For as long as I've been alive, the North American auto industry has been through many ups and downs. I think the future will continue to bring serious challenges to this deeply entrenched workforce. We all know the Canadian auto industry is a huge part of the local economy.

This week 500 people were laid off at the General Motors plant in Oshawa. Gas prices are going up, up, up, and demand for gas guzzling trucks and SUVs is going down, down, down. What a surprise.

Here's something else to consider. How can we possibly protect Canada's manufacturing industry when everyone, including workers at Canada's big three car makers, spend at least 80 per cent of their income on products from other countries. Just take a minute on your next shopping trip to the hardware, clothing, department, or furniture store and look or ask where the products you purchase are made. I see 'Made in China' printed on almost everything these days.

If that's the case, I guess just about every type of basic product manufacturing company in Canada is either out of business, or facing the exact same fight for survival.

I don't blame the Chinese, or other developing economies, for cashing in on the buy-cheap-first Canadian way.

Why aren't unions like the CAW calling for a boycott on foreign made products? Last I heard, the big auto makers were pretty much bankrupt. What's also ironic is that many foreign manufacturers are building cars in Canada for less than the North American-built car. And their sales are soaring year after year.

Last week, I paid $10 more for a new door handle because it was 'Made in Canada'. I found three brands at my local hardware store. One was made in China, one in Mexico, and the third one in Canada. I was pleased with the fact I had an opportunity to buy Canadian. It was if I had discovered buried treasure. As someone who looks at labels all the time, I continue to honour my pledge to buy Canadian.

I recently took ownership of my second Ford-built vehicle. Before that, it was GM vehicles. I've never bought a foreign car in my life.

I paid more than the equivalent foreign designed model, but it was my decision to pay the price to buy local. It's my contribution to the battle for local jobs.

However, was that a smart decision? Most of the people I know think foreign-built cars are better value for the money. Many would say I'm an idiot for buying a North American car.

My opinion has always been that if you want to save jobs, buy Canadian! But can we really afford it?

North American built cars are expensive because the people that make them earn a pretty good income for pushing buttons and turning screws. I certainly don't begrudge anyone their wage. I'm pretty confident labour costs make up a large percentage of the value of any vehicle. The auto industry has a powerful union. And they have fought many victorious battles earning rights and wages for auto industry employees. It's a good profession for many people. And governments of all stripes have supported this sector with public money and investment.

I know people who work at the non-unionized Honda plant in Alliston, Ontario. They all make pretty decent wages, and have good benefits. Honda builds good cars. Take a look at how many there are on the road the next time you drive to work.

I don't think we can stop the tide of the 'buy cheap' mentality. In my opinion, it is now ingrained in the Canadian way of life.

We are a dollar store nation.

No one cares where something is made. Price is the name of the game. And if you can't match price, you're dead in the manufacturing game.

I believe there is a lot to be said about quality of a product. I still believe that something made by my neighbour has more value than something made in another part of the world.

Canada excels in the production of high-tech equipment. Hopefully, this will be the salvation for future generations of people who work in manufacturing. If it was my son or daughter, I'd be making sure they take college or university very seriously. If not, there will be a lot of 30 year old children living off mom and dad in the future.

In response to questions about Ontario's precarious economic situation, Premier Dalton McGuinty promised a new auto plant is coming to Ontario.

I guarantee it won't be GM, Chrysler or Ford. He mentioned the Chinese, and India as future auto industry investors in Ontario.

I'll also guarantee that whoever starts building cars in Ontario won't be negotiating with the Canadian Auto Workers.

I love my North American built vehicle. It's still new, so anything can happen, but I'm confident it will provide me satisfaction and reliability for years to come.

But I've driven by the Ford plant on the QEW many times. And I see a lot of cars that weren't 'Made in Canada'. Are they trying to tell me something?