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Buzz Hargrove Accuses Harper of 'Playing Into The Hands of The Separatists' |
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Written by Wire Services
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Wednesday, 18 January 2006 |
Canadian Auto Workers (CAW) president Buzz Hargrove at a campaign event in Strathroy, Ontario today outlined strong concerns with the future of federal programs and services under the potential leadership of a Stephen Harper Conservative government.
Hargrove said he recognizes that Harper is a federalist, but Hargrove emphasized that Harper is playing into the hands of the separatists because he would promote the loosening of federal institutions, programs and powers.
As an example, Hargrove pointed to the recent national child care agreements signed between Ottawa and the provinces to fund badly needed child care spaces. Harper has promised to cancel these agreements.
Today Prime Minister Paul Martin made a commitment to working people to put in place a guaranteed pension fund to ensure workers do not lose their pension due to the bankruptcy of their employer.
"Members of our union as well as all working Canadians must recognize that the Prime Minister has committed financial support for industries that are important to Canada and today he committed to the long term viability of Ford's St. Thomas, Ontario auto assembly plant," Hargrove said.
This is in contrast to the Conservatives who refuse to support Canada's important industries, Hargrove said. For example, Garth Turner, a Conservative candidate in the Oakville area, has said that government money invested in Ford's new flexible manufacturing plant in Oakville was a waste of money.
"Clearly the election of Harper's Conservatives would undermine the job security of union members, their families and communities," Hargrove said.
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