Mr. Chair, who cares? Can members believe that is what the Prime Minister said when he was asked when he had last spoken to the President of the United States about tariffs like the ones threatening thousands of Canadian jobs? “Who cares?” Well, Oshawa cares. Canadian auto workers care, their families care, Conservatives care, and every community shaped by the sweat and determination of this great industry cares.
I come from a city built by people who always cared. R.S. McLaughlin was one of them, a Canadian auto pioneer who built General Motors of Canada from a patch of dirt in Oshawa and helped turn this country into an auto leader. Colonel Sam believed in Canadian auto workers. He believed in our talent, our grit and our future. It is disappointing that the Prime Minister does not seem to share that belief, because today he appears more committed to protecting American auto jobs than Canadian auto jobs.
Let me speak plainly about what is coming in Oshawa. In January, GM Oshawa's third shift is set to be cut, and nearly 1,000 auto workers stand to lose their jobs. Anyone who knows this industry knows and understands the ripple effect: supplier layoffs and reduced shifts in parts plants. More than 2,000 supplier jobs now sit on the edge. These are parents trying to keep their homes, young people just starting their careers, and families who have given everything to keep this industry alive.
The Prime Minister said there was not a “burning issue”. Nearly 1,000 Oshawa jobs are at risk. Is that not a burning issue? There are 2,000 supplier jobs in jeopardy. Is that not a burning issue? There are entire communities bracing for American tariffs. Is it still not a burning issue?
If the jobs and livelihoods of thousands of Canadian families do not qualify as a burning issue to the Prime Minister, then I do not know what does. Auto workers cannot shrug this off the way the Prime Minister did. Whether they are in Oshawa, Brampton, Windsor, Oakville, Ingersoll or any other auto town, they are living with fear today. Their families are sitting at kitchen tables tonight, uncertain how they will get through the next few months.
The Prime Minister also said he would speak to Trump when it matters. It matters before more pink slips goes out. It matters before more production moves south. It matters before families lose the stability they worked their whole lives for. It matters before another Canadian auto worker is told their job is disposable. It matters right now.
Conservatives believe in our resilient Canadian auto workers. We believe in keeping the auto industry strong here at home in Canada. We believe in fighting for Canadian auto jobs, not watching them disappear without a fight. Auto workers helped build the modern Canadian middle class. They built strong, proud communities like my home town of Oshawa. They built an industry that helped shape this country. Yes, it does matter. It matters to Oshawa; it matters to every auto worker across this country, and it matters to every Canadian who is tired of being told their job does not count.
Here is the truth: If the Prime Minister thinks thousands of Canadian auto jobs are not a burning issue, then he is not paying attention to the country he is supposed to be leading. If the Prime Minister cannot be bothered to fight for Canadian auto workers, then he has no business speaking for them. Canadian auto workers will fight. Oshawa auto workers will fight. Conservatives will fight, because these auto jobs matter, and our auto industry matters. Canada deserves a government that acts like it.