General Motors has halted production at its CAMI Assembly plant in Ingersoll, Ontario, citing low demand for the BrightDrop electric delivery vehicles. The plant, which employs approximately 1,200 workers, will shut down next month and reopen in October with reduced capacity.
Production is expected to resume on a single shift after October, resulting in the indefinite layoff of nearly 500 workers. Unifor, the union representing CAMI workers, has expressed concerns about the impact of the production slowdown and job loss on the community.
The layoffs come as the automotive industry faces increased competition from global manufacturers. Despite efforts to defend Canada’s auto sector, politicians have responded with statements condemning the cuts and pledging support for affected workers.
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre called on U.S. President Donald Trump to stop “betraying America’s closest friend” and attacking Canadian jobs. Liberal Leader Mark Carney emphasized his government’s efforts to protect Canadian workers, while NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh urged a more comprehensive approach to supporting workers and launching trade initiatives.
Ingersoll Mayor Brian Petrie remains hopeful that production will return to the plant in the future, citing its skilled workforce as an asset for the local community.
Source: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/london/ingersoll-assembly-plant-halting-production-layoffs-1.7508190