Unifor national has developed a new Canadian auto strategy that includes 29 recommendations to create a stronger more sustainable auto sector across the country.
The strategy focuses on growing the industry, the transition to electric vehicles, and advancing equity and inclusion. While the industry is facing a significant era of change the union has developed the policy to foster job growth while encouraging environmental stewardship and inclusivity.
Auto Council Chair John D’Agnolo says a top priority is advocating for Canada to develop a national auto strategy.
"We recommend that the strategy adopt a whole of supply chain approach. With investment attraction and the EV supply chain, we can't limit our ambition to critical minerals or assembly programs. Canada must commit itself to build out a full Canadian-made supply chain," said D’Agnolo
The union will be advocating for the implementation of the policy at all levels of government. Particularly at the federal level, the union would like to see a dedicated auto-sector ministry.
"It's not enough right now that we have five, six, 20 different departments who have different responsibilities around this file. We really need to have a coordinated approach," said National President Lana Payne.
It also commits to working with Indigenous communities in Canada prior to the establishment of further mining activities. Where new mining activities are implemented, the union recommends ensuring the Indigenous and Northern communities realize the economic benefits of the projects.
While fostering the new electric vehicle industry in the country, the policy also makes a number of recommendations to make electric vehicles more affordable for the consumer and increase electric vehicle uptake. The recommendations include implementing more incentives and rebates and ensuring there is enough charging infrastructure in place.
The entire policy can be found on Unifor's Autohub website.