The head of the Unifor Local 444 Environment Committee is deeply disappointed the federal zero emission vehicle incentive won't help the Chrysler Pacifica.
Mark Bartlett says it's particularly frustrating when Environment Minister Catherine McKenna suggested it would be included.
Bartlett claims McKenna made the pledge at a public forum at the University of Windsor in early March.
After a rally next to the Windsor Assembly Plant calling for a change in the federal budget Bartlett expressed dismay.
He says it's hard to believe the Pacifica is left off the list.
"After that conversation with minister McKenna about subsidies for Windsor, you know particularly for our vehicle. I'm disappointed that we don't qualify."
Bartlett doubts the Environment Minister expected this outcome.
"I'm sure that the minister was standing there thinking that she was telling me the truth, that indeed we qualified. This is where I see there's a disconnect. I could not see her going on public record as saying that without actually believing it."
Federal Environment and Climate Change Minister Catherine McKenna, Freed-Orman Centre, University of Windsor, March 5, 2019 (by AM800's Peter Langille)
He has asked for an explanation of what happened.
"I've reached out to the minister's office because she did say she wanted to work and talk with us. She has worked with us but what we see is a real disconnect."
About 100 people came out for the rally at Tecumseh Rd. E. and Chrysler Way Friday afternoon.
The federal government's new budget gives a $5,000 subsidy to any zero emission vehicle sold valued less than $45,000.
The Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid starts at over $51,000.