Source : The Canadian Press
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau pledged his commitment to protecting local jobs, assuring Canadians that his government would prioritize their employment opportunities amidst concerns over foreign workers' involvement in a new electric vehicle (EV) battery plant in southern Ontario.
Trudeau's assurances came as pressure mounted from the Conservative Party to disclose the contracts of six major EV projects in Canada, aiming to scrutinize the protections afforded to unionized jobs.
Speaking at the Canada's Building Trade Unions annual conference in Gatineau, Quebec, Trudeau addressed a gathering of 500 construction union leaders, receiving a warm reception. In a candid conversation with Sean Strickland, the executive director of CBTU, Trudeau emphasized the government's commitment to ensuring that the majority of jobs related to EV projects remain within Canadian borders.
Acknowledging the concerns raised by CBTU regarding Canadian workers being sidelined at the NextStar EV battery plant in Windsor, Trudeau assured attendees that efforts were underway to rectify the situation. Despite denials from both Trudeau and NextStar, CBTU alleged that Canadian workers were being replaced by foreign employees.
Sean Strickland expressed dismay over Canadian workers being left jobless while foreign workers took over their roles, describing the situation as inexplicable and unacceptable.
Since 2020, foreign automakers have invested significant sums in establishing EV battery plants in southern Ontario, buoyed by tax credits and subsidies from federal and provincial governments. Trudeau highlighted the potential for these projects to secure future employment opportunities for generations to come.
However, opposition MPs, particularly from the Conservative Party, demanded transparency regarding the contracts of EV projects, citing concerns over the use of foreign workers. The Conservatives pressed for disclosure, arguing that assurances of job opportunities for Canadians were not being fulfilled.
NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh expressed reservations about fully supporting the Conservatives' demands, emphasizing the need for guarantees that public investments would create well-paying union jobs and remain within the country.
