NDP Leader Marit Stiles has put forth a motion she says will protect jobs.
The auto-making industry is just one of many that have been hit hard by the trade war. Recent news from auto-makers only adds to the strain. Stellantis announced last week that production of some vehicles would be moving out of Ontario. General Motors has also recently announced that its Brightdrop will cease production at an Ingersoll plant.
A render of the planned Peter Gilgan Mississauga hospital (Source: Infrastructure Ontario)
Stiles’ plan focuses on government contracts for projects. The opposition points out that Ontario has given contracts to companies outside the country. Last month, a $140 million contract for to build a Mississauga hospital was given to a U.S. company. The NDP are calling on the province to cancel this contract and prevent others like it.
The Ontario NDP says a Buy Ontario First procurement plan could help prioritize Ontario and Canadian businesses. These priority shifts could also help create local jobs and provide training opportunities. A statement from Stiles reads:
“With a strong Buy Ontario First mandate, we can strengthen our economy, support Ontario businesses, and most importantly, create good jobs to uplift families and workers. With this motion, we are giving the Ford government an opportunity – to say yes to strengthening Ontario, to creating good jobs, and putting Ontario first.”
