Statement from Warden Gary McNamara on Stellantis Announcement

This region has long been the engine powering Canada’s automotive sector and today’s multi-billion-dollar announcement ensures that proud legacy will continue into the future by creating thousands of well-paying jobs for Windsor-Essex workers in the cutting-edge field of electric vehicle production.

The retooling and modernizing of the Windsor Assembly Plant to produce the electric vehicles of the future leverages a highly-skilled workforce and established supply chains, and the creation of new research and development centres will allow this innovative region to continue blazing new trails.

Thank you to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Premier Doug Ford, Ontario Minister of Economic Development Vic Fedeli, Francois-Phillippe Champagne, federal Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, and Windsor-Tecumseh MP Irek Kusmierczyk for recognizing the incredible potential of this region, blessed as we are with a proud history of manufacturing excellence and a strategic location at the nexus of the North American economy.

Kudos to Stellantis and North American COO Mark Stewart for your commitment to this region and the award-winning Windsor Assembly Plant. Today’s monumental investment, on top of your recent commitment to building with LG Energy Solution a $5-billion EV battery plant, will power this region’s economy for decades to come, fuelling additional investment, innovation and commercial and residential growth.

David Cassidy of Unifor Local 444 deserves credit for his relentless advocacy on behalf of his members and for cooperatively working with Stellantis and the senior levels of government to deliver results and high-paying jobs for our region.

Thank you as well to County of Essex councillors who are always willing to work with the private sector and senior levels of government to attract investment to Windsor-Essex and who have always supported making the infrastructure improvements necessary to support those investments.