Places Media. Learn more about the Trillium Network at trilliummfg.ca

  1. FEB 4

    The State of Canada’s Auto Industry in 2026

    Is your knowledge of Canada’s automotive industry up to date? The Trillium Network has crunched the numbers and reports on how vehicle production, assembly plant employment, and labour productivity have evolved since 2016. In this episode, the report’s authors, Brendan Sweeney and Greg Keenan, unpack the stats and discuss the driving forces behind them. They conclude with three policy recommendations that we hope to see in the federal government’s forthcoming automotive strategy. 00:00 Introduction and Overview of the Trillium Network’s New Automotive Industry Bulletin 01:34 Reasons Behind the Report's Timing 03:07 Key Findings on Vehicle Production 07:49 Impact on Employment and Productivity 12:58 Federal Automotive Strategy and Recommendations 17:02 Impact of Chinese Auto Imports and Consumer Choices Read the Trillium Network Data Bulletin The Road Behind Is Not the Road Ahead: What a Decade of Data Tells Us About Canada's Automotive Future https://trilliummfg.ca/data-bulletin/the-road-behind-is-not-the-road-ahead/ Find Out More About Trillium Trillium website: trilliummfg.caLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/trilliummfgX/Twitter: x.com/TrilliumMfgInstagram: instagram.com/trilliummfgFacebook: facebook.com/trilliummfgOld ‘Making it in Ontario’ Episodes: https://soundcloud.com/making-it-in-ontario-past About the Making it in Ontario Podcast Making it in Ontario is your window into what's next in manufacturing. Ontario’s economy depends on manufacturing, but the latest research reveals concerning trends that could undermine the sector’s strength—if we don’t address them. Join us as we talk to CEOs and other leaders at the forefront of the sector about productivity, strategy, talent markets and career opportunities, and the role of manufacturing in a prosperous and sustainable future. This podcast is an initiative of the Trillium Network for Advanced Manufacturing. It is produced by Storied Places Media.

    18 min

  2. JAN 22

    Why This Historian Thinks a Canadian Car is Feasible

    As Canada’s auto industry faces fresh uncertainty, an old story from New Brunswick suddenly feels very current. In this episode, host Brendan Sweeney and guest host Greg Keenan sit down with Dimitry Anastakis, a University of Toronto professor and the author of Dream Car, a book about the history of the New Brunswick-built Bricklin SV1. Dimitry details the fascinating yet tumultuous journey of the Bricklin in the 1970s, why it was a failure with important lessons, and how we can apply those lessons to the startup and sustainability of a Canadian car company today. Dimitry also reflects on the Trillium Network’s Shifting Gears report and shares his vision for what a uniquely Canadian car should look like. 00:00 Introduction and Previous Episode Recap 00:52 Introducing the Guest: Dimitry Anastakis 02:43 Dimitry's Background and Academic Journey 04:13 Writing ‘Dream Car’: More than a Simple Case Study 08:41 Why Dimitry Thinks a Canadian Car is Feasible 09:50 The Future of Canadian Car Manufacturing 15:44 The Challenge of Sustaining a Car Company 25:35 Parallels Between Bricklin and Tesla 30:26 Why Dimitry Was Less Pessimistic After Reading the Trillium Network’s Report 45:46 What Dimitry Thinks a Canadian Car Should Look Like Read the Trillium Network Report Shifting Gears: The Potential for a Canadian Car Company trilliummfg.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/January-5-Shifting-Gears_TrilliumNetwork.pdf Find Out More About Dimitry Anastakis Dimitry Anastakis University of Toronto Profile history.utoronto.ca/people/directories/all-faculty/dimitry-anastakisDream Car: Malcolm Bricklin’s Fantastic SV1 and the End of Industrial Modernity utppublishing.com/doi/book/10.3138/9781487555825#generate-pdfThe North American Auto Industry since NAFTA utorontopress.com/9781487527372/the-north-american-auto-industry-since-nafta Find Out More About Trillium Trillium website: trilliummfg.caTrillium GIS: trilliumgis.caLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/trilliummfgX/Twitter: x.com/TrilliumMfgInstagram: instagram.com/trilliummfgFacebook: facebook.com/trilliummfgOld ‘Making it in Ontario’ Episodes: https://soundcloud.com/making-it-in-ontario-past About the Making it in Ontario Podcast Making it in Ontario

    50 min

  3. JAN 8

    Is a Canadian Car Company Feasible?

