Industry Minister Tony Clement has unveiled a government-backed program to help Canada's automotive industry through the recession. CTV reports on its website that the Automotive Partnership Canada will invest CAN$145 million into research and development of higher-tech, more environmentally friendly cars. The program, which was initially announced as part of the Conservative government's 2008 budget, is also designed to assist the industry with job retention and rebuilding. "Our project office in Mississauga is already open and we are already working with potential applications and partners to develop innovative projects under this program," says Clement.