Emergency meeting held in Ottawa about hiring for Windsor battery plant
Stellantis and LG Energy Solution EV battery plant construction site in Windsor, Ont., on Monday, May 15, 2023. (Sijia Liu/CTV News Windsor)
An emergency meeting was held in Ottawa about hiring for the NextStar battery plant in Windsor.
Conservative MP’s are asking for the contract between Stellantis and LG Energy Solutions to be publicly released.
“Canadians have a right to know what kinds of contracts this government is signing with private corporations,” Conservative MP Luc Berthold told the Standing Committee on Government Operations and Estimates Monday morning.
The Conservative MP’s say the deal – offering incentives to automakers for each battery they produce in Canada – will cost each household up to $3,000.
“It would be the worlds biggest mistake if we did not look into the investment,” Essex MP Chris Lewis said. “The workers deserve the answers. The unions deserve the answers and the folks of Windsor-Essex deserve the answers.”
Federal officials have said the contract cannot be publicly released because it contains proprietary information about the automaker and LG.
The company confirmed Thursday 900 South Korean workers will be moving to Windsor to help set up the factory on the city’s east end.
“They have specific knowledge of the equipment, having been part of the team to build it and disassemble it for shipping, and will therefore see the installation through,” a NextStar spokesperson said.
“This is not the place to play politics with peoples’ livelihoods’,” Windsor-Tecumseh MP Irek Kusmierczyk told the committee, warning the MPs to use the facts.
Kusmierczyk said he had the chance to tour the factory and talked to NextStar officials on the weekend.
He confirmed 900 South Koreans are coming over to build the ‘proprietary equipment’ going into the building which is nothing unusual for the industry.
“There will be 2,500 full time jobs building batteries, building 2 million batteries every year at that Stellantis plant. Those workers will be local. They will be Canadian and they will be unionized,” Kusmierczyk told the committee.
This is a developing story. More to come.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
DEVELOPING
DEVELOPING Alberta's request for federal assistance approved after fast-moving wildfire hit Jasper National Park: Trudeau
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced on social media that Ottawa has approved Alberta's request for federal assistance after a fast-moving wildfire hit Jasper National Park and its townsite late Wednesday.
BREAKING
BREAKING Loblaw, George Weston to settle class action over bread price-fixing for $500 million
Loblaw Cos. Ltd. and its parent company George Weston Ltd. say they have agreed to pay $500-million to settle a class-action lawsuit regarding their involvement in an alleged bread price-fixing scheme.
EXCLUSIVE
EXCLUSIVE One address, 76 foreign currency dealers: Inside Canada's money service business 'clusters'
An IJF and CTV News investigation has found dozens of cases across Canada where multiple money services businesses (MSBs) are incorporated at the same address, sometimes without the knowledge or consent of the location's actual occupant. One money laundering expert calls it an 'abuse of the system.'
U.K. police officer suspended after video appears to show a man being kicked in head
A British police officer was suspended from all duties Thursday after a video was posted on social media that appeared to show an officer kicking and stamping on the head of a man lying on the floor of a terminal at Manchester Airport.
Barrie-Innisfil MPP 'blacked-out' and crashed car into window of child care centre
Staff at a Barrie child care centre say they are frustrated by what they call a local MPP's inadequate response after a car crashed through a window in one of the toddler rooms.
Norad intercepts Russian and Chinese bombers operating together near Alaska in apparent first
The North American Aerospace Defence Command (Norad) intercepted two Russian and two Chinese bombers flying near Alaska Wednesday in what appears to be the first time the two countries have been intercepted while operating together.
Biden explains why he ended re-election bid in Oval Office address
U.S. President Joe Biden on Wednesday delivered a solemn call to voters to defend the country's democracy as he laid out in an Oval Office address his decision to drop his bid for reelection and throw his support behind Vice President Kamala Harris.
Jasper mayor says alert system to be reviewed after message 'glitch'
More than 25,000 people have been displaced from Jasper National Park since wildfires started to threaten the picturesque corner of Alberta Rockies on Monday, but the mayor of its namesake municipality says not everyone received an evacuation alert when it was sent out.
Unclaimed bodies are piling up in Newfoundland. A funeral director blames the government
A funeral director in St. John's says the bodies piling up in freezers at Newfoundland and Labrador's largest hospital likely belong to people whose loved ones couldn't get enough government help to pay for a funeral.
Shopping Trends
The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us.
Kitchener
-
Guelph, Ont. police constable continues to fight for his job
A police constable in Guelph, Ont. pleaded guilty Wednesday to discreditable conduct – for a second time.
-
Cambridge mother blames GRCA for flood that destroyed her belongings
A Cambridge woman explains why she blames the GRCA for a flood that damaged her home and forced her family to flee in a canoe.
-
Wanted teen considered dangerous after escaping secure custody facility: WRPS
The Waterloo Regional Police Service (WRPS) is searching for a 16-year-old they say escaped a security custody facility in Wilmot Township.
