A rebate program announced in the federal government will apply to the Windsor built Pacifica.
Federal Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development Navdeep Bains came to Windsor to offer support to local workers following the announcement by FCA that it is eliminating the third shift at the Windsor Assembly Plant, eliminating 1,500 jobs.
Speaking at the Windsor and District Chamber of Commerce on Friday, Minister Bains says the federal program will offer a $5,000 incentive for people to buy Hybrid Pacificas.
(Image courtesy of CTV News)
"We recognize as a government, we want Canadians to have access to Canadian vehicles, clean vehicles at affordable prices so that rebate will be applicable to the Pacifica," he says.
There had been some criticism from local NDP MPs and unions that the program wouldn't apply to the Pacifica but Minister Bains says the plan all along was to announce the different vehicles that are eligible for the program.
"We are going to be unveiling different vehicles that will be eligible and the Pacifica is definitely eligible for that $5000 rebate as well."
He says reducing pollution and creating jobs go hand-in-hand.
"We have been engaging with FCA, and different companies in the automotive sector to understand how we can support clean technology and support clean green vehicle and making it more affordable to Canadians."
He is meeting Friday with FCA officials, local unions and workers to discuss the announced closure of the third shift to take place in September 2019.