2007/05/14 (3)
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The City of Niagara Falls] Ontario
Resolution
May 14, 2007
No. 14
Moved by Councillor Wing
Seconded by Councillor Ioannoni
WHEREAS Canada's manufacturing sector is a critical part of the national economy: it is highly
producti ve, generates the highest value-added in the economy, accounts for two-thirds of our nation's
total exports and spends three-quarters of all private sector research and development; and
WHEREAS over the last five years Canada has suffered a quarter million manufacturingjob losses,
across a diverse range of sectors including auto, auto parts, food and beverage, fish processing,
shipbuilding, electronics, electrical, rubber, plastics, steel, wood, paper, metal and general
manufacturing
. These job losses are the result of permanent and indefinite layoffs, bankruptcies and plant
closures, workplace downsizing, work relocation and production off-shoring to countries
both within North America (the United States and Mexico) and internationally;
. The loss of manufacturing jobs has devastated workers, families and communities from coast
to coast and restricts the amount of quality job prospects for future generations;
. The loss of manufacturing jobs has placed an added financial strain on municipal
governments to deliver social services at the local level as a result of increasing demand
coupled with an overall shrinking tax base; and
WHEREAS the lack of federal and provincial governments attention to the critical issues of
unbalanced and unfair trade, the persistently high Canadian dollar, the de-industrialization of
Canada's economy and its associated impacts, targeted investment strategies, public procurement
policies add adequate protection for workers, has resulted in a manufacturing sector in a state of
cnSlS,
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that Niagara Falls City Council calls on the Federal &
Provincial governments to take action in addressing the impact of manufacturing job loss across
Canada by:
. Identifying the manufacturing industry as a strategic sector in Canada's economic
development; and
. Undertaking a comprehensive review ofthe causes and consequences ofmanufactnringjob
loss; and
. Adopting a comprehensive and integrated set of economic, fiscal and monetary policies along
with a framework for fair trade that will both strengthen domestic manufacturing ad protect
manufacturing jobs; and
. Ensuring that all Canadian workers are protected injob loss through the improvements of
bankruptcy laws, wage protection, pension protection and enhanced employment insurance
benefits,
Carried Unanimouslv
AND The Seal of the Corporation be hereto affixed.
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R. T, (TED) SALCI
CITY CLERK MAYOR