The Globe and Mail reports in its Saturday edition that Canada is in a challenging relationship with the three major North American automakers. The Globe's Adam Radwanski writes that Ottawa needs to consider how to exit this situation while sustaining a strong domestic auto industry. This concern became more pressing after Stellantis said it would move Jeep Compass production from Brampton, Ont., to Illinois, sparking anger from Canadian politicians. Over the last 20 years, General Motors, Ford and Stellantis have reduced operations in Canada while repeatedly pressuring policy-makers for public funds. While still engaging with these companies when necessary, Mr. Radwanski says this is the time for Ottawa to start considering other long-term strategic options to reduce dependence on them -- of which there is no shortage, even if each comes with its share of challenges and obstacles. The most pressing though contentious place to start is with the China question.
Few people in the industry seriously believe Canada will be able to keep out Chinese electric vehicles forever, if they continue to be cheaper and better made than Western products. The question now is whether China will embrace a build-where-you-sell model.
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