A plan to support Canadian workers affected by U.S. tariffs has been announced in the city that exemplifies the current struggle.
Union members, as well as representatives from municipal government, business development, and post-secondary education, gathered at the Unifor Local 444/200 Hall in Windsor on Friday morning to hear about the federal government's safety net for workers adversely affected by tariffs.
Rechie Valdez, federal Minister of Women and Gender Equality and Secretary of State for Small Business and Tourism, said one component is helping workers train.
"We're investing $450-million to upskill 50,000 workers across the country, and we're going to do that through employer-based training, short courses, and career counselling, giving you the guidance you need to support you in upskilling," said Valdez.
Valdez said her connection to the area, having attended the University of Windsor, helped her understand the region's importance in Canadian manufacturing.
"Windsor is at the centre," said Valdez. "Because Windsor is a city that powers Canada's auto sector. I saw it firsthand. When I was in university, many of my classmates, their parents either worked in the auto sector or they were local farmers."
Valdez also announced an enhancement of employment insurance (EI) benefits for those who have been laid off because of tariffs. Effective October 12, long-tenured workers will become eligible for an additional 20 weeks, for a total of 65 weeks, retroactive to June 15.
The federal government also announced the creation of a single portal for workforce solutions, to help unions, employers, and business leaders work together.
The minister added that the new programs stemmed from discussions with union and business leaders that took place in Windsor and beyond during the summer.
