The Eastern Ontario region is comprised of the Economics Regions (ERs) of Ottawa, Kingston-Pembroke, and Muskoka-Kawarthas. The region’s GDP was an estimated $109 billion in 2018, 7% of which was generated by the manufacturing sector. Manufacturing is also a major employer in the region, accounting for 5.5% of the total labour force, including 0.4% from automotive manufacturing

The region has a positive economic outlook, with annual GDP growth of at least 2.0% projected through 2029. However, the region’s manufacturing sector is expected to see its GDP growth slow in the coming years.

The Eastern Ontario region’s population was an estimated 2.2 million in 2018. Moderate population growth is expected in the region through 2030. Population growth will likely be driven primarily by migration into the region as a declining birth rate means little natural population change. The region is expected to see an aging trend in its population, with the share of the population aged 65 years and over projected to increase from 19% in 2016 to 25% by 2030. The region is also expected to see its unemployment fall from 7.2% in 2016 to 5.9% by 2020 before stabilizing over the coming decade.

The Eastern Ontario region’s automotive industry employed an estimated 4,000 workers across 19 businesses in 2018, based on findings from industry contacts, company websites, industry literature and other sources of publicly available data. Employment in the past five years is estimated to have ranged from a low of 3,800 in 2013 to a peak of 4,300 in 2017. The region is home to a total of 18 parts suppliers employing nearly 3,600 workers and an OEM supplier employing nearly 400 workers. The region’s largest automotive manufacturing-related employers include Magna International, Ventra Plastics, and Cpk Interiors (FCA).