Unifor applauds NDP's auto strategy

Tired sector needs new plan to attract investment, jobs

The union representing 40,000 auto workers in the country is welcoming a new strategy proposed by the New Democratic Party that they say will bolster the industry.

Unifor’s president Jerry Dias lauded yesterday’s announcement from the NDP on their strategy to bring jobs and investment back to the bleeding sector, which would include a summit of business, government and labour leaders following the Oct. 19 federal election.

“It is time this country had a government that recognizes the importance of the auto sector, the many jobs it creates and the opportunities it offers our young people,” Dias said.

“The auto sector is absolutely vital to the future success of Canada’s economy,” he added. “Our industry has suffered from the lack of a well-planned, consistent and effective national auto strategy.”

Earlier this year, Ray Tanguay — ex-chairman of Toyota’s Canadian operations — was named auto czar by the current federal Conservative and Ontario Liberal governments, and was tasked with reviving the beleaguered auto sector. As part of his mandate, Tanguay will advise both government and business on how to attract investment, create jobs and ensure a global competitive edge, according to the provincial ministry of economic development.

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