    As we enter a new year where Canadian economic sovereignty is a top priority and our automotive industry faces an uncertain future, discussions have been heating up about the prospect of a truly Canadian car company. With insights from the report’s co-authors, Brendan Sweeney and Greg Keenan, this episode unpacks a new Trillium Network report that provides insight into the feasibility of a Canadian car company, who might be involved, and how Canada’s auto-making expertise could be turned into a commercially-viable OEM. 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:58 Special Guest Host Introduction 03:14 Why a Canadian Car Company is a Hot Topic 06:54 Does Canada Already Have a Car Company? 16:59 Turning Auto-Making Expertise Into a Commercially-Viable OEM 26:05 How Governments Can Help 32:55 Likely Company Structure and Partners 40:23 Biggest Challenges 41:41 Leveraging Canada’s Strengths in Automation and Nuclear Highlighted Links Trillium Network: Shifting Gears: The Potential for a Canadian Car Company trilliummfg.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/January-5-Shifting-Gears_TrilliumNetwork.pdfWired: That Disastrous Car Homer Simpson Designed Was Actually Ahead of Its Time wired.com/2014/07/homer-simpson-car/ Magna Torrero: magna.com/company/company-information/facts-history/magna-torrero Find Out More About Trillium Trillium website: trilliummfg.caTrillium GIS: trilliumgis.caLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/trilliummfgX/Twitter: x.com/TrilliumMfgInstagram: instagram.com/trilliummfgFacebook: facebook.com/trilliummfgOld ‘Making it in Ontario’ Episodes: https://soundcloud.com/making-it-in-ontario-past About the Making it in Ontario Podcast Making it in Ontario is your window into what's next in manufacturing. Ontario’s economy depends on manufacturing, but the latest research reveals concerning trends that could undermine the sector’s strength—if we don’t address them. Join us as we talk to CEOs and other leaders at the forefront of the sector about productivity, strategy, talent markets and career opportunities, and the role of manufacturing in a prosperous and sustainable future. This podcast is an initiative of the Trillium Network for Advanced Manufacturing. It is produced by Storied Places Media.

    47 min

  4. 2025-09-12

    Canola or Automotive: Which Contributes More to the Economy?

    This episode of 'Making it in Ontario' unpacks a new data bulletin by the Trillium Network for Advanced Manufacturing that examines claims that the canola industry contributes $43 billion worth of GDP to Canada's economy, more than the automotive, steel, and aluminum sectors combined. Hosts Michelle Samson and Brendan Sweeney discuss the flawed methodology that generated that total, how the Trillium Network generated a more accurate number, and the importance of responsible advocacy. 00:14 A New Narrative About Canola’s Economic Contributions01:22 Debunking the Canola Report03:15 Investigating the Canola Report’s Methodology06:13 Trillium’s Methodology and Findings10:23 Responsible vs. Irresponsible Advocacy11:55 Podcast Updates and Reminders Highlighted Links Trillium Network: Cars & Canola: The Economic Contributions of Two Trade-Impacted Industries https://trilliummfg.ca/data-bulletin/cars-canola-canadas-trade-powerhouses/The Globe and Mail: Auto sector’s benefits outweigh canola industry’s, Ontario think tank says https://www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/article-auto-sectors-benefits-outweigh-canola-industrys-ontario-think-tank/National Post: New report challenges canola's $43-billion contribution to GDP https://financialpost.com/commodities/energy/electric-vehicles/report-challenges-canola-43-billion-contribution-gdp?itm_source=indexSt. Thomas Downtown Oktoberfest: https://downtownoktoberfest.weebly.com/ Find Out More About Trillium Trillium website: trilliummfg.caTrillium GIS: trilliumgis.caLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/trilliummfgX/Twitter: x.com/TrilliumMfgInstagram: instagram.com/trilliummfgFacebook: facebook.com/trilliummfgOld ‘Making it in Ontario’ Episodes: https://soundcloud.com/making-it-in-ontario-past About the Making it in Ontario Podcast Making it in Ontario is your window into what's next in manufacturing. Ontario’s economy depends on manufacturing, but the latest research reveals concerning trends that could undermine the sector’s strength—if we don’t address them. Join us as we talk to CEOs and other leaders at the forefront of the sector about productivity, strategy, talent markets and career opportunities, and the role of manufacturing in a prosperous and sustainable future. This podcast is an initiative of the Trillium Network for Advanced Manufacturing. It is produced by Storied Places Media.

