The changes that Democrats demanded on provisions regarding the environment, pharmaceuticals, labor and overall enforcement were the subject of intense negotiations between U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and House Democrats. 

Unifor, the union representing hourly employees at the historic plant, had expected assembly to continue to Dec. 19 but said it now has been told production will end Dec. 17.

The global auto industry will produce 88.8 million cars and light trucks this year, an almost six per cent drop from a year ago, according to researcher IHS Markit. In Canada, GM, Ford and FCA plan to eliminate production jobs this year or next.

Work at the University of Guelph and nearby bio materials company Competitive Green Technologies turns coffee bean skins into resin used in headlight housings. McDonald's said it would donate "a significant portion" of its North American coffee-bean remnants to Ford in an effort to reduce waste.