CAW President LaudsDecember 20, 2008, 12:00 PM EST
CAW President Ken Lewenzacommended the federal and Ontario provincial governments for theircommitment to the Canadian auto industry and the more than 400,000 jobsthe industry supports, following the December 20 announcement by PrimeMinister Stephen Harper and Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty to put $4billion into the Canadian auto industry.
"One of the most importantcomponents of this aid is that companies will have to maintain theircurrent production share here in Canada on a proportionate level to therest of the North American auto industry," said Lewenza. "This willensure that the Canadian industry is protected and the numerousinvestments governments have made over the years will continue tobenefit our communities. This is a very sound decision on the part ofboth governments."
Lewenza also said that the plan tohelp auto parts manufacturers, already under the strain of fallingdemand, is an important step to reinforce the industry.
The plan to free up consumer credit will also help boost sales during this unprecedented downturn in the industry, he said.