Mr. Jerry J. Ouellette: Today marks the end of an era. At approximately 11 a.m., the last truck to be produced in Oshawa will run off the GM line. Well over 2,600 workers will have left today and will never return again to the GM plant in south Oshawa.

In 44 years, the truck plant has produced over 10 million trucks, vans and school buses. In 2000, a record 323,034 vehicles were produced in that plant. At the time, in 1965, when the plant first opened, both John Gordon and James Roche were presidents and George Burt was the UAW regional director.

The truck plant has won numerous J.D. Power Awards for its world-renowned quality, yet, times have caught up with us, haven’t they? Oshawa, the region of Durham and the province of Ontario were the big winners with all the truck plant’s contributions, both in vehicle and every other aspect of life. Over the years, General Motors and their workers have contributed millions to the United Way, local libraries, schools, Boy Scouts, Girl Guides and many more volunteer organizations and charities throughout our province.

Once again, even in closing, General Motors and its workers are giving. You see, the very last truck that will come off the line will be raffled off and those profits will be going to Toronto sick kids. Yes, it is the end of an era.