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“That is why we want to ramp up production, because we think that ramping up production will help hire more people,” she said. “And, of course, the federal government will be there through that entire operation.”

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Payments are made on a quarterly basis and annual payments to NextStar Energy are reported in Public Accounts of Canada.

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According to the publicly-reported figures, NextStar Energy received $258,521,889 in the 2023-24 calendar year.

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In 2024-25, NextStar Energy pocketed $232,261,569 in public funding.

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Prior to the media event on Thursday, the group of high-ranking government officials toured the production floor and watched as active battery cells rolled off the line.

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In 2023, an agreement was reached between the federal government, Ontario and NextStar Energy that could provide up to $15 billion in performance-based production incentives over 10 years.

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Under the agreement, Ottawa covers about two-thirds, or $10 billion, of the subsidies and Ontario is responsible for the remaining one-third, or about $5 billion.

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The funding was designed to mirror subsidies available through the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) after construction on the sprawling east-Windsor site came to a standstill when NextStar Energy sought stronger public support to remain competitive.

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At the time, the United States had begun rolling out incentives aimed at attracting electric vehicle and battery manufacturers south of the border.

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“The reality in the U.S. was different,” said Joly. “There was the Inflation Reduction Act, and we were in a real competition to get the battery plant in North America.

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“And that is why people were able to offer that amount, because it was linked to the Inflation Reduction Act. We thought that we needed to double down on these investments. We thought it was important to continue, notwithstanding, because the U.S. could take other decisions eventually.

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“But we were on the right path, and we’re convinced we’re still on the right path now.”

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In exchange for the production subsidies, NextStar Energy committed to creating a workforce of 2,500 employees and reaching full production capacity in Windsor.

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The facility was originally a joint venture between LG Energy Solution and automaker Stellantis. Last month, Stellantis announced it was selling its 49 per cent stake back to LG Energy Solution for $100, making the Korean company the sole owner of the Windsor facility.

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The company’s commitment to remaining in Windsor has drawn broad support from political leaders.

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On Thursday, Ontario’s economic development minister Vic Fedeli said NextStar Energy has so far continued to meet the conditions outlined in its agreements with both governments.

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“The real point to make is that they’ve honoured all of their commitments here,” said Fedeli.

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“It has been an absolutely spectacular two-way partnership between LG, NextStar, and the entire people of Ontario and Canada.”

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