Chrysler withdrew its request for $700 million in federal and provincial funding for its Ontario plants, but is still expanding them. Here is some of what was said about the decision.

Sergio Marchionne, CEO of Chrysler Group LLC:

“It is clear to us that our projects were being used as a political football, a process that, in our view apart from being unnecessary and ill-advised, will ultimately not benefit Chrysler."
“Our commitment to Canada remains strong."
“On a personal note, as a Canadian. I regret my failure in having been unable to convey the highly competitive nature of markets that offer manufacturing opportunities to carmakers that operate on a global scale."
"Some of the shots across the bow following our initial approaches to the federal and provincial governments reveal, apart from political convenience, a somewhat restricted view of Canada as an industrial player in what has become a borderless economy. It is clear that we, at Chrysler, need to do more to explain ourselves and our choices going forward.”

Ontario Economic Development Minister Eric Hoskins:

“We welcome Chrysler’s decision that it will begin to invest in the next generation of vehicle production at its plants in Windsor and in Brampton. Chrysler’s CEO has spoken about his commitment to Canada and Ontario, and this announcement is evidence of that."

Jerry Dias, national president of Unifor, the former Canadian Auto Workers union:

"The bottom line is that the people of Ontario and our leaders need to understand the importance of developing a long-term strategy, including public investment, if we want to have a strong, competitive advanced manufacturing sector." - .
"We are deeply concerned that in the long-term we are going to lose an incredible opportunity to secure Ontario's manufacturing industry well into the future."

Progressive Conservative employment critic Jane McKenna:

"What was the point, then, in asking for $700 million if they already owed the Ontario taxpayer $810 million? Why didn't they just subtract it from that, and what's the turnaround that now they don't need it?"

Finance Minister Charles Sousa:

Tim Hudak specifically has been out there slamming this issue because that's creating very problematic discussions. We're dealing with a board in the United States and elsewhere looking at where to invest this money. We know it's important to protect the interest of Ontario, Canada for that matter. There's millions of opportunities at stake here. Lots of jobs are being supported with the sector, and we're putting forward millions of dollars to protect the integrity and the viability of the industry here in Ontario. I would hope the opposition would support that."

Heard: What was said about the Chrysler decision

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