Singh: Canadian Workers Built the Auto Industry—We Won’t Let American Billionaires Strip It for Parts

WINDSOR – NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh stood with auto workers and union leaders in Windsor today to deliver a clear message: Canadian jobs are under attack, and New Democrats will fight back with everything we’ve got.

Before speaking with reporters, Singh met with James Stewart, President of Unifor Local 444, John D’Agnolo, President of Unifor Local 200, Emile Nabbout, President of Unifor Local 195 and Brian Masse, NDP candidate for Windsor West Brian Masse, Shinade Allder, NDP candidate for London West and Unifor’s Ontario Regional Council Chair.

“All Canadian leaders are united in the fight against this unprecedented attack,” Singh said. “We may disagree on our visions for the country—but on this, we are united: We will never be the 51st state. Not in name, not in values. Never.”

On the heels of Donald Trump’s announcement of 25% tariff on Canadian-made vehicles, Singh laid out the NDP’s plan to defend the auto sector, protect Canadian jobs, and ensure working families are not left behind.

Over the last five years, Canadian taxpayers have invested more than $30 billion in the auto industry—supporting production, preserving jobs, and helping plants retool for the future. But now, with jobs under threat again, Singh warned that U.S. corporations could try to pull out of Canada while walking away with the very equipment and infrastructure that public dollars helped fund.

“Canadian taxpayers funded the auto industry—we’re not going to let billionaires strip it for parts,” said Singh. “Those machines, those tools, that equipment—Canadians paid for them. They belong to us. And if a company took public money, they don’t get to pack up and walk away. We’ll fight to keep what’s ours.”

Singh also made clear that U.S. companies won’t be allowed to benefit from the Canadian market without contributing to it.

“If U.S. companies want access to our markets, they need to invest in our people,” said Singh. “That means using Canadian parts or assembling here. We’re done letting billionaires profit off Canadian workers without giving anything back.”

With jobs, public investment, and entire communities on the line, Singh outlined the NDP’s plan to protect Canada’s auto industry and the people who keep it running.

Singh’s Plan to Protect Canadian Auto Jobs:

1. Every Dollar from Counter Tariffs Goes to Workers

If the U.S. wants to start a trade war, Canadian workers shouldn’t pay the price. Singh pledged that every dollar collected from Canada’s counter tariffs must go directly to support workers and communities hit hardest—no loopholes, no delays.

2. Stronger EI to Get Through the Storm

When jobs are at risk, Employment Insurance must be there. The NDP will boost EI so workers can cover their bills and extend coverage to ensure families are protected for the long haul.

3. Ban Asset Stripping from Canadian Auto Plants

Canadian taxpayers have invested over $30 billion into the auto sector over the last five years. Singh made clear that companies who took public money won’t be allowed to gut Canadian plants or ship out machinery and tools paid for by Canadians. The NDP will use every legal tool available to stop them.

4. Buy Canadian. Build Canadian. Drive Canadian.

The NDP will mandate that federal departments and agencies—including Canada Post and the RCMP—purchase Canadian-made vehicles. To support good jobs here at home, U.S. companies that want to sell vehicles in Canada would be required to use Canadian-made parts or assemble some of the vehicle in Canada. Singh also committed to exempting Canadian-made cars and trucks from the GST to support domestic manufacturing and encourage Canadians to buy Canadian.

“Canadian auto workers have always delivered for this country,” said Singh. “Now it’s time their government delivers for them. We’re not going to let Trump and his billionaire-backers decide the future of Canadian jobs. We’ll fight back—and we’ll fight to win.”