November 11, 1999

The Honourable Dianne Cunningham
Minister, Training, Colleges and Universities
Mowat Block, 900 Bay Street, 6^th Floor
Toronto, ON  M7A 1C2

Dear Minister Cunningham:

On behalf of the Windsor & District Chamber of Commerce we wish to express strong support for the Centre for Excellence in Manufacturing, a project being submitted by St. Clair College to your Ministry for funding consideration.

Members of the Chamber realize that our world class manufacturing industry, particularly that part associated with the automotive industry, is a major factor in the ongoing economic and social well being of our community.  We also understand that the industry’s growing technological sophistication is creating increased demand for highly skilled employees.  The most recent contracts between the CAW and Ford, General Motors and DaimlerChrysler Canada, Inc. will serve to increase this demand as incentives are put in place for early retirement.

St. Clair College has worked with industry for over thirty-two years to provide technically trained and educated graduates.  In fact, the output of technology and industrial apprentices has been increased dramatically during the past four years.  But the College has reached two serious limitations.  The first is simply space.  With shops in operation six days per week, the ability to increase graduate output has been reached.  The second limitation is equipment.  Many pieces of College equipment are over twenty-five years old and in serious need of replacement.

The Centre for Excellence in Manufacturing has been developed after more than three years of study and consultation with industry.  It will both improve quality and increase output of graduates trained and educated in emerging specialties related to manufacturing.  We believe in its value because we believe in the continued economic health of our region.  Windsor/Essex is a major contributor to the trade surplus of Ontario and Canada.  We ignore its needs at our peril.

The CEM will have a major impact on our future.  We ask that you give serious consideration to the College funding request.

Yours very truly