The political fall-out of the Heinz closure continued Thursday, as another party leader visited the embattled community to meet with those affected.
Ontario’s Progressive Conservative leader, Tim Hudak and Chatham-Kent Essex MPP Rick Nicholls hosted a town hall meeting in Leamington, with about 50 people in attendance, including workers and growers.
“My problem is, it keeps happening across province,” says Hudak. “We're hemorrhaging jobs.”
Hudak called the closure devastating and said the PC's will continue to fight for those affected. Hudak says he will make sure the company makes good on severance and pension benefits. With all the feelings of an election campaign, Hudak talked extensively about his plan to bring 300,000 manufacturing jobs back to Ontario.
“I've got a plan to get taxes down, so businesses will re-invest. To drive down red tape, to get energy rates under control,” says Hudak.
The meeting got a little heated when Windsor resident Michael Malott questioned Hudak on the federal government's decision to change food packaging regulations.
“After 104 years, it's been profitable. Now it’s unregulated. Now, not profitable,” says Malott. “You don't see a correlation?”
Malott says local and provincial governments need to provide loans to companies to keep people working. Malott then blasted Hudak for visiting.
“Arrogant to come here,” says Malott. “It's predatory for votes in economy in shock.”
Leamington Mayor John Paterson however, welcomed the visit, saying the political support has been overwhelming.
“All of us are working in the background,” says Paterson. “The day when Heinz says we’ll sell the plant, we'll be ready. We'll have contacts lined up.”
As of now, there is no plan for the Heinz plant. Paterson says there are about 60 business proposals on the table, including one for tomato processing, and another for tomato juice.
