Windsor will not be getting a new engine investment from Ford.

On Friday, Unifor Local 200 president Chris Taylor confirmed to CTV Windsor that the automaker has chosen to not bring a new engine investment to Windsor. Instead, Ford will bring the engine program to their Mexico operation.

“I can confirm today that the provincial and federal governments and Ford are unable to reach an agreement,” Ontario’s Minister of Economic Development Brad Duguid told CTV Windsor via email.

Duguid stated that the province is willing to invest taxpayer dollars, so long as the partnership is a positive for Ontario.  

“Our Government is committed to partnering with business in a fiscally responsible way, but we will not invest taxpayer dollars in any partnership that doesn’t provide a strong return for Ontarians. This includes creating good jobs, anchoring key facilities, building an industry supply chain, fostering research and development, and leveraging a larger investment from the private sector.”

In a joint statement, Windsor New Democrat MPPs Lisa Gretzky and Percy Hatfield expressed their regret. They say nearly 1,000 new auto jobs could have been created for the region, had the development of the smaller sized engine been secured.

“New Democrats know that auto jobs are at the heart of Windsor and Essex County. You can raise a family on a good automotive job. We should be focused on not just protecting our automotive sector, but growing it.”

Taylor previously stated that it would have taken a commitment from the federal and provincial governments to make the investment happen – something Unifor’s national president agrees on.

We are disappointed,” said Jerry Dias Unifor in statement on Friday. “The auto industries that are flourishing around the world are ones where there is a deep commitment from government and an understanding of the importance and wisdom of investment – which always pays dividends.”

Windsor Mayor Eddie Francis shared his disappointment at a news conference Friday afternoon. The outgoing mayor says the city offered Ford a 10 year tax freeze, valued at $8.5 million. He says all levels of government and Unifor did everything they could to secure the investment.

A spokesperson for Ford Canada wouldn’t confirm any decision about the Windsor operation – only stating, “We meet with government on a regular basis to discuss a variety of issues. We consider these discussions to be confidential.”

According to Taylor, a meeting will be held on Sunday at 10 a.m. at the Caboto Club to explain to members the exact details of the decision.