Ontario Premier Doug Ford and federal Industry Minister Mélanie Joly are urging Stellantis to introduce a new model at its dormant Brampton, Ontario assembly plant following the carmaker’s announcement of signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for a potential sale.
Joly emphasized that Canadian workers would be safeguarded in the event of the plant’s sale to another company, but stressed the government’s insistence on additional commitments from Stellantis, including the production of a new model at the facility.
Ford echoed Joly’s stance, emphasizing the need for a new model at the plant and praising the exceptional skills of Canadian auto workers. Stellantis, which employs over 11,000 individuals in Ontario, is a key player in the province’s automotive industry.
The Brampton plant has been inactive since 2023, initially halted for retooling for Jeep Compass production before plans were put on hold in early 2025. The decision to shift Jeep Compass production to the U.S. stirred controversy, leading the federal government to threaten legal action if Stellantis failed to honor its commitments made with the government.
Unifor, the union representing plant workers, has expressed concerns over the plant’s future following the MOU with Roshel regarding a potential sale. The union’s current collective agreement with Stellantis is nearing expiration, with talks at a standstill.
Amidst uncertainties, Unifor has urged the federal government to intervene and prevent potential job losses affecting more than 2,000 workers. The union’s president emphasized the need for strong resistance against Stellantis’ proposal to sell the plant to a non-automaker.
The situation remains fluid, with stakeholders closely monitoring developments as negotiations continue.