London
-
Touching vigil for teen lost to intimate partner violence
Hundreds gathered Wednesday evening to pay tribute to a young life cut short. Breanna Broadfoot was remembered in a touching candle-light vigil.
-
Threats to kill a person lead to charges in Sarnia
The incident happened at Canatara Park in July 23 — offices said the found the suspect fleeing the scene and had to do a high-risk vehicle stop on Wellington Street.
-
Over 3,000 rounds of ammunition, 10 shotguns and more seized in search warrant
London police have seized multiple firearms, and ammunition following the arrest of a wanted man in the east end of the city in early July.
Barrie
-
Barrie-Innisfil MPP 'blacked-out' and crashed car into window of child care centre
Staff at a Barrie child care centre say they are frustrated by what they call a local MPP's inadequate response after a car crashed through a window in one of the toddler rooms.
-
New police vehicle turns heads along Barrie's waterfront
Barrie police are using a utility vehicle along the city's waterfront this summer to help officers get to challenging locations and increase their presence throughout the busy area.
-
What does Bank of Canada's interest rate cut mean for homeowners?
The Bank of Canada lowered its key interest rate to 4.5 per cent, as those looking to renew or buy a mortgage watched closely.
Northern Ontario
-
Barrie-Innisfil MPP 'blacked-out' and crashed car into window of child care centre
Staff at a Barrie child care centre say they are frustrated by what they call a local MPP's inadequate response after a car crashed through a window in one of the toddler rooms.
-
Northern Ont. reaction to Canada's Olympic controversy
With soccer growing in popularity in Sudbury, some with experience in the sport are with confusion and disappointment to the recent news out of the Olympics.
-
Family dispute leads to damaged vehicle, threats in Elliot Lake
A family dispute erupted in Elliot Lake on Tuesday afternoon, ending with a damaged vehicle in a driveway and impaired driving charges.
Sault Ste. Marie
-
Family dispute leads to damaged vehicle, threats in Elliot Lake
A family dispute erupted in Elliot Lake on Tuesday afternoon, ending with a damaged vehicle in a driveway and impaired driving charges.
-
Ontario sends 100 Fire Rangers to fight B.C. wildfires
Responding to a call for help from B.C., Ontario sent 100 fire rangers Monday to help battle hundreds of out-of-control wildfires burning on the West Coast.
-
Chrysler hybrid minivan no longer allowed on ferries due to safety recall
If you have summer plans to board a ferry to Manitoulin or Pelee Island, you may want to check to see if there are any safety recalls on your vehicle as some are not allowed this year.
Ottawa
-
Tornado near Perth, Ont. during severe weather on Wednesday, Northern Tornadoes Project says
Western University's Northern Tornadoes Project says a tornado touched down near Perth, Ont. Wednesday night, as a series of severe storms moved across eastern Ontario.
-
NEW THIS MORNING
NEW THIS MORNING These were the most commonly stolen vehicles in Ottawa in June
Ottawa police are noting a developing trend in the types of vehicles that are being targeted by thieves in the capital.
-
Ottawa dries out after 32.8 mm of rain soaks the capital
Ottawa will receive a break from the rain this weekend, after another storm soaked the capital with heavy rain. The forecast calls for a mainly cloudy day with a 30 per cent chance of showers this afternoon, before sunshine on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Toronto
-
Two Toronto women speak out after losing $76,000 in romance scam
Two women from the Toronto area are speaking out after losing thousands of dollars to a romance scam, including a single mother who lost $62,000.
-
The Ontario Science Centre hosted a wedding the day after its dramatic shutdown
The day after the doors of the Ontario Science Centre closed to the public on the grounds that its roof was failing and unsafe, the centre’s management made an exception to allow a wedding and reception on its grounds.
-
Barrie-Innisfil MPP 'blacked-out' and crashed car into window of child care centre
Staff at a Barrie child care centre say they are frustrated by what they call a local MPP's inadequate response after a car crashed through a window in one of the toddler rooms.
Montreal
-
Possible tornado topples truck, uproots trees in Brossard
A possible tornado overturned a truck and uprooted several trees in Brossard, on Montreal's South Shore.
-
Quebec athlete named one of Canada's 2024 Olympic flag bearers
Maude Charron will carry the Canadian flag during Friday's Olympic opening ceremony in Paris. The athlete from Rimouski will also be defending her Olympic gold medal in weightlifting.
-
Montreal electronic traffic signs hacked to display pro-Palestinian political slogans
Montreal police are investigating after electronic message boards at two road construction sites in Montreal displayed pro-Palestinian political slogans Wednesday morning instead of usual traffic alerts.
Winnipeg
-
Search of North End property linked to 2021 missing person case
The Winnipeg Police Service (WPS) is executing a search warrant at a North End property on Wednesday to look for evidence linked to a missing person case from 2021.
