Nestled in the southwest corner of the province, with the United States as a backdrop, the city of Windsor is synonymous with the automobile.
The city saw better days, when industrial jobs numbered in the tens of thousands. The region has been through several crises since, but here, resilience is in people’s DNA.
” That’s a lot of the jobs that have been lost here in Windsor. »
Denis Desaulniers talks about the Chrysler Pacifica with passion. He knows all the features of the minivan, which is no wonder, since he works on the assembly line. It’s a solid car, it’s not like the other minivans we built before. When you drive it’s like floating in the air
launches Denis, with pride.
Sales of the Pacifica, however, were disappointing. Manufacturer Stellantis has slowed production and further layoffs are being considered by the summer. In his 28-year career, Denis has become accustomed to the vagaries of the automotive industry, but this time he admits that the region needs a breath of fresh air.
” The electric cars have to arrive to bring us back to our three shifts. It’s urgent, because everyone wants to work. »
At the end of March, the Ford government announced with great fanfare the arrival of a new battery factory for electric vehicles. The project led by the electronics giant LG and the manufacturer Stellantis is valued at five billion dollars. The province’s financial contribution, like Ottawa’s, was not disclosed.
With the 2,500 new jobs that will be created, the new plant could become the 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 Windsor and Brampton assembly plants. Recent government announcements to support and stimulate the auto industry give hope to workers like Denis.
The government finally sees how important the auto sector is in Canada. ‘Cause I think we’ve been forgotten for many years
he explains.
Provincial funding for the auto sector announced before the start of the election :
-
$131 million for Honda Canada (announced March 16),
-
unknown amount for the LG-Stellantis plant (announced on March 23),
-
$259 million for GM Canada (announced April 4),
-
$513 million for the modernization of the Stellantis factories (announced on May 2).
A plus for the next generation of workers
It’s oral presentation day at St. Clair College. Graduation is approaching for third-year students in the Automotive Product Design program.
The timing of a new battery plant in Windsor couldn’t be better for this 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 dedicated not only to electric vehicles, but also to battery technology, energy storage and distribution.
explains the coordinator, Dale Haggith.
Infrastructure and co.
It’s a busy morning at Firestone Garage in downtown Windsor. Marc Thibert is called in as reinforcements to repair a capricious engine.
I am with gas and diesel engines. I know how to fix those. But electric is a little different
, admits the mechanic. However, Mr. Thibert has no illusions: in a few years he will have to relearn his trade.
Like many others, his garage is not specialized in electric vehicles. Employees do not have the expertise or the necessary equipment. The election campaign is therefore the perfect opportunity for parties to engage beyond the manufacture of batteries and cars. For example, Mr. Thibert hopes for initiatives that could help companies like his, which will also have to adapt to the electric transition.
” I know that my boss is finding ways to train us, to do all that, to change the equipment. »
It’s no secret that Councilman Kieran McKenzie is an NDP supporter.
But he welcomes and encourages any effort, across all parties, to ease the transition to a world of electric cars.
Achieving this will require an efficient and accessible network of charging stations and investments to support this industry. He invites politicians to seize the ball on the leap.
The challenge before us now is infrastructure. As a municipal councillor, I am in contact with all the people who want to be elected
says the Councilor for District 9.
Too little, too late
In Windsor, recent investments in the auto industry are being welcomed as a lifeline. Everyone will tell you that. However, another observation seems to be unanimous: the Ford government has dragged its feet in recent years.
It could have come much sooner
launches Denis Desaulniers. We could have moved everyone a little faster. Governments certainly, but perhaps also industry
also believes Kieran McKenzie.
The elimination of the provincial rebate for the purchase of electric or hybrid vehicles is also singled out. In 2018, the Ford government’s decision caused sales to plummet in Ontario and had no effect on the order book for the Chrysler Pacifica. With the exception of the Progressive Conservatives, all major political parties are proposing the return of the discounts.
As Windsor prepares for the next chapter in its industrial history, government support will be essential to ensure the transition.
I haven’t decided yet, I’m still looking
admits student Matthew Penner, when asked which party will get his vote.
Voters want to hear leaders share their vision for the auto sector before they vote. Many are waiting for more promises that could fuel hope for a healthier industry.
Reference-ici.radio-canada.ca