Trent University Auto-Sector Expert Dr. Dimitry Anastakis Awarded $71,000 from AUTO21 to Support New Research

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Study to Investigate the Role of Public Policy in the Auto Sector and the Canadian Fuel Cell Industry

Tuesday, June 3, 2008, Peterborough

Federal Minister of Industry Jim Prentice announced last evening that Trent University History Professor Dr. Dimitry Anastakis will receive $71,000 from AUTO21 to support his team’s research project examining the role of public policy in the Canadian automobile industry.

“Our project is extremely pleased to receive this funding, and wishes to thank AUTO21 and its partners for their continued support,” said Professor Anastakis, who is the project leader for this national research initiative. “The auto industry is one of Canada's most crucial economic sectors, and it essential that the role of public policy in this industry is a focus of continued study."

AUTO21 is a federal automotive research and development program that brings together more than 300 researchers at 43 universities, including Trent University, who are working on 54 auto-related projects.

The only historian among AUTO21’s network of researchers, Prof. Anastakis will be leading a collaborative study of a number of past Canadian government auto policies, among them the Canada-US and North American Free Trade Agreements, to derive public policy lessons from the evolution of the North American auto industry.

"The overarching theme of this AUTO 21 project is the relationship between governments and the auto industry and the way in which public policy has contributed, and can contribute, to the maintenance of a strong Canadian auto sector,” explained Prof. Anastakis. “Each component of this project focuses on a different industry issue; together they will generate analyses of use to governments in making future policy choices.”

Other members of the research team include Dr. Johannes Van Biesebroeck from the University of Toronto who analyzes government policies and firm strategies that will strengthen the automotive components industry, which is facing both increased competition from overseas suppliers and expectations that supplier firms play a greater role in research and development and product design. Carleton University’s Dr. Maureen Molot and Dr. Lynn Mytelka’s research will examine two questions related to fuel cells, currently seen as the most likely new fuel source for vehicles: the first focuses on the long-term sustainability of the Canadian fuel cell sector and the second on the role Canada is playing in the establishment of codes and standards for fuel cells and hydrogen infrastructure. Drs. Anthony Perl and Richard Gilbert from Simon Fraser University will focus on alternative automotive futures by identifying and analyzing strategies for different policy alternatives that will be needed to guide a transition from the current framework of auto production and use.

Considered the leading scholar on the history of the Auto Pact, Prof. Anastakis’ research interests include twentieth-century Canadian economic and political history (particularly post- World War II trade, economic and business history), and U.S. political and economic history. A former Canada-US Fulbright Visiting Scholar Award at Michigan State University and AUTO21 Postdoctoral Fellow in Government Policy and the Automotive Sector, Prof. Anastakis has written several books about the Canadian auto industry.

AUTO21, a Network of Centres of Excellence, is enhancing Canada’s position as a leader in automotive research and development. Partnering the public and private sectors, AUTO21 currently supports more than 260 researchers across Canada working on 54 auto-related projects in a variety of areas.

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For further information, please contact Brittany Cadence, communications officer, Trent University at (705) 748-1011, ext. 6185.