Ontario Premier Doug Ford and federal Industry Minister Mélanie Joly have jointly urged Stellantis to introduce a new model at its dormant Brampton, Ontario assembly plant following the automaker’s memorandum of understanding (MOU) on a probable sale. Stellantis recently disclosed the signing of an MOU with Canadian armored vehicle manufacturer Roshel regarding the prospective sale of its Brampton facility.
During a press briefing in Toronto on Wednesday, Joly assured that Canadian workers would be safeguarded in any potential plant sale while emphasizing the government’s insistence on additional commitments from Stellantis. She emphasized, “We are advocating for a new model from Stellantis at the Brampton facility, and we will exert maximum pressure for its realization. Failure to comply will result in a refund of our investments.”
Echoing Joly’s sentiments, Ford also voiced his support for demanding a new model to be manufactured at the plant. He praised the skill and dedication of the Canadian auto workers, emphasizing the importance of securing a future for the automotive industry in the region.
Stellantis, which employs over 11,000 individuals in Ontario, is a significant contributor to the local economy, and the government aims to build on this foundation for continued growth. CBC News has sought comments from Stellantis on this matter.
The Brampton plant, which has been inactive since 2023 initially for Jeep Compass production retooling, faced setbacks when the company paused the plan in early 2025 and subsequently shifted production of the model to the U.S. This decision prompted a stern response from the federal government, which threatened legal action against Stellantis for reneging on commitments made to both federal and provincial authorities.
These commitments, which included meeting production targets at the Brampton plant in exchange for a $15 billion performance incentive from Ottawa and Ontario, were part of agreements signed earlier. The uncertainty surrounding the plant’s future, coupled with the recent MOU with Roshel, has raised concerns among Unifor, the union representing the plant’s workers.
As the current collective agreement between Stellantis and the union approaches expiration on September 20, talks are at a standstill, as indicated in a letter from Unifor National President Lana Payne to Minister Joly. The letter highlighted the potential impact on over 2,000 workers if the plant is sold, urging the government to take all necessary actions to prevent such an outcome.
Payne’s letter also criticized Stellantis’ proposal to sell the plant to a non-automaker, calling for strong opposition from the federal government. The situation remains tense as stakeholders await further developments.