    13 min

  5. 2025-09-05

    PowerCo Canada: Investing in Careers and Ontario’s EV Future

    PowerCo Canada is about to start construction on its massive $7 billion EV battery plant in St. Thomas, which means a major recruitment campaign is underway. In this episode of Making it in Ontario, we sit down with Norman Wickboldt, PowerCo Canada’s CHRO, for a deep dive into the hiring plans—including what types of skills will be needed (and when), the differences between working in an EV battery plant versus a traditional vehicle assembly plant, and how PowerCo Canada is building a robust talent pipeline for the future. 00:00 Introduction to Making it in Ontario04:56 Norman's Background and Career Journey11:18 First Impressions of Canada and Working With St. Thomas15:48 Working in an EV Battery Operation vs a Traditional Vehicle Assembly Plant17:51 Recruitment Scale and Timing20:36 Who Should Apply and How to Prepare24:08 Types of Opportunities Available Now and in the Near Future25:47 PowerCo Canada’s Strategy To Build a Robust Talent Pipeline29:07 PowerCo’s Values and Culture33:44 Future of Work in Advanced Manufacturing Highlighted Links PowerCo Careers in St. Thomas: https://careers.powerco.de/go/St_-Thomas/9527301/Making it in Ontario Season 11, Episode 4 with Sean Dyke, “Why PowerCo Invested $7 Billion in St. Thomas, ON” https://player.captivate.fm/episode/21f19b80-993d-4ca5-8020-e229493921e3/ Find Out More about PowerCo Website: powerco.deLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/powerco-seFacebook: facebook.com/PowerCoOfficialInstagram: instagram.com/powerco_se Find Out More About Trillium Trillium website: trilliummfg.caTrillium GIS: trilliumgis.caLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/trilliummfgX/Twitter: x.com/TrilliumMfgInstagram: instagram.com/trilliummfgFacebook: facebook.com/trilliummfgOld ‘Making it in Ontario’ Episodes: https://soundcloud.com/making-it-in-ontario-past About the Making it in Ontario Podcast Making it in Ontario is your window into what's next in manufacturing. Ontario’s economy depends on manufacturing, but the latest research reveals concerning trends that could undermine the sector’s strength—if we don’t address them. Join us as we talk to CEOs and other leaders at the forefront of the sector about productivity, strategy, talent markets and career opportunities, and the role of manufacturing in a prosperous and sustainable future. This podcast is an initiative of the Trillium Network for Advanced Manufacturing. It is produced by Storied Places Media.

