The National Post reports in its Tuesday, Oct. 17, edition that the federal and Ontario governments are putting nearly $1-billion into an electric vehicle battery component plant in Eastern Ontario. A Canadian Press dispatch to the Post reports that the Umicore facility in Loyalist Township will build cathode active materials and precursor materials. Ottawa is to put $551.3-million toward the project and Ontario up to $424.6-million. Premier Doug Ford said Umicore's $2.76-billion investment is a huge vote of confidence in Ontario. He sees the plant generating 600 direct jobs, combined with "seven spinoff jobs for every one job that we see here." Federal Industry Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne said the Umicore facility will strengthen Canada as the "green supplier of choice." Beginning in early 2026, the plant is expected to produce enough battery materials for 800,000 EVs per year. Umicore boss Mathias Miedreich said the plant "will be a one of its kind because it will combine cathode active materials with precursors and that's the first plant that will do that in North America." Stockwatch reported last December that Nano One Material had entered a joint-venture deal for battery materials with Umicore.