April 1st, 2019 - 7:08pm

Auto and Manufacturing

MPs demand the Trudeau Liberals’ ensure FCA secure another product for the plant

(OTTAWA)- Today, Brian Masse M.P. (Windsor West), NDP Innovation, Science, Economic Development and Auto Critic and Cheryl Hardcastle M.P. (Windsor Tecumseh), NDP Human Rights critic asked questions about Fiat Chrysler’s announcement to eliminate the third shift at the Windsor Assembly Plant to the Trudeau Liberals during the Question Period in the House of Commons.

More than a week ago the MPs along with Essex MP Tracey Ramsey demanded that the government include the only Canadian built electric car, the Chrysler Pacifica plug in Hybrid, in the Budget 2019 electric vehicle incentive program, which had been left out. The Liberal government reversed themselves last Friday and included the Pacifica in the program.

On February 27, 2019 MP Masse wrote the Innovation Minister to establish a task force to ensure Canadian workers and companies benefit from the once in generation opportunity FCA is making with its $4.5 billion US investment in Detroit to manufacture new Jeeps and trucks. The Minister has yet to respond.

Brian Masse’s Question in the House of Commons today:

Mr. Speaker,

Chrysler is investing $4.5 billion in Detroit creating 6000 jobs. GM is investing billions in Michigan creating thousands of jobs.

Meanwhile GM Oshawa is closing, losing thousands of jobs, Windsor is losing thousands of jobs, and Brampton is losing hundreds of jobs.

Automakers are investing in the future, just not in this country.

This Minister $800 million in a fund from last year’s budget while opportunity escaped and other beat him to new cleaner, greener auto jobs.

Will the Minister finally turn his losing record around and secure a new product for the Windsor Assembly Plant?”