Press Release |
November 27, 2008
Auto Industry Crisis: Magna Job Losses
(Queen’s Park) Newmarket-Aurora MPP Frank Klees today appealed to the McGuinty government to put in place an action plan that would provide transitional support for employees affected by the Magna plant closures and preserve future jobs in the auto industry. Following is the Hansard record of his call for action in the Legislature:
“Mr. Speaker, the Auto Industry is in a crisis. Thousands of jobs are at risk and businesses in all sectors of the industry, from manufacturing plants to dealerships, are in jeopardy.
“Today, 850 employees and their families are coping with the frightening reality that two Magna plants are shutting down in Newmarket and Aurora. The employees are now faced with the daunting challenge of finding a new job and accessing re-training programmes.
“I’m calling on the Premier today to commit his government to take immediate action on two fronts:
“First, to ensure that the resources of the provincial government are made available to our communities to assist with practical issues, such as retraining and job placements for those affected. And because English is not the first language for many of the employees, now is the time to put in place language-training programs to prepare individuals for their transition to new jobs.
“And, second, that the government act immediately to implement a job preservation plan that will facilitate the operational survival of the Auto Industry in Ontario.
“This is not just about saving a corporate entity, it is about preserving jobs, families and communities.”
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Frank Klees, MPP
416 509 8999