Ford needs to get serious about Ontario’s clean energy future

February 9, 2023

GUELPH — Ontario Greens leader and MPP for Guelph Mike Schreiner released the following statement in response to reports that the city of Windsor is facing a shortage of skilled labour to support its growing EV manufacturing sector.

“The growth of Windsor’s EV sector is a prime example of our province’s potential to be a global leader in the new climate economy.

But we cannot expect these industries to prosper without a government prepared to support them.

The Ford government must do more to ensure that Ontario’s workforce is well-equipped for the transition to low-carbon industries. Their skills are essential to the success of the clean energy economy.

Ontario must support the growing EV sector in Windsor – and across the province – by building on our existing system of skills development and apprenticeships. Ample training and upskilling should be readily available to all workers who want to transition into good green jobs.

In the next four years, Ontario can provide 60,000 young people with the skills, experience and opportunities to make this transition by providing one year of free college tuition for new, green careers and guaranteeing one year of paid, on-the-job apprenticeships. This is the kind of leadership Ontario needs, and the kind that the Ontario Greens have long championed.

There’s no doubt that our province has the resources and workforce needed to become a leader in the global green economy. But to make that a reality, we need a government that understands the value of a clean energy future.

Under the Ford government’s mismanagement, we’re missing out on crucial opportunities.”

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