Ontario Premier Doug Ford and federal Industry Minister Mélanie Joly are urging Stellantis to introduce a new vehicle model at its inactive Brampton, Ontario assembly plant following the automaker’s announcement of a memorandum of understanding with Canadian armored vehicle maker Roshel regarding a potential sale of the plant.
During a media briefing in Toronto, Joly emphasized the importance of safeguarding Canadian workers in the event of a potential sale while also pressing for additional commitments from Stellantis. Ford echoed Joly’s sentiments, emphasizing the need for a fresh model to be produced at the plant and praising the skills of the local automotive workforce.
Stellantis, which has more than 11,000 employees in Ontario, is being encouraged by the province to build upon its existing presence. Both government officials have underlined their determination to ensure a positive outcome for the plant and its employees.
The Brampton plant has been inactive since 2023, initially slated for retooling to produce Jeep Compass vehicles before plans were halted in early 2025. The decision to relocate production to the U.S. prompted a strong reaction from the federal government, which had previously threatened legal action due to commitments made by Stellantis as part of an agreement with federal and provincial authorities.
Concerns regarding the plant’s future have been raised by Unifor, the union representing plant workers, especially in light of the upcoming expiration of the current collective agreement. Talks between the automaker and union have reached an impasse, with the potential sale of the plant to a non-automaker drawing significant criticism and calls for intervention from the federal government to avert potential job losses.