Huron Church Rd. (Photo by Jason Viau)Huron Church Rd. (Photo by Jason Viau)
Windsor

MPs Urge Ottawa To Be Pro-Active In Protecting Auto Jobs

Windsor-Essex MPs are urging Ottawa to act now to protect jobs in the auto industry as a trade dispute with the U.S. threatens to escalate.

Ottawa has announced measures to protect jobs in the steel and aluminum industries, but so far has not said what steps it will take should U.S. President Donald Trump make good on his threat to impose a 25% tariff on imported automobiles.

A look inside Windsors Chrysler Assembly Plant, February 9, 2015. (Photo by Jason Viau) A look inside Windsors Chrysler Assembly Plant, February 9, 2015. (Photo by Jason Viau)

Windsor-Tecumseh MP Cheryl Hardcastle says Windsor-Essex cannot afford reactionary measures. Ottawa must be proactive.

"This is the frontline, here, in our area, for trade," says Hardcastle. "We can't wait for damage. That's not a strategy."

Hardcastle, along with Windsor West MP Brian Masse, and Tracey Ramsey in the riding of Essex are holding a meeting on Thursday at the Ciociaro Club to communicate how businesses can apply for reparations.

"We need supports when the government chooses trade actions that have consequences," she says adding that the three MPs have also sent Prime Minister Justin Trudeau a letter demanding action. "We're looking for a more specific plan."

There are two sessions at 12pm and 6pm.

They are also looking for input from the public about how the trade dispute has impacted them so far, and if Canada's tariffs on U.S. products is realistic. That information will be passed along to the Standing Committee on International Trade which is taking input until the end of the month.

"Is this $2-billion [in Canadian tariffs on U.S. goods] realistic, and who else needs to be helped? Who's being overlooked here?" says Ramsey.

A report for CIBC Capital Markets recently said tariffs on Canadian automobiles could cut production by up to 900,000 units a year. TD economists have echoed those concerns saying up to 160,000 auto jobs across Canada would be threatened.

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