    39 min

  6. 2025-08-29

    Catalyzing Innovation in Ontario’s Aerospace Industry

    The Downsview Aerospace Innovation & Research (DAIR) Hub is working to advance Canada’s global aerospace industry through collaboration. In this episode, DAIR’s executive director Phil Arthurs shares insights into Ontario's aerospace industry and how programs like its Green Fund and Supplier Development Initiative are catalyzing innovation within it. Phil highlights the importance of aerospace to Ontario's economy, underlines why being in the same room is key for collaboration, and extends an invitation to the organization’s flagship event, DAIR to Innovate, on October 23, 2025. 00:00 Introduction to Making it in Ontario02:17 Phil's Career Journey and DAIR's Evolution11:04 DAIR's Green Fund and Supplier Development Initiative18:09 The Pan-Canadian Aerospace Industry20:09 How to Bring Industry and Academics Together22:56 The Importance of Physical Spaces for Collaboration24:39 Preview of DAIR to Innovate 202529:30 Where Ontario’s Aerospace Industry is Heading37:10 Navigating This Dynamic Trade, Investment and Labour Force Environment Highlighted Links DAIR to Innovate 2025 Event Page: dairhub.com/dair-to-innovate-2025-event/“DAIR: Workforce Development” (Phil’s previous episode of Making it in Ontario): soundcloud.com/making-it-in-ontario-past/047-spyro-cacoutis-michelle-decoste-aerospace-workforce-development?utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing“NordSpace: Unlocking Canada’s Access to Space” player.captivate.fm/episode/6e4c0b9a-b295-4fc6-9bc7-3f4cd593f081 Find Out More about DAIR Website: dairhub.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/dairhubInstagram: instagram.com/dairhubFacebook: facebook.com/DAIRHub Find Out More About Trillium Trillium website: trilliummfg.caTrillium GIS: trilliumgis.caLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/trilliummfgX/Twitter: x.com/TrilliumMfgInstagram: instagram.com/trilliummfgFacebook: facebook.com/trilliummfgOld ‘Making it in Ontario’ Episodes: https://soundcloud.com/making-it-in-ontario-past About the Making it in Ontario Podcast Making it in Ontario is your window into what's next in manufacturing. Ontario’s economy depends on manufacturing, but the latest research reveals concerning trends that could undermine the sector’s strength—if we don’t address them. Join us as we talk to CEOs and other leaders at the forefront of the sector about productivity, strategy, talent markets and career opportunities, and the role of manufacturing in a prosperous and sustainable future. This podcast is an initiative of the Trillium Network for Advanced Manufacturing. It is produced by Storied Places Media.

    42 min

  7. 2025-08-15

    Do You Know Who Canada’s Biggest Automakers Are?

    Canada’s automotive sector has changed. In this episode, we sit down with David Adams, President and CEO of Global Automakers of Canada (GAC), to discuss a new report from the Trillium Network revealing how much Toyota, Honda, and other members of the Global Automakers of Canada are contributing to Canada’s automotive manufacturing sector, and what industry stakeholders and policymakers need to know to protect one of the country’s most important sectors during this dynamic moment in time. 00:00 Introduction01:34 Report Highlights: Importance of Global Automakers04:33 David Adams' Background and Role of GAC09:08 Quantifying the Impact of GAC Members and Debunking Long-held Assumptions12:20 Most Surprising Findings13:50 Differences in Business Practices Around the World 18:43 Response to the Report So Far21:26 What Policymakers and Industry Stakeholders Need To Know Highlighted Report The Economic Contributions of Global Automakers to Canada’s Economy: globalautomakers.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025-economic-contributions-report-en.pdf Find Out More about Global Automakers Canada Website: globalautomakers.caLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/globalautomakers/ Find Out More About Trillium Trillium website: trilliummfg.caTrillium GIS: trilliumgis.caLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/trilliummfgX/Twitter: x.com/TrilliumMfgInstagram: instagram.com/trilliummfgFacebook: facebook.com/trilliummfgOld ‘Making it in Ontario’ Episodes: https://soundcloud.com/making-it-in-ontario-past About the Making it in Ontario Podcast Making it in Ontario is your window into what's next in manufacturing. Ontario’s economy depends on manufacturing, but the latest research reveals concerning trends that could undermine the sector’s strength—if we don’t address them. Join us as we talk to CEOs and other leaders at the forefront of the sector about productivity, strategy, talent markets and career opportunities, and the role of manufacturing in a prosperous and sustainable future. This podcast is an initiative of the Trillium Network for Advanced Manufacturing. It is produced by Storied Places Media.

