Conservative ad highlights government failures

TORONTO, May 25, 2015 /CNW/ - Using footage of the Camaro production line in Oshawa in a Conservative TV ad shows just how out of touch the Harper Government is with the challenges facing this country, the union representing the workers who make the Camaro says.

"Sitting back while good jobs leave the country is not proven leadership," Unifor National President Jerry Dias said after the ad was released on YouTube.

"This ad shows just how out of touch this government has become."

The ad, entitled Proven Leadership and posted to YouTube today, shows a number of images, including the General Motors production line for the Camaro in Oshawa. GM announced recently that production of the Camaro will shift to Lansing, Michigan, in November.

Dias said including the Camaro in the ad was a good reflection of the Conservatives' true economic record, since it highlights the jobs it has let slip away.

"This government has overseen an incredible loss of jobs in the manufacturing sector, and has absolutely failed to create a meaningful strategy to rebuild and maintain the sector," Dias said.

Dias said the Harper government sold its shares in General Motors, giving up any influence an ownership stake might have given the federal government at this crucial time. He also pointed to a recent Export Development Canada decision to lend $526 million to Volkswagen to set up shop in Mexico.

"Canadians expect their government to focus on winning new investments and creating new jobs right here in Canada," said Dias. 

"By featuring the Camaro in its ads, the Harper government is highlighting its own failures."

Unifor is Canada's largest union in the private sector, representing more than 305,000 workers, including more than 39,000 in automotive industries. It was formed Labour Day weekend 2013 when the Canadian Auto Workers and the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers union merged.

SOURCE Unifor

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