Automobile Industry
Monday June 4, 2002
Mr. Bill Blaikie (Winnipeg—Transcona, NDP): Mr.
Speaker, word has come of another blow to the auto industry. DaimlerChrysler
will be closing its manufacturing plant in Ajax in December 2003 with a loss of
650 jobs. In the last 18 months approximately 15,000 auto related jobs have
been lost in Quebec and Ontario.
The World Trade Organization's decision to kill the
Canada-U.S. auto pact and the Liberals' blind faith in free trade have caused
this problem. The Liberal government must recognize that there is a growing
problem in this vital part of our economy and must act to ensure its long term
health and survival.
With the end of the auto pact there is no longer a
need for manufacturers to invest in Canada if they are going to sell vehicles
here. While we wait for long overdue government action, let us hope that auto
makers recognize that one of the costs of selling in this country is investing
in this country. Besides which, unemployed workers are not going to buy new
cars.