    29 min

  8. 2025-08-01

    Muskoka Brewery on Ontario’s Evolving Craft Beer Industry

    Ontario’s craft brewing industry boomed in the 2010s, rising from  50 breweries in 2010 to more than 350 today. Todd Lewin had a front row seat for it, and helped Muskoka Brewery scale into one of the leading Canadian-owned breweries in Ontario. In this episode, Todd discusses his beer career journey from selling Molson to leading Muskoka Brewery, the brewery’s evolving strategy as demand for beer has plateaued, and where he expects the industry to go from here. 00:00 Introduction to Ontario's Manufacturing Sector and Muskoka Brewery04:30 Todd Lewin's Career Journey07:33 Mergers, Acquisitions, and the Rise of Ontario's Craft Beer Industry12:26 Muskoka Brewery's Growth and Strategy17:42 Leadership and Challenges in the Brewing Industry20:04 Investing in Growth23:19 Ontario’s Craft Brewing Ecosystem29:03 Tapping Into Evolving Consumer Demands: Beer, RTD, and Non-Alcoholic39:58 The Future of Ontario's Craft Beer Industry Find Out More about Muskoka Brewery Website: muskokabrewery.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/muskokabreweryFacebook: facebook.com/muskokabreweryInstagram: instagram.com/muskokabreweryTikTok: tiktok.com/@muskokabrewery Trillium Network for Advanced Manufacturing Reports on Craft Brewing Good Things Brewing: Ontario’s Craft Beer Industry, 2010-2019 (June 2020) https://trilliummfg.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Trillium_CraftBeerReport-June2020.pdfOntario’s Craft Brewing Industry: Contributions, Community, and the Challenges Ahead (June 2022) https://trilliummfg.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Ontario-Craft-Brewing-Industry-Report-2022.pdf Find Out More About Trillium Trillium website: trilliummfg.caTrillium GIS: trilliumgis.caLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/trilliummfgX/Twitter: x.com/TrilliumMfgInstagram: instagram.com/trilliummfgFacebook: facebook.com/trilliummfgOld ‘Making it in Ontario’ Episodes: https://soundcloud.com/making-it-in-ontario-past About the Making it in Ontario Podcast Making it in Ontario is your window into what's next in manufacturing. Ontario’s economy depends on manufacturing, but the latest research reveals concerning trends that could undermine the sector’s strength—if we don’t address them. Join us as we talk to CEOs and other leaders at the forefront of the sector about productivity, strategy, talent markets and career opportunities, and the role of manufacturing in a prosperous and sustainable future. This podcast is an initiative of the Trillium Network for Advanced Manufacturing. It is produced by Storied Places Media.

    44 min
See All (43)

Trailer

About

Making it in Ontario is your window into what's next in manufacturing. Ontario’s economy depends on manufacturing, but the latest research reveals concerning trends that could undermine the sector’s strength—if we don’t address them. Join us as we talk to CEOs and other leaders at the forefront of the sector about productivity, strategy, talent markets and career opportunities, and the role of manufacturing in a prosperous and sustainable future. This podcast is an initiative of the Trillium Network for Advanced Manufacturing. It is hosted by Brendan Sweeney and Michelle Samson and produced by Storied Places Media. Learn more about the Trillium Network at trilliummfg.ca

Information

  • Channel
    Storied Places Media
  • Creator
    Trillium Network for Advanced Manufacturing
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    43
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Trillium Network for Advanced Manufacturing
  • Show Website
    Making it in Ontario

More From Storied Places Media