Local Liberal candidate apologizes for social media post suggesting Canada should give up on manufacturing

The Liberal candidate in the Barrie South-Innisfil riding was called out by local PC candidates for a comment posted on social media.

Barrie-South Innisfil Liberal candidate John Olthuis is facing pressure following the resurfacing of a controversial social media post where he appeared to suggest Canada should give up on domestic manufacturing.

Olthuis made the comment in a February post on X (formerly Twitter) in response to criticism about Canada’s ability to produce globally competitive goods.

“Part of me thinks we should just partner with China and other nations and give up on manufacturing. I remember when manufacturing shifted to Japan. Originally, they made crap but evolved to be the best. China’s turn then India. We will provide the raw materials and food,” he stated in a Feb. 11 post.

The post drew sharp criticism from local Conservative candidates Doug Shipley and John Brassard, who issued a joint statement Tuesday afternoon condemning the remarks.

“There should never be a time when any person running for public office is willing to give up and sell out our manufacturing sector and hard-working families by suggesting that Canada “give up” manufacturing to China or any other country,” the statement read.

In response to CTV News requesting comment, Olthuis issued an apology.

“The comments made back in February 2025 were regrettable and should never have been made,” he wrote in an email. “I apologize and it won’t happen again. In the face of Trump tariffs, I will always stand up for our manufacturing sector and our workers.”