Coalition wants to bring electric vehicle production to Oshawa: Forum
by Cleantech Canada Staff
Green Jobs Oshawa is hosting a public forum to discuss the possibility of electric vehicle production in Oshawa
OSHAWA, Ont. – Could Oshawa’s GM Plant be the engine for a Green New Deal?
At 7:00 PM on September 19, Green Jobs Oshawa will be hosting a public forum and press conference with the release of an independent feasibility study which researches the possibilities of electric vehicle production in Oshawa under public ownership.
The public will have an opportunity to ask questions.
Oshawa could be the manufacturing centre for battery electric vans and other vehicles, anchored by production for Canada Post and other government bodies, stated Green Jobs Oshawa in a press release. However, government action and a public ownership model would be required.
The proposal has garnered support from unions, community activists and environmentalists, as it would keep good jobs for the community, maintain manufacturing capacity for the province and country, and help us move towards a green economy.
“Ten years ago, we bailed GM out,” says Rebecca Keetch, autoworker at GM and member of Green Jobs Oshawa coalition. “The Federal and Ontario governments bailed GM Canada out with nearly $11 billion in public wealth, and $3 billion wasn’t paid back. In 2018, GM made nearly $11 billion in profit. Now GM is bailing on Oshawa, putting thousands out of work and reducing Ontario’s GDP by $4 billion a year. There is an alternative and a strong case for acquiring the GM Oshawa plant to build battery electric vehicles for a sustainable future.”
The forum will take place at Unifor Local 222 Hall, 1425 Phillip Murray Ave, Oshawa, Ont.
