The Detroit automaker is reportedly set to sign a deal for a cathode factory in Bécancour, Que. later this year with battery companies EcoPro and SK On. Another Quebec battery-material plant, which rival General Motors and South Korean chemical company POSCO are building, may expand. (The Korea Economic Daily)

Talking point: The South Korean media outlet pointed to the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act as the firm’s motivation to use Quebec’s critical minerals for Ford and SK Innovations’ U.S. joint battery plants. The U.S. law has put pressure on Ottawa to compete for manufacturing investments. Quebec lobbying records first reported by Bloomberg show six lobbying registrations for EcoPro Global seeking financial support for a cathode materials plant in Bécancour, though they indicate a final location could be chosen outside of Canada. (The lobbyists also registered for another company, Volta Energy Solutions, which is seeking support for battery-grade copper sheets.) Ford Canada did not immediately respond to The Logic’s request for comment. Quebec’s economy and innovation ministry declined to comment.