Windsor, Ontario – The Automobile Parts Manufacturers Association (APMA) is warning Washington D.C. about an impending “vaccination gap” expected to occur between Canada and the U.S. in coming months, according to a report from the Windsor Star.
Flavio Volpe, APMA president, is concerned about the implications of the U.S. reaching their national vaccination target by April, a good three to six months before Canada expects to have hit it’s own target and what it could mean for the country’s supply chain.
“We are economically integrated and any inequity in mobility will cause issues for management of cross-border businesses. We are planning to engage the new administration in Washington on this shortly, with specific regards to aiding Canada (with COVID-19 vaccines) to close the gap in late spring,” said Volpe.
Volpe said he plans to emphasize the significant investments made by Canadian companies operating in the U.S., of which there are more than 120 plants with about 45,000 employees in 18 states.
As well, Volpe points out that it is in the U.S.’s interest to help supply vaccines to their North American trade partners.
“We’re trying to work the other side, that it’s in American interests to align with us,” Volpe said.
“For instance, we’re getting our supply from Pfizer from a plant in Belgium, but there’s a large Pfizer plant in Kalamazoo, Michigan. What we’re looking at is trying to sync the countries in terms of freer movement.
“Otherwise, it’ll be a challenge dealing with specialists and executive teams moving back and forth across the border working in plants and launching products in North America.”
A Dec. 8 executive order by former President Donald Trump forbids the shipping of U.S.-produced vaccines to other countries until the domestic population is vaccinated.
“We risk being left behind,” Volpe said.
“American divisions of companies have an opportunity to take on roles during this gap period that may have been the responsibility of Canadians or Mexicans. Anytime you shift a responsibility, you risk not getting it back.”
