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 automaker’s announcement of signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for a potential sale. Stellantis recently disclosed the MOU with Canadian armored vehicle manufacturer Roshel regarding the potential sale of the Brampton facility. Joly emphasized that Canadian workers will be safeguarded in any potential sale but stressed the government’s expectation for additional commitments from Stellantis.
During a press conference in Toronto, Joly stated that they are advocating for a new model to be produced at the Stellantis plant and will apply significant pressure to ensure its realization. Premier Ford echoed Joly’s sentiments, emphasizing the exceptional skills of Canadian auto workers and the importance of securing a new model for the plant. Stellantis, which employs over 11,000 individuals in Ontario, is a significant contributor to the province’s economy, and both Ford and Joly are keen on maintaining and enhancing this partnership.
The Brampton plant of Stellantis has remained inactive since 2023 when plans to retool it for Jeep Compass production were put on hold before being ultimately shifted to the United States in early 2025. This decision triggered a strong reaction from the federal government, which threatened legal action to enforce commitments made by Stellantis under agreements with both federal and provincial authorities. These commitments included meeting production targets at the Brampton plant in exchange for a substantial performance incentive of $15 billion from Ottawa and Ontario.
Amidst the recent MOU with Roshel for the potential sale of the Brampton plant, concerns have arisen within Unifor, the union representing the plant’s workers. The current collective agreement between Stellantis and the union is due to expire soon, and talks have hit a stalemate, as reported in a letter from Unifor National President Lana Payne to Minister Joly. Payne’s letter highlights the potential impact of a plant sale on over 2,000 workers and urges the federal government to intervene to prevent such an outcome. It strongly opposes the proposal to sell the plant to a non-automaker and calls for resolute resistance from the government.