Asked at Oshawa's Lakeview Park during Ribfest
Sep 07, 2008 - 08:45 AM
With an election in the air, the federal government was busy handing out goodies this week.
On Saturday the feds announced they, and the provincial government, had reached a deal with General Motors of Canada that would see a new hybrid car built in Oshawa, as well as a 5-year, $45 million investment in engineering technology at the Oshawa Canadian Engineering Centre.
The agreement means the auto giant will avoid paying millions of dollars
in loan penalties that were triggered when the company announced the
planned shutdown of its Oshawa pickup truck line.
That deal
includes a commitment by GM that it will invest an additional $290
million to manufacture 6-speed transmissions at St. Catharines, produce
a hybrid variant of a mid-sized vehicle at the Oshawa car plant, and
attract advanced environmental technology research and development
projects through GM's Canadian Engineering Centre (CEC) in Oshawa.
At Oshawa's Lakeview Park where revellers were enjoying the annual Ribfest, the news was greeted with optimism.
Chantal Pigeon said, "Part of me says yes, it's a good idea. But private industry needs to stand on its own and General Motors has missed the boat when it comes to fuel efficent vehicles. But I'd hate to see GM leave Oshawa."
"I think it's a good idea if it helps keep GM Oshawa alive and well. With out GM in Oshawa it could be like a ghost town," said Nikki Dupuis.
Shamatee Toolsie says, "I'm for it just to keep GM here in Oshawa. The Federal Government is doing what it should have done much sooner."
"I think it's a good idea if it provides jobs. It would be a departure from the building of the inefficent cars thet GM has been building. It's overdue," said Brian Dickson.
Recommend :
Latest News
OPG OK: SCOPADURHAM -- Ontario Power Generation has been honoured for its work in promoting safety. The Safe Communities of Pickering-Ajax (SCOPA) presented OPG with its Ambassador for ...
Two sought in coffee shop break-inPICKERING -- Police are seeking information from the public as they investigate the second break-in in a two-week period at a Pickering coffee shop. Last Saturday two men ...
Ajax Steam Plant redevelopment plannedAJAX -- An open house is being held later this month on the redevelopment of the Ajax Steam Plant. Index Energy has filed a plan with the Town that would see the facility ...
Anderson snub leaves cops fumingDURHAM -- The head of Durham's police association is calling it "distasteful" and "disrespectful." The man chairing the committee currently attempting to ...
NDP has 'no idea' where Layton signs in Bowmanville came fromCLARINGTON -- It's a mystery wrapped in a Jack Layton sign. Over the weekend, signs advertising Jack Layton's Toronto team sprang up in Bowmanville, despite the fact the NDP's...
Police job action could escalateDURHAM -- Durham cops are vowing to escalate their job action tactics if contract negotiations scheduled for this weekend don't prove fruitful. Officers, who are already ...
Durham police have a message for Regional chairmanDURHAM - Roger Anderson is about to receive a message via Durham Regional Police Association President Doug Cavanaugh.Mr. Cavanaugh said late today that the Association will ...
Voters have their own agendas on election dayDURHAM -- It's not just money that's on the minds of Durham Region voters as they make their way to the polls today. While the state of the economy was the compelling factor ...
Election day underwayDURHAM -- The polls are open and the candidates are making a last-minute push for votes. Election day got underway bright and early in Durham Region, as hopefuls in the Oshawa...
Pickering man charged in Toronto bustDURHAM -- A Pickering man is among a trio of suspects charged after police recovered a loaded handgun during a traffic stop Sunday in Toronto. The loaded .9-mm handgun was ...