Statement
Detroit, Michigan January 14, 2019—The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, today made the following statement:
"Today I met with GM Chairman and CEO, Mary Barra on the margins of the North American International Auto Show.
The first thing I raised was the future of Oshawa where I urged her to reconsider the decision to close the plant. I regret that GM's position on Oshawa has not changed, but our government has been clear from the start: we stand ready to play an active role to find a solution for Oshawa's workers and in shaping the future of the auto industry. GM is making a mistake by giving up on Oshawa's workers, and we're not about to do the same.
Besides Oshawa, Ms. Barra confirmed GM's commitment to GM's future in Canada and its Canadian manufacturing operations in both Ingersoll and St. Catharines which are responsible for thousands of good Canadian jobs.
Earlier in the day, I also spoke with UNIFOR President Jerry Dias. I reiterated our government's support for Canada's highly-skilled auto workers, who continue to be the key driver in Canada's leadership role building the cars of today and tomorrow."