-
Elementary school in Thompson goes up in flames
An elementary school in Thompson, Man., has gone up in flames on Wednesday.
-
Church of rock: Jets owner, The Brothers Landreth save dwindling Winnipeg church, give it added purpose
A saving grace for a dwindling Winnipeg church has come in the form of Winnipeg Jets owner Mark Chipman and Juno-award-winning folk duo The Brothers Landreth.
Edmonton
-
DEVELOPING
DEVELOPING Alberta's request for federal assistance approved after fast-moving wildfire hit Jasper National Park: Trudeau
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced on social media that Ottawa has approved Alberta's request for federal assistance after a fast-moving wildfire hit Jasper National Park and its townsite late Wednesday.
-
Multiple structures ablaze as wildfire roars into Jasper townsite
One of two raging, wind-whipped fires menacing Jasper, Alta., roared into town Wednesday night and began burning buildings.
-
Jasper mayor says alert system to be reviewed after message 'glitch'
More than 25,000 people have been displaced from Jasper National Park since wildfires started to threaten the picturesque corner of Alberta Rockies on Monday, but the mayor of its namesake municipality says not everyone received an evacuation alert when it was sent out.
Calgary
-
AS IT HAPPENEDAS IT HAPPENED Wildfire reaches Jasper Wednesday night, causes 'significant loss'
One of two wildfires threatening Jasper National Park reached the townsite Wednesday night and caused 'significant loss.'
-
New fire burning in Banff National Park south of Hector Lake
A new fire was reported to be burning in Banff National Park late Wednesday afternoon.
-
Canadian man killed in southern Israel has ties to Airdrie
A man from Alberta was gunned down in southern Israel on Monday, near the Gaza border while he was armed with a knife.
Regina
-
Sask. WWII veteran, 103, receives France's highest national order
A Saskatchewan-born veteran of the Second World War was recently presented with France's highest national order.
-
Traffic restrictions in place after crash near Highway 1: Moose Jaw police
Drivers passing through Moose Jaw can expect some delays following a crash near Highway 1.
-
Water upgrades near completion at Buffalo Pound Water Treatment Plant
Residents in Regina and Moose Jaw will soon have better tasting water.
Vancouver
-
'How can we be going backwards?' Vancouver city council votes to allow natural gas heat in new buildings
Vancouver city council has voted to allow natural gas for heating and hot water in new construction.
-
'We've pretty much lost our range': Ranch manager loses second range in 3 years to wildfires
T.J. Walkem, along with more than 80 of his cows, has spent the last few days desperately trying to evade the out-of-control Shetland Creek wildfire.
-
80,000 lightning flashes in B.C. in 3 days
Environment Canada has recorded a whopping 80,007 lightning flashes in British Columbia from Sunday through Tuesday, and the count continues on Wednesday for what could be a record-breaking stretch.
Vancouver Island
-
'No known connections' between recent sexual assaults on Vancouver Island, police say
Police on Vancouver Island are investigating three sexual assaults by strangers that were reported in the past week, though there is no indication the attacks are connected.
-
Vacations, meals, booze: Contractor used $100K of charity's money for personal expenses, B.C. court finds
A B.C. man who was hired to help a non-profit build a food hub but instead spent the money on personal expenses – including travel, restaurants, booze and cannabis – has been ordered to pay more than $120,000 in damages.
-
Vancouver Island wildfire grows overnight, remains out of control
A wildfire burning out of control on Vancouver Island continued to spread Wednesday as the provincial wildfire service assigned more resources to try to contain the blaze.
Atlantic
-
Risk and timing of thunderstorms in the Maritimes on Thursday
Showers along with a risk of thunderstorms will return to the Maritimes on Thursday as a cold front approaches from the west.
-
Border officers seize 140lbs of cannabis at Halifax airport
Two people are facing drug smuggling-related charges after border officers seized 140 pounds of suspected cannabis at the Halifax Stanfield International Airport on Monday.
-
Biden explains why he ended re-election bid in Oval Office address
U.S. President Joe Biden on Wednesday delivered a solemn call to voters to defend the country's democracy as he laid out in an Oval Office address his decision to drop his bid for reelection and throw his support behind Vice President Kamala Harris.
N.L.
-
Unclaimed bodies are piling up in Newfoundland. A funeral director blames the government
A funeral director in St. John's says the bodies piling up in freezers at Newfoundland and Labrador's largest hospital likely belong to people whose loved ones couldn't get enough government help to pay for a funeral.
-
Newfoundland refinery operator charged for flash explosion that killed worker
The owner of a refinery in Newfoundland has been charged with health and safety violations for a flash explosion at the plant in 2022 that killed a worker and injured seven others.
-
Transportation Safety Board investigating fire aboard boat abandoned by 'Lucky 7'
The Transportation Safety Board of Canada has sent investigators to Newfoundland to determine what caused a fire aboard a fishing boat that forced the crew to abandon the vessel for a life-raft, leaving them at the mercy of the waves for two days.
