Sun, 13 Apr 2025

Sun, 13 Apr 2025 In Canada's car capital, auto workers brace for the worst

The auto sector in Windsor, Ontario, has employed generations of Canadians. Now the future is uncertain and US tariffs are "like a stab in the back".
Windsor, Ontario, home to Ford's engine factories and Stellantis' assembly plant, has been at the forefront of Canada's auto sector for over a century. For the Lawton family, it's a fifth-generation tradition - both Chad and Kathryn work at Ford in Windsor, just across from Detroit. They strongly disagree with US President Donald Trump's claim that Canada stole American auto jobs. "These were never American jobs," Chad said. "They've always been Canadian jobs." The region, which includes Essex county, is now facing a 25% tariff on foreign-made vehicles and blanket tariffs on steel and aluminium imports from the US. The situation has caused widespread anxiety among workers in the sector. John D'Agnolo, president of Unifor Local 200, said it has created havoc and will likely lead to a recession. Auto workers are feeling betrayed by their closest economic ally. Austin Welzel, an assembly line worker at Stellantis, called it a "stab in the back". Christina Grossi, who's worked at Ford for 25 years, fears losing her job and the sense of pride that comes with it. The tariffs have also had a significant impact on local businesses like restaurants. The situation is so dire that even Laura Dawson, executive director of Future Borders Coalition, said the US tariffs structure is "extremely complicated" and will have far-reaching consequences. Canada's political parties are rolling out plans to help the auto sector, but economists fear a global trade war.
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