CAW President Reacts to Resignation of Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty

QUEBEC CITY/TORONTO, Oct. 15, 2012 /CNW/ - CAW National President Ken Lewenza is reacting in surprise to the sudden resignation of Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty.

Lewenza commended McGuinty on his work over his more than two terms as Premier. Lewenza said that he was particularly grateful for McGuinty's recognition and support for the auto industry.

"Premier McGuinty exercised real foresight in pledging support for a number of key industries, particularly the auto industry during the time of crisis," said Lewenza. "The province would have experienced dramatic and lasting mass unemployment without these efforts, and Ontarians do owe him a debt of gratitude in this regard."

Lewenza said that in spite of recent controversies, McGuinty has improved the lives of many Ontarians during his tenure as Premier, especially with his initiatives around jobs retraining, early learning and full day kindergarten.

Lewenza said that he hopes the Ontario legislature will resume in short order. "The people of Ontario need their government to be working on their behalf," said Lewenza.

He urged the future leader and Premier to live up to the province's historic commitment to free collective bargaining.

SOURCE: Canadian Auto Workers Union (CAW)

For more information, please call CAW Communications Shannon Devine (cell) 416-302-1699