11.68°C Vancouver

Apr 25, 2024 6:02 PM - The Canadian Press

Conservatives, NDP demand Ottawa protect Canadians' jobs at new EV plants

Share On
conservatives-ndp-demand-ottawa-protect-canadians-jobs-at-new-ev-plants
Canada's Building Trades Union says Canadian workers are being sidelined in favour of foreign workers at the NextStar battery plant in Windsor, Ont., owned by Stellantis and LG Energy Solution.(Photo: The Canadian Press)

Federal Conservatives and New Democrats are demanding assurances from Ottawa that local jobs will be protected at new electric-vehicle plants.

Canada's Building Trades Union says Canadian workers are being sidelined in favour of foreign workers at the NextStar battery plant in Windsor, Ont., owned by Stellantis and LG Energy Solution.

Both Stellantis and the federal government say foreign workers account for just 72 jobs, and specialized equipment is being installed that Canadians will be taught to use.

But the union's executive director Sean Strickland says those are tasks that Canadian workers can already handle.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced the latest multi-billion dollar EV project in southern Ontario today as the Canadian auto industry sees a battery-powered renaissance.

Trudeau sidestepped a question about how jobs for Canadian workers can be protected under the Honda deal.

Latest news

evacuation-alert-issued-for-10-properties-as-konni-lake-wildfire-burns-out-of-control-in-b-c
BCApr 24, 2026

Evacuation alert issued for 10 properties as Konni Lake wildfire burns out of control in B.C.

An evacuation alert has been issued for 10 properties in British Columbia’s Cariboo region as a wildfire burns out of control early in the province’s wildfire season. According to a joint notice from the Xeni Gwet’in First Nation, the Tsilhqot’in National Government, and the Cariboo Regional District, the alert was issued late Thursday for properties near the Konni Lake wildfire, located about 200 kilometres southwest of Williams Lake. The alert advises residents to be prepared to leave on short notice. BC Wildfire Service information indicates the Konni Lake fire was measured at about
WorldApr 24, 2026

Ceasefire extension in Lebanon followed by continued strikes in southern areas

An announcement by U.S. President Donald Trump to extend a ceasefire in Lebanon by three weeks has not been reflected in conditions on the ground, according to field reports from southern parts of the country. An airstrike was reported in the village of Deir Aames in southern Lebanon, where residents were instructed by the Israeli military to move approximately one kilometre away before the strike. Witnesses reported hearing warplane activity shortly after the warning was issued. The developments come about 10 days after a ceasefire was said to have taken effect. Despite that agreement, airstr
abbotsford-police-arrest-repeat-break-and-enter-suspect-allege-breaches-of-court-ordered-conditions
BCApr 24, 2026

Abbotsford police arrest repeat break and enter suspect, allege breaches of court-ordered conditions

A 35-year-old man is in custody following a second alleged residential break and enter in Abbotsford, months after being charged in a similar incident, according to a police news release. The Abbotsford Police Department said patrol officers first responded in November 2025 to a reported break and enter in progress in the 32500 block of Peardonville Road. Police allege Jaskaran Singh was identified, arrested and charged in that case. According to police, Singh was released from custody in March 2026 under several court-ordered conditions, including 24-hour house arrest, and relocated to anothe
federal-deficit-reaches-25-5b-in-first-11-months-of-2025-26-fiscal-year
CanadaApr 24, 2026

Federal deficit reaches $25.5B in first 11 months of 2025–26 fiscal year

The federal government recorded a budgetary deficit of $25.5 billion for the April to February period of its 2025–26 fiscal year, according to the latest monthly fiscal monitor from the Department of Finance. The result compares with a deficit of $19.3 billion reported during the same 11-month period in 2024–25, indicating a year-over-year increase in the shortfall. According to the Finance Department report, total revenues reached $453.2 billion, up 0.8 per cent from $449.8 billion a year earlier. Program expenses, excluding net actuarial losses, rose to $424.9 billion, a 2.1 per cent inc
AlbertaApr 24, 2026

Flood alert issued for downtown Peace River as Heart River levels rise

The Town of Peace River has issued a flood alert for areas including its downtown, warning residents to be ready to leave on short notice due to rising water levels on the Heart River. According to a municipal notice, the alert covers the area between the Highway 2 bridge and 104 Avenue in the town’s south end. Officials say the alert is precautionary but reflects the potential for flooding if river conditions worsen. Residents in the affected zone are being advised to prepare for a possible evacuation by fuelling vehicles and gathering essential items, including identification, medications

Related News