(Newmarket, ON) - Newmarket-Aurora MP Lois Brown has been named Vice-Chair of the Conservative Party Auto Caucus. The caucus committee is responsible for meeting with representatives of the Canadian auto industry and bringing forward recommendations to the Minister of Industry.

“The auto industry collectively is a significant employer in Newmarket and Aurora,” said Ms. Brown. “My appointment as Vice-Chair to the Conservative Party Auto Caucus will allow me to directly approach the Minister of Industry on behalf of these businesses and their employees. The Minster will be fully informed of the ongoing challenges facing this important sector in our riding.”

Ms. Brown is scheduled to meet with officials from Magna International in an effort to mitigate the impact of the recently announced Exterion plant closings and to search for longer term solutions. Ms. Brown has asked both the Minister of Industry Tony Clement and Minister of Human Resources Diane Finley for assistance in helping the employees affected by the closings. A round table of area Automobile Dealerships, undergoing hardships from the retail side, has also been arranged.

On the national front, Ms. Brown confirms that the suspension of Parliament until January will not create a delay in any decision by the federal government to assist the ailing Canadian auto sector. Commenting on the status of a possible relief package Ms. Brown said, “We have asked the top three Canadian automakers to provide us their detailed plans for keeping jobs in Canada and for successfully competing long-term in the market place. If taxpayer’s money is involved by way of a federal aid package we have to be assured of a return on investment. We are very much aware that any aid package should be made in conjunction with a U.S. rescue plan and are working towards that end.”

Lois Brown added that the Newmarket and Aurora Magna plant closings announcement has devastated those communities. “It’s unfortunate that Magna had to make this decision before the Canadian and U.S. governments could assess the options for providing aid to the large automakers,” said Ms. Brown. “Magna remains an exemplary employer in York Region and I am sure they did all they could for as long as possible to keep these two plants viable. I am intent on doing everything I can to save jobs and ensure the needs of local businesses and their employees are heard in Ottawa.”