Families in Windsor are paying a steep price for Ontario’s jobs crisis

WINDSOR - Windsor West NDP MPP Lisa Gretzky is calling for urgent action as Windsor once again records the highest unemployment rate in the country.

“Windsor families are being left to carry the weight of U.S. tariffs, and a weak provincial government with no plan to protect jobs,” said Gretzky. “Our city has the workers, the skills, and the history of driving Ontario’s economy, so why are our people losing good jobs and being left with nothing but uncertainty.”

According to the Financial Accountability Office (FAO) Q2 report, Windsor is bearing the brunt of Ontario’s job losses. The province has lost 38,000 jobs in the second quarter of 2025, including 56,000 full-time positions. Nearly 30,000 of those were in manufacturing, the backbone of Windsor’s economy. As a result, Windsor’s unemployment rate has climbed to 11.2 per cent, the highest of any city in Canada

“Local manufacturing plants that keep our auto sector moving are struggling. Work has stalled, people are being sent home, and families are left dealing with the consequences. The workers at Titan Tool and Die are an example of that,” said Gretzky. “Instead of leaving Windsor to fend for itself, Doug Ford should be at the table fighting for stable jobs and a trade deal that protects Ontario workers.”

The FAO warns Ontario’s economic growth will slow to just 0.6 per cent in 2025, leaving workers and communities across the province exposed to more instability in the months ahead.

Quick Facts:

• Windsor’s unemployment rate reached 11.2% in June – the highest in Canada.
• Ontario lost 38,000 jobs in Q2 2025, including 56,000 full-time positions.
• Manufacturing jobs dropped by 29,400, the largest loss since 2009 outside the pandemic.
• Other sectors hit include business support, culture and recreation, transportation, and agriculture.

FAO’s full report can be found here.