The City of Windsor and its economic engine, the automobile industry, need help. But the good news is on the horizon: a battery factory will soon be set up in the region and manufacturer Stellantis wants to modernize its facilities to assemble electric vehicles there. Is the wind of change blowing in the southwest enough for Doug Ford to dominate the region?
Located in the southwest corner of the province, with the United States as the backdrop, the city of Windsor is synonymous with automobile.
The city has seen better days, when jobs in the industry reached tens of thousands. The region has gone through several crises since then, but here, stability is in the DNA of the people.
” That’s a lot of jobs lost here in Windsor. “
Denis Desaulniers talks about the Chrysler Pacifica with passion. He knows all the features of the minivan, which is not surprising, since he works on the assembly line. It’s a solid car, it’s not like other minivans we’ve made before. When you drive you seem to be floating in the airDenis launched, with pride.
Pacifica sales, however, were disappointing. Manufacturer Stellantis has slowed production and additional layoffs are being considered in the summer. In his 28-year career, Denis has become accustomed to the vagaries of the automotive industry, but this time he admitted that the region needs a breath of fresh air.
” Electric vehicles had to arrive to take us back to our three shifts. It is urgent, because everyone wants to work. “
At the end of March, the Ford government excitedly announced the arrival of a new battery factory for electric vehicles. The project initiated by electronics giant LG and manufacturer Stellantis is worth 5 billion dollars. The financial contribution of the province, such as Ottawa, was not disclosed.
With 2,500 new jobs to be created, the new plant could be a symbol of Windsor’s renewal. The first chapter of a green transition for the city.
In early May, the province presented another check to Stellantis, this time to support the modernization of its assembly plants in Windsor and Brampton. Recent government announcements to support and stimulate the automobile industry give hope to workers like Denis.
The government has finally seen how important the automobile sector is in Canada. Because I think we’ve been forgotten for yearshe explains.
A plus for the next generation of workers
It was the day of the oral presentation at St. Clair College. Graduation is near for third year students in the Automotive Product Design program.
The timing of a new battery plant in Windsor could not be better for the next generation of workers.
There are many jobs that will soon be available in Windsor. If the right opportunity arises, I will definitely jump on it
, replies Luke Kelly. It will lift our spirits and hopefully allow us to remain the leaders in the automotive industry, which we have always been
, adds his classmate, Matthew Penner.
Management is studying the possibility of launching a new course to better prepare its students for the electric car market.
We are thinking of offering a new program focused not only on electric vehicles, but also on battery technology, energy storage and distribution.explanation of the coordinator, Dale Haggith.
Infrastructure and co.
A busy morning at Firestone Garage in downtown Windsor. Marc Thibert was called in as reinforcements to fix a fickle machine.
I have a gas and diesel engine. I know how to fix those. But electric is a bit different, mechanic’s confession. However, Mr. Thibert had no illusions: in a few years he would have to relearn his trade.
Like many others, his garage does not specialize in electric vehicles. Employees do not have the required expertise or equipment. Therefore, the election campaign is the perfect opportunity for the parties to interact despite the manufacture of batteries and cars. For example, Mr. Thibert hopes for initiatives that will help companies like him, which will also need to adapt to the electric transition.
” I knew my boss was looking for ways to train us, to do all that, to change equipment. “
It’s no secret that Councilman Kieran McKenzie is an NDP supporter.
But he welcomes and encourages any effort, by all parties, to facilitate the transition to a world of electric vehicles.
Achieving this will require an efficient and accessible network of billing and investment stations to support this industry. He invites politicians to seize the jumping ball.
The challenge for us today is infrastructure. As a municipal councilor, I interact with everyone who wants to be electedsaid the District Councilor 9.
Too small, too late
In Windsor, recent investments in the automotive industry are welcomed as a lifeline. Everyone will tell you that. However, another observation seems unanimous: the Ford government has dragged on its feet in recent years.
It may have come earlierlaunched Denis Desaulniers. We can move everything faster. Governments certainly, but perhaps industry as wellalso believes in Kieran McKenzie.
The removal of the rebate in the province for the purchase of electric or hybrid vehicles is also one by one. In 2018, the Ford government decision caused a fall in Ontario sales and had no effect on the order book for Chrysler Pacifica. With the exception of the Progressive Conservatives, all major political parties are proposing the return of discounts.
As Windsor prepares for the next chapter in its industry history, government support will be crucial to ensure the transition.
I haven’t decided yet, I’m still lookingconfession of student Matthew Penner, when asked which party would get his vote.
Voters want to hear leaders share their views for the automobile sector before they vote. Many are waiting for more promises that could bring hope for a healthier industry.
Source: Radio-Canada
