WINDSOR

Province in talks with Chrysler about a potential investment after all

CTV Windsor Published Friday, January 17, 2014 10:19AM EST Last Updated Friday, January 17, 2014 10:20AM EST

A worker on the production line at Chrysler's assembly plant in Windsor, Ont. on Jan. 18, 2011.

A worker on the production line at Chrysler's assembly plant in Windsor, Ontario, works on one of their new minivans on Jan. 18, 2011. (Geoff Robins / THE CANADIAN PRESS)

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The province has clarified words made by Ontario Finance Minister Charles Sousa, a day after holding a pre-budget consultation in Windsor.

In a statement from the minister of economic development, trade and employment’s office says Chrysler has in fact approached the province about a new investment.

“Minister Eric Hoskins is the lead on the Chrysler file,”, Gabe De Roche, director of communications for the minister said. “He has been in close contact with Chrysler, and in fact met with their global CEO Sergio Marchionne at the Detroit Auto Show on Monday.”

On Thursday, Sousa told a room of reporters he has yet to see a proposal from Chrysler.

"I have yet to see a proposal made by Chrysler,” Sousa. “I look forward to having discussions as I’ve had with other proponents that want to come to Ontario."

Earlier this week, Marchionne claimed the automaker would require an investment of $1 billion to build a new minivan.

“Minister Hoskins has been meeting with Chrysler executives regarding a potential investment,” De Roche said.

Specifics of these conversations couldn’t be released, as talks are ongoing.