While Canada's Trade Minister flies to Washington for a two-day visit, MPs in Windsor-Essex are demanding answers.
It is not entirely clear if talks to renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement are the primary purpose of Chrystia Freeland's visit, but Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has spoken recently over the phone with U.S. President Trump and Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto.
Last week, the Trump Administration threatened to impose a 25% tariff on all imported vehicles arguing that they post a national security threat to the U.S., and on Friday, Canada's exemption to steel and aluminum tariffs expires. There are fears those penalties could go into effect before a new NAFTA deal is in place.
Essex MP Tracey Ramsey accuses Freeland of doing nothing to protect Canadian auto sector jobs, and on Monday demanded to know what her plan is to maintain the industry.
While Freeland did not tip her hand, her response was unequivocal.
"Let me be extremely clear, the idea that Canada and Canadian cars could impose any kind of security threat to the United States is frankly, absurd," she asserted.
For years, the New Democrats have championed the cause of bringing back a national auto strategy to protect the domestic industry.
"Since 2002, companies, suppliers, workers, all have asked for a specific national auto strategy," argued Windsor West MP Brian Masse. "When is this government going to table what that specifically means for Canadian companies and workers and defend their jobs?"
Industry Minister Navdeep Bains did not answer the question directly, instead pointing out his government has invested $5.6-million in the auto sector since taking office in 2015.
Time is of the essence in negotiations with the U.S. facing mid-term elections in November, and Mexicans going to the polls in July.