I read awhile ago that the Canadian Federal government was being asked for some more money to support the declining auto industry.  Now, on the one hand I can understand why in that we should try and protect our manufacturing sector and the jobs attached but, I also am concerned that we the taxpayer give our our money to companies that turn around and don’t support us as consumers.  Now, someone in a website thought I was ranting about this and because there hasn’t been a recall, can’t be all that big a problem.  I know there are more than 10 legitimate complaints to the U.S. Department of Transportation on file.  Why not more?  Possibly that the people have accepted the fried electronics as normal wear and tear - I know I did and, they aren’t aware that they are paying big dollars for repairs that aren’t normal wear and tear but in fact the result of water infiltration due to an improperly installed front window.  If that is ranting, then I am sorry but I look at it more like being ripped off.  I don’t mind normal wear and tear - that is life and part of owning a mechanical item but, when it is built wrong right from the start and the manufacturer knows about it and doesn’t even put out a notice, then that is why I say to the government - no more of my taxes to them.

Below is the letter I wrote to Stephen Harper and his response.  I don’t expect anything to really happen but, at least I got a written reply.  I only got a phone call and was told there would be no written reply and that, unlike the Toyota and Chrysler owners who switch to Ford and get $1000 off their next vehicle, Ford offered me $500 off my next vehicle, which doesn’t even cover the repairs to the items damaged by their faulty window installation. 

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On behalf of the Right Honourable Stephen Harper, I would like to thank you for your e-mail regarding federal assistance for automobile manufacturers.

Please be assured that the statements you made have been carefully reviewed. I have taken the liberty of forwarding your e-mail to the Honourable Jim Prentice, Minister of Industry, so that he too may be made aware of your comments.

M. Bourque
Executive Correspondence Officer
for the Prime Minister’s Office
Agent de correspondance de la haute direction
pour le Cabinet du Premier ministre

>>> From : oakville_homes@hotmail.com Received : 23 Jul 2008 08:53:40 AM >>>

Dear Mr. Prime Minister: Today I read about the shutting down of a 3rd line at the Ford Oakville plant. One of the officials was quoted that he felt the federal government should assist Ford with funding. I assume this is to assist in staving off cuts due to imports etc. Although I can agree with the federal government assisting, when appropriate, job creating sectors of our country, I am at odds with the government assisting Ford - a company which takes the taxpayers money but refuses to recognize consumers who have problems with their products. Ford produced some F150’s with the front window improperly installed and this has caused consumers thousands of dollars as Ford fails to recognize the problem. This is in direct contrast to Toyota who recognized a rust problem and dealt with it in an ethical manner. Ford is silent on the matter and has not even notified consumers of the problem - thus allowing their mistake to continue to cost consumers. For the complete history on this, please refer to the following blog: http://fordf150news.wordpress.com/ I feel that the government, before handing out tax money to those demanding support, should consider whether or not that company is in fact helping the Canadian taxpayer. Yes, they produce jobs but, can cost the the consumer money with faulty products they refuse to acknowledge. I’d prefer my taxes to go to someone who shows a more ethical business practice. Thank you