General Motors of Canada will produce 10 million face masks over the next year for the Government of Canada, beginning immediately.
GM Canada will manufacture the face masks at cost at its Oshawa Operations, for the Public Health Agency of Canada. GM Canada got its Medical Device Establishment License in April.
“This is one of the proudest moments in our history to be able to step-up and support all Canadians during this challenging time, said Scott Bell, President and Managing Director, GM Canada. “With the support and collaboration of the Government of Canada, we will start production in Oshawa today and deliver 10 million face masks to the Public Health Agency of Canada over the next year.”
GM has built and prepared a clean room environment with enhanced safety protocols, delivered and installed the required machinery, and started training for the start of production. Equipment for the mask line arrived in Oshawa in April, and a portion of the plant has been converted into an official Canadian Mask Making (CMM) room.
“Collaboration between government, industry and labour leaders is essential to create economic opportunities for Canadians, while keeping health and safety a top priority. I am incredibly proud of the way Canadian industry has been stepping up to meet Canada’s needs – and General Motors is an excellent example,” said The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Industry, Science and Innovation. “By retooling a portion of their Oshawa plant, GM is strengthening Canada’s domestic supply for personal protective equipment and contributing to the health of Canadian workers and their families. I am thrilled to announce our signing of this contract to purchase 10 million face masks from GM.”
Gm Canada recalled and trained 60 workers for two shifts of production in Oshawa, in partnership with Unifor.
“Unifor members in Oshawa are highly skilled and proud to help GM make whatever our country needs to get through this pandemic,” said Jerry Dias, National President, Unifor.
