Windsor

European investors look to Canada out of fear of U.S policies, says WEEDC CEO

The CEO of the Windsor-Essex Economic Development Corporation says the president's policies are scaring off some European investors, and they're looking here instead.
Windsor-Essex Economic Development Corporation says the president's policies are scaring off some European investors, and they're looking to invest in Canada instead. (Jonathan Ernst/Reuters)

Donald Trump's attempts to "make America great again" might actually be working in Canada's favour.

The Windsor-Essex Economic Development Corporation CEO says the president's policies are scaring off some European investors, and they're looking here instead.

Stephen MacKenzie added Canada's trade deal with the European Union is also helping.

"The CETA treaty may in fact, because of the fact that the U.S. was not a signatory on that treaty, it may create opportunities for European companies to set up operations in Canada, and then to access the U.S. market," he said. "So there are really a lot of moving parts at this point."

Stephen MacKenzie, CEO of the Windsor-Essex Economic Development Corporation, said European investors are looking at the region as a place to set up shop. (Stacey Janzer/CBC)

Four large European firms are considering setting up operations in the tool, die, mold and manufacturing sectors, he said, without providing any specifics on which companies he was referring to.

McKenzie did say he expects at least one of them to make a decision by the end of the year.