I just want to state this is what Dave Cassidy, the president of Unifor Local 444, representing auto workers in my community, said when he met the Prime Minister of Canada in Ottawa:
My message is simple, this has turned into nothing but political hay.
He was talking about the Conservatives' motion trying to undermine the investment in the Stellantis battery plant, trying to create hay about this. He went on to say:
We have to make sure all the theatrics and all the political stuff is gone.
He was very clear about that. He was also very clear when he said:
If it was up to the Conservatives, we would not have this investment in Windsor today. They look at it as corporate welfare instead of a return on an investment for all the workers that will be there.
This is straight from the president representing the workers in Windsor.
It is absolutely clear why we need to vote on this motion and send it back. This is really important, and as I said, I'd rather listen to the CBTU and the APMA. I'd rather listen to the Chamber of Commerce. I'd rather listen to Unifor, and I certainly would rather listen to Unifor Local 444 that represents all the auto workers in my community.
That's all I have to say at this time. I'm looking forward to listening to the opinions and insights of committee members from both sides.
Thank you.