John Manley addresses AIA conference

Former Deputy PM John Manley, spoke to a packed room of automotive aftermarket execs at the Chateaux Frontenac Wednesday morning.

During his often light-hearted speech, Manley emphasized the importance of the automotive industry in Canada and the United States, but also highlighted some of the potential problems that the Canadian industry is likely to face in the years to come.

"In Canada, one person in seven is involved with the automotive industry. In Ontario, that number is one in six," said Manley.

The former Liberal party Cabinet Minister then went on to comment extensively on the sometimes frosty relationship between Canadians and President George W. Bush.

"Canadians need to be a little bit more mature in terms of President Bush," said Manley. "If you are running your auto-shop, and you have one customer that buys 87 per cent of what you make, you don't have to necessarily like the guy. Well, the United States buys 87 per cent of what Canada makes. Access to that market, remains the most important issue for Canadian business," said Manley.

The conference, hosted by the AIA began on the 18th and continues until the end of the day on the 19th, in Quebec City.