Rhonda Kirkland, the Member of Parliament for Oshawa, Ontario, has endorsed a federal plan to create a tariff-free auto pact between Canada and the United States to secure local jobs. This move aims to protect the region’s manufacturing industry from ongoing international trade conflicts that have caused economic uncertainty.
The proposal seeks to double domestic vehicle production and lower taxes on vehicles made in Canada. According to Rhonda Kirkland, the plan is designed to provide stability for the General Motors assembly plant, which has recently faced layoffs and production pressure.
Jeff Gray, the president of Unifor Local 222, has also voiced his support for the initiative. Gray described the current trade situation as a major industrial crisis and stated the union will fight to protect the families of local workers.
Kirkland was elected in 2025 and has advocated for trade guarantees to address tensions regarding import costs on Canadian-made vehicles. Local leaders believe that keeping trade free of extra costs is necessary for the long-term survival of the automotive sector in the community.
