An emergency meeting convened in Ottawa addressed concerns raised by Conservative Members of Parliament (MPs) regarding the hiring process for the NextStar battery plant in Windsor. The focus of the meeting centered on calls for the public release of the contract between Stellantis and LG Energy Solutions.

Conservative MP Luc Berthold emphasized the importance of transparency, asserting that Canadians have a right to be informed about the contracts the government is entering into with private corporations. Speaking at the Standing Committee on Government Operations and Estimates, Berthold, along with other Conservative MPs, expressed apprehension about the deal, which offers incentives to automakers for each battery produced in Canada.

According to the Conservative MPs, the incentives outlined in the contract could potentially cost each household up to $3,000. Essex MP Chris Lewis underscored the significance of scrutinizing the investment, stating that workers, unions, and the residents of Windsor-Essex deserve clarity on the matter.

Federal officials, however, contend that the contract cannot be made public due to containing proprietary information about both the automaker and LG. In response to these concerns, NextStar confirmed that 900 South Korean workers would be relocating to Windsor to facilitate the setup of the factory on the city’s east end.

The decision to bring in South Korean workers was justified by their specific knowledge of the equipment, having been involved in its construction and disassembly for shipping. NextStar assured that these workers would ensure a smooth installation process.

Windsor-Tecumseh MP Irek Kusmierczyk cautioned against playing politics with people’s livelihoods and urged fellow MPs to rely on facts. Kusmierczyk, who recently toured the factory and engaged with NextStar officials, shared insights into the situation. He confirmed that the 900 South Korean workers are involved in building proprietary equipment, a common practice in the industry.

Kusmierczyk emphasized that the NextStar plant would create 2,500 full-time jobs, producing 2 million batteries annually at the Stellantis facility. He reassured the committee that these jobs would be local, Canadian, and unionized, emphasizing the positive impact on the community. As discussions unfold, the focus remains on balancing transparency with the economic benefits and job opportunities associated with the NextStar battery plant.