The Ontario Mayors for Automotive Investment (OMAI) are stepping up pressure on the federal and provincial governments, in an attempt to find solutions to the problems facing the automotive industry.
OMAI recently prepared a resolution urging government and industry leaders to work together, said Collingwood Mayor Terry Geddes.
"Right now the automotive industry is facing many challenges with increased costs, one area being energy which is affecting operating costs," said Geddes.
Twenty five municipal leaders make up the OMAI, specifically in communities where the automobile industry comprises a large component of the economic base.
The resolution highlights the need to increase the availability of the North American market to produce green vehicles, the importance of equal access to foreign markets one being Korea, the knowledge for all political party leaders to be aware of the importance of the automotive sector to Canada's economy, and the key role of the Canadian Automotive Partnership Council.
"Those are the areas we're asking the federal government to endorse," said Geddes. "We're attempting to look at the provincial and federal government for strategic opportunities for the automobile industry."
Members are also requesting the federal government create a task force to improve the country's overall productivity and make sure there is an adequate investment in education and skills development, said Geddes.
Canada ranked 17th out of 24 countries in the 2004 productivity ranking, conducted by the organization of economic co-operation and development.
"The report also noted that since 2000, Canada's average annual productivity growth has been less than one per cent, while the United States has experienced an average annual increase of 3.8 per cent over that same period," according to a press release from the OMAI.
Ensuring border issues remain top on the political agenda, to improve the flow of parts and products across borders, specifically on the states of Michigan and New York, is important, added Geddes.
"Right now we are developing strategies through discussions and attempting to get both levels of government along with industry leaders to the table," said Geddes.
