The Ford government is facing accusations it has abandoned its promise to “protect Ontario” from U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs after a major yarn maker shuttered its retail storefront and manufacturing facility in a southwestern Ontario community.
Spinrite — which makes yarn and sewing thread — recently announced the closure of its Listowel, Ont., facility, shedding more than 140 jobs in the community of fewer than 10,000 people.
The decision was so impactful on the small town of North Perth that the local municipality issued a statement calling it “shocking” and promising to help the families of workers at the plant.
The Ford government also acknowledged the closure at Queen’s Park before the legislature rose for its summer break, blaming the job losses on tariffs from Trump.
“I want to share with this House that Spinrite in Listowel, unfortunately, is closing its manufacturing production,” government whip Matthew Rae, who represents the area, said …