Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne is meeting a group of Canadian automotive executives, along with Brad Duguid, Ontario Minister of Economic Development. The meeting, which was scheduled to begin earlier this morning, is reportedly set for the groups to plan and strategize for North American Free Trade Agreement renegotiations.
Renegotiations of NAFTA have been expected since US President Donald Trump began threatening duties on cars and trucks built in Mexico. US Commerce secretary Wilbur Ross has laid out a strategy to members of the US government ahead of issuing a formal notice.
Today's meeting is between Wynne, the Auto Parts Manufacturing Association, Unifor union president Jerry Dias, and representatives from the five automakers with plants in Ontario. On March 13th, Wynne met with Michigan Governor Rick Snyder to discuss the future of the auto industry.
The APMA represents parts suppliers who build more than $25 billion in auto parts in Canada every year, employing 85,000 Canadians. The five automakers with plants in Ontario include Ford, Fiat Chrysler, General Motors, Honda, and Toyota.
The auto manufacturing business in Ontario accounts for nearly $80 billion in sales each year, much of that driving manufacturing in Michigan. Big NAFTA changes could negatively impact the industry in Michigan as well, not just Ontario plants.
If an announcement comes from this meeting, we'll bring you that news as it unfolds.
