Skip to Main content

26.12°^C Vancouver

News Entertainment Sports Videos Shows Podcast Contact Us

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

smith-ford-unveil-proposed-alberta-ontario-oil-pipeline-route-at-calgary-stampede

AlbertaJul 06, 2026

Smith, Ford unveil proposed Alberta–Ontario oil pipeline route at Calgary Stampede

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and Ontario Premier Doug Ford have unveiled the proposed route for a west-to-east oil pipeline that would transport crude from Alberta to Ontario without crossing into the United States. According to an announcement by the Alberta and Ontario governments, the proposed pipeline would extend approximately 3,300 kilometres from Hardisty, Alta., to refineries in Sarnia, Ont. The Ontario government said the project would have the capacity to move up to 500,000 barrels of crude oil per day and could reduce Canada's reliance on imported refined petroleum products. Smith

canada-seeks-clarity-after-u-s-proposes-annual-cusma-reviews

CanadaJul 06, 2026

Canada seeks clarity after U.S. proposes annual CUSMA reviews

Canada's Minister responsible for Canada–U.S. Trade, Dominic LeBlanc, says the Trump administration's proposal to review the Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) every year instead of extending it in its current form until 2042 has created significant uncertainty for Ottawa. According to LeBlanc, both Canada and Mexico had sought to maintain the trade agreement for another 16 years to provide long-term certainty for businesses and investors. However, Washington has indicated it is considering substantial changes to the agreement. LeBlanc said he and Mexico's Economy Secretary Ma

WorldJul 06, 2026

Deadly prison clashes in Sri Lanka leave at least 20 dead, more than 100 injured

At least 20 people were killed and more than 100 others injured after violent clashes erupted at a prison in Negombo, north of Sri Lanka's capital, according to local media reports and police. The unrest began Sunday at the prison in Negombo, about 35 kilometres north of Colombo, and continued into Monday. Authorities have not released details on what triggered the violence. According to local television station Hiru, those killed include both inmates and prison officials. The broadcaster also reported that more than 100 people were injured in the incident. Police spokesperson Chandana Herath

smith-to-host-premiers-stampede-breakfast-following-mixed-reception-at-calgary-parade

AlbertaJul 06, 2026

Smith to host Premier's Stampede Breakfast following mixed reception at Calgary parade

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is scheduled to host the annual Premier's Stampede Breakfast in Calgary today, continuing a longstanding Stampede tradition that draws thousands of attendees. The event, held at the McDougall Centre, typically features members of the provincial cabinet and United Conservative caucus. According to the Premier's Office, approximately 4,000 people attended last year's breakfast, making it the largest turnout for the event in more than a decade. Smith's appearance comes after she received a mixed public reception during the Calgary Stampede Parade on Friday, where sp

out-of-control-wildfire-near-boston-bar-prompts-evacuation-alert

Out-of-control wildfire near Boston Bar prompts evacuation alert

An out-of-control wildfire burning near the community of Boston Bar in British Columbia's Fraser Canyon has grown to more than 12 square kilometres, or approximately 1,230 hectares, as of Sunday evening, according to the BC Wildfire Service. Authorities have issued an Evacuation Alert for the main part of Boston Bar, meaning residents should be prepared to leave their homes on short notice if conditions worsen. The BC Wildfire Service said the fire was first discovered on July 2. Officials believe it was likely caused by human activity, although the cause has not been confirmed and remains und

Related News

Canada seeks clarity after U.S. proposes annual CUSMA reviews

Canada seeks clarity after U.S. proposes annual CUSMA reviews

Canada's Minister responsible for Canada–U.S. Trade, Dominic LeBlanc, says the Trump administration's proposal to review the Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) every year instead of extending it in its current form until 2042 has created significant uncertainty for Ottawa. According to LeBlanc, both Canada and Mexico had sought to maintain the trade agreement for another 16 years to provide long-term certainty for businesses and investors. However, Washington has indicated it is considering substantial changes to the agreement. LeBlanc said he and Mexico's Economy Secretary Ma

Prime Minister Mark Carney departs for NATO summit in Türkiye as defence spending tops agenda

Prime Minister Mark Carney departs for NATO summit in Türkiye as defence spending tops agenda

Prime Minister Mark Carney is scheduled to depart this evening for a two-day NATO leaders' summit in Türkiye. Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand will accompany the Canadian delegation. According to the Prime Minister's itinerary, the visit marks the first trip to Türkiye by a Canadian prime minister since 2015. Defence spending is expected to be the central focus of the summit as NATO allies face continued pressure from the United States to increase military investment. Leaders are also expected to discuss alliance security priorities and broader geopolitical challenges during the meeting.

Carney to visit Saudi Arabia next week as rights concerns draw renewed attention

Carney to visit Saudi Arabia next week as rights concerns draw renewed attention

Prime Minister Mark Carney will travel to Saudi Arabia from July 8 to 10 for a bilateral visit, where he is scheduled to meet Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The trip will mark the first official visit to Saudi Arabia by a Canadian prime minister in 26 years. According to federal officials, the visit is aimed at strengthening diplomatic and economic ties between Canada and Saudi Arabia. However, officials have not confirmed whether Carney will raise concerns about human rights during his meetings with Saudi leaders. Relations between the two countries deteriorated in 2018 after the Trudeau g

Legals

Journalism code of ethics

© 2021 AKASH Broadcasting Inc.

MANAGED BY STRATWIT

useful links

Accessibility Plan

Broadcasting Notice of Consultation

BC Children's Hospital