Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens has launched a petition urging the Federal government to fulfil promises made to Windsor and Stellantis /LG to build the NextStar Energy battery plant.
"I urge all residents to join me in advocating for the resumption of construction for all facilities at the NextStar Energy EV battery plant," said Dilkens in a statement. "This includes the module, battery cell, and research and development commitments that were promised to us. It is unacceptable for Windsor to be shortchanged or forced to accept a scaled-down version due to unfulfilled promises by the Federal Government."
MP Irek Kusmierczyk said he met with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau Thursday to discuss the ongoing negotiations.
"I can tell you that we have been fighting since day one to get an agreement signed to make sure that we secure the battery plant and the thousands of jobs here for this community," said Kusmierczyk. "We are absolutely fully committed to the battery plant here in Windsor. We will pull out all stops, and it's going to take partnerships to bring it across the line."
Dilkens said he is concerned with negotiations with the federal government when other levels of government have fulfilled their commitments.
"The City of Windsor has already fulfilled its commitment to provide the necessary financial support for land assembly and servicing of the facilities. Furthermore, the Province of Ontario has exceeded its initial funding commitment and has shown support for Windsor's economic future," said Dilkens. "It is now time for the Federal Government to promptly resolve all outstanding financial matters, finalize the agreement, and eliminate the uncertainty and stalemate that threatens our economic future and ability to attract future job creators."
Kusmierczyk said negotiations are still in the "final advanced stages."
"When residents get a chance to see the math, when they get a chance to see what the final numbers are, they will recognize that this federal government has been there, has their backs, has made a serious, historic, unprecedented investment in the future of auto workers in this community and the future of this community," said Kusmierczyk.
Dilkens is asking all residents and business owners to sign his petition here.
