Automakers Critical To Canada

The Canadian government,on both the national and provincial level,has been watching the U.S. automakers with great concern.The automotive industry is Canada's largest manufacturing segment,directly employing more than 150,000.The industry contributes more than 14% of Canada's manufacturing output,sustaining 12 Ontario communities.In consequence,the Canadian authorities are providing 3.29 billion dollars U.S. in loans to Canadian subsidiaries of General Motors and Chrysler.The federal government will give 2.09 billion,while Ontario will provide another 1.2 billion,said Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty.President Bush is authorizing 17.4 billion in aid to the struggling automakers.Ford Motor Company is not included in the loan packages,as it only needs a back-up line of credit at this time.