Auto companies, unions must produce long-term plan: Clement

Canada's Industry Minister Tony Clement told reporters in Washington on Thursday that automakers need to come up with clear business plans.(Jim Bourg/Reuters)

Federal Industry Minister Tony Clement said Thursday the Big 3 domestic automotive companies — General Motors, Chrysler and Ford — and their unions need to come up with a plan for the industry's long-term future.

"At some point, governments may decide to be part of that, but let me stress that no one wants to be back to where we are here today one year from now," he told reporters in Washington.

"The current situation can only be resolved with solid, clear, accountable business plans from the automakers and their stakeholders," Clement said.

Clement and Ontario Economic Development Minister Michael Bryant were in Washington Thursday to meet with U.S. automakers and politicians to discus the problems facing the automotive sector.

The leaders of the Detroit Big Three spent two days at the U.S. Congress asking politicians for $25 billion US in financial assistance.

The heads of the automakers faced an uphill fight, with politicians sharply divided over how, or even whether, to offer financial backing to the companies.

Clement said the governments won't be rushing to make a decision on aid for the automakers

He said the governments are aware of the urgency of the situation, "but I believe it's our duty to make the right decisions, and if we have to take a couple of extra days or a couple of extra weeks or months to make the right decision, we're going to do that."

Bryant said the only option that has been kicked off the table is a 'no-strings attached bailout.'

A vote on a bailout by U.S. politicians was put off until December.