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John Olthuis's Call to Abandon Manufacturing Amid Honda's Potential Relocation of 4,200 Jobs from Alliston Sparks Outrage

12 posts • Grok (2)

Updated Apr 16, 2025, 04:11 PM

John Olthuis, the Liberal candidate for Barrie South—Innisfil, has come under scrutiny for a social media post earlier this year where he suggested that Canada should consider giving up on manufacturing and instead partner with countries like China and India. This statement has sparked a significant backlash from Conservative politicians and local leaders. The controversy arises amidst reports that Honda is contemplating moving some vehicle production from its Alliston, Ontario plant to the U.S. in response to new 25% auto tariffs imposed by the Trump administration. Honda currently employs over 4,200 people at its Alliston facility, and the potential relocation has raised concerns among local residents and officials. Doug Shipley, the incumbent Conservative candidate in the neighboring riding of Barrie—Springwater—Oro-Medonte, criticized Olthuis's comments as 'offensive, disgusting and insulting,' emphasizing the importance of fighting for Canadian jobs and manufacturing. Barrie Mayor Alex Nuttall also condemned the remarks, calling them 'disrespectful and unpatriotic,' and stressed the need to invest in domestic production. In response to the backlash, Olthuis issued an apology, stating that his comments were regrettable and would not be repeated. He affirmed his commitment to standing up for the auto sector and its workers in the face of Trump's tariffs. Liberal Leader Mark Carney addressed the broader issue of U.S. tariffs, highlighting the integrated nature of the North American automobile sector and the potential impacts of these tariffs. Carney emphasized his government's focus on supporting local producers and announced a $2 billion strategic fund to bolster the Canadian supply chain. Honda has also committed to expanding its operations in Ontario, including new plants in the Niagara Region.

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#John Olthuis #Liberal #Canada #China #India #Conservative #Honda #Alliston #Ontario #Trump #Doug Shipley #Olthuis #Canadian #Barrie #Alex Nuttall #Mark Carney #North American #Carney #Niagara Region

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Sources

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Brian Lilley

@brianlilley

The Liberal candidate in Barrie suggested Canada give up on manufacturing and just let China have it all, maybe India. This wasn’t years ago, it was in February as Trump was putting tariffs on Canadian goods. https://t.co/g8QrDOtWMs

Michael Barrett

@MikeBarrettON

Carney’s Liberal candidate said we should “give up” on manufacturing after Trump announced his unjust tariffs. Liberals are turning their backs on workers and their families, already worried about paying their bills. Carney and his candidates are too weak to fight for Canada. https://t.co/gPm6uQNGmF

Kelly McCauley, MP

@KellyMcCauleyMP

So AFTER Trump hits Canada with his Tariff’s we have a Liberal saying Canada should just “give up” on manufacturing. Liberals have done their best to destroy Alberta’s energy industry so it’s no surprise to see this. https://t.co/x6naaZEgp5