The Mayor isn’t pleased Bombardier was overlooked for a major rail car contract.
Bill Mauro spoke at Council saying the company needs contracts like the recent Via Rail project that was handed over to the German company Siemens, which has no facilities in Canada.
“By the end of 2019, the contracts that are existing [at Thunder Bay’s Bombardier plant] are likely to have expired, and unless there’s more work there, we all may find us grappling with some very significant issues. And the long-term viability of the plant may once again be in question.”
Mauro put forward a motion to let the province and the feds know they’re disappointed they don’t require Canadian companies to use more Canadian labour.
Council voted in favour of the motion to send letters to the Prime Minister, federal and provincial ministers, and local MPs and MPPS.
Councillor Rebecca Johnson added they should also forward the motion to the Canadian Chamber of Commerce and the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association.