Trudeau Comes to Guelph; Sees Some Stuff

It was a good day to be on the first shift at the Magna Polycon plant on Independence Road in Guelph, because work literally came to stop as a special guest toured the facilities and made play that he was a regular everyday Joe Lunchbox. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was in town for a photo op this afternoon, and in true Trudeau Mania fashion, it was a mob scene. 

Valeriote Three Times Critical

Behold! The first press release from Frank Valeriote's second term as Guelph's MP.

For Immediate Release

Ottawa – Recognizing Guelph as the epicenter for agricultural and food research in Canada and home to Linamar and numerous other auto parts manufacturers, today Liberal Leader Bob Rae appointed Guelph MP Frank Valeriote to three critic portfolios: Agriculture and Agri-Food, Rural Affairs and Auto Policy.

As a member of the Agriculture and Agri-Food committee Valeriote constantly brought experts from Guelph to Ottawa to testify on important matters concerning the competitiveness of Canadian farms and other farming and agri food issues. Valeriote has also worked diligently with agricultural organizations and experts from Guelph towards the development of a national food policy and a better understanding of farm and food issues.

As the former Chair of the Liberal Auto Caucus Valeriote fought hard to save thousands of jobs in the Canadian auto sector and helped to successfully prevent the closure of 13 automobile dealerships, including one in Guelph.

Guelph MP Frank Valeriote said “I’m delighted to have been made the Liberal critic for Agriculture and Agrifood, Rural Policy and Auto Policy. In these roles I will continue to rely on Guelph-based expertise to fight to keep Canadian farms and the Canadian auto industry vital and competitive. I will also fight to make sure we thoroughly review the benefits and risks associated with newly recommended agriculture and agrifood policy coming from the Agriculture and Agri Food Committee to ensure it is to the benefit of producers and consumers alike.”

Valeriote continued “when I was elected I pledged to bring the voices of the people of Guelph to Ottawa and I will continue to rely on Guelph based experts and organizations to help shape national agricultural, food, rural and auto policy.”

Update on Woods

So remember on Monday when I said that the management of fridge and freezer makers W.C. Woods would be reaching out to employees to explain what happens now that the company's filed for bankruptcy? Yeah, apparently that hasn't happened yet. From what I've heard, Woods has been terribly silent to its 250-person work force, all of whom are now jobless, and from what I understand, compensation-less. To counter, there will be a rally at the Woods plant tomorrow at 9 am. If you can, please head on down and support the workers to whom I offer my best wishes.

Woods Deal Falls Through

Hitting the wire about an hour ago from CTV News, but it seems that a deal by a US firm to buy the W.C. Woods plant in Guelph has fallen through. This is a none-too-minor hit to local manufacturing and the employees that work at Woods, which has been on the proverbial bubble for much of the last year. The plant's even been receiving government funding to give employees paid days off due to lack of work.

What happens next is hazy at the moment. What's certain is that the business Woods' fate is now moving into a courtroom where the company's assets will be liquidated. The fate of employees meanwhile depends on who you ask. The Guelph Mercury out and out says that all 250 employees are out of work effective immediately, while 570 News says that 200 people will be laid off with the closure of Plant 2 and some employees being offered early retirement.

But more than that though, Woods is a Guelph institution, having made refrigerator and freezers in the Royal City for 75 years. Truly, this is a great loss in more ways thatn one.

Look for more info on this as the dust settles, apparently management will be talk to emplyees this afternoon. If you have any info or want to comment, just plug it in in the comments section below.