The automotive sector and investment were top of mind on the campaign trail in Windsor-West on Friday.
Both NDP incumbent Brian Masse and Liberal candidate Sandra Pupatello took some time to highlight their party platforms.
Windsor-West candidate Sandra Pupatello outside the Windsor Assembly Plant, September 10, 2021. (Photo by Maureen Revait)
The Liberal platform includes an investment fund for the manufacturing of electric vehicles, EV vehicle incentives for consumers, and funds to support EV vehicle charging infrastructure.
"We've actually put in our mandate an $8-billion investment fund to attract these zero-emission vehicles, it means all of the pieces that are going to be involved in that car and battery is going to be critical," said Pupatello. "We've actually identified from mining to product for the development of battery in our platform."
Pupatello announced her commitment to getting new investment in Windsor in front of the Windsor Assembly Plant.
"I'm the only candidate in this race that has the experience to land funds and product in Windsor and across Ontario," said Pupatello.
Brian Masse stands with auto-workers during campaign stop, (via Brian Masse's Twitter)
Masse promised the NDP will ensure all future investments include a guarantee that jobs and equipment stay in Canada long term.
"If we're going to be doing any type of incentives then we have to have control and we have to have some incentives that are going to take place in our country," said Masse.
The NDP platform also promises to bring together all of the industry leaders to create a national auto strategy.
The NDP platform also includes incentives for consumers to purchase EV vehicles. Its policy focuses on domestic-made products and offers rebates from $5,000- $15,000.
"Having this incentive is critical," said Masse. "Especially given the fact that the $5,000 incentive that is currently in place often funds luxurious automobiles that are produced in foreign market verses the NDP plan which is actually going to focus on domestic production."
For a closer look at the Liberal Party platform click here. The NDP Platform can be found here.
