Oshawa closure a clean economy wake-up call

November 26, 2018

TORONTO — Green Party of Ontario leader and Guelph MPP, Mike Schreiner, released the following statement in response to news of the GM plant closure in Oshawa:

“I’m calling on the Premier to fight for a new generation of auto jobs in Ontario.

GM’s decision to close its Oshawa plant is a devastating blow to people in Oshawa and across Ontario. Greens will stand shoulder to shoulder with all parties to ensure that GM workers and affected communities receive the support they need.

This announcement is also a wake-up call that automakers are shifting production to new generation, electric, low-emission and lightweight vehicles. If Ontario is to remain competitive in the clean economy, then we must be ready to help lead this transformation.

The Premier must stop attacking green jobs and dismantling programs that support the transition to a low carbon economy. Ripping up clean energy contracts, canceling electric vehicle rebates and rolling back energy conservation programs sends the wrong signal to investors and job creators in the $26 trillion clean economy.

Ontario must skate to where the puck is going, not where it has been. I’m asking the Premier to put evidence before his ideology and to support jobs and investment in the clean economy.”

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