BARRIE, ON – A Barrie-area Carney Liberal candidate is facing backlash after suggesting Canada should “give up on manufacturing” and let countries like China and India handle it. The comments, made on social media on February 11th, 2025, have resurfaced just as reports claim Honda may move production from its Alliston, Ontario plant to the U.S. to avoid potential U.S. tariffs. The Alliston facility, which employs thousands, is part of a planned $15-billion expansion. Local leaders have condemned the remarks as out of touch and harmful to Canadian industry.
John Olthuis, running in Barrie South—Innisfil for the Carney Liberal government, posted earlier this year that manufacturing could be better handled by countries like China and India. These comments resurfaced as Japan’s Nikkei reported Honda is considering shifting production to the U.S. to avoid new 25% auto tariffs. Honda’s Alliston facility, employing over 4,200 people, is central to a $15-billion expansion, including two new plants aiming to produce up to 240,000 vehicles annually by 2028.
Honda Canada responded, stating there are no current plans to move production from Alliston and that the facility will operate at full capacity for the foreseeable future.
Local leaders criticized Olthuis’s comments. Conservative MP Doug Shipley called them “offensive” and “insulting” to families relying on manufacturing jobs. Barrie Mayor Alex Nuttall labeled the remarks “disrespectful and unpatriotic,” emphasizing the importance of investing in domestic production amid global supply chain challenges.
The debate highlights tensions over Canada’s manufacturing future and the impact of political statements on local economies. Candidates claims could risk foreign investment and Canada’s business climate.
