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 recent memorandum of understanding (MOU) on a potential sale. Stellantis disclosed its MOU with Canadian armoured vehicle manufacturer Roshel regarding the potential sale of the Brampton plant.
During a press briefing in Toronto on Wednesday, Joly emphasized that Canadian workers’ interests will be safeguarded in any potential plant sale but stressed that the federal government expects more from Stellantis. She stated, “We are advocating for a new model from Stellantis at the Brampton plant and will exert maximum pressure to ensure its realization. If they fail to comply, we will demand a refund.”
Echoing Joly’s sentiments, Premier Ford supported the call for a new model at the plant, asserting, “We require a fresh model to be introduced there. We have some of the most skilled auto workers globally.” Stellantis, which employs over 11,000 individuals in Ontario, aims to further enhance its presence in the province.
Stellantis’ Brampton facility has remained inactive since 2023, initially scheduled for retooling for Jeep Compass production before the plans were halted in early 2025. The subsequent decision to relocate Jeep Compass production to the U.S. prompted a stern reaction from the federal government, which threatened legal action if Stellantis failed to honor commitments made in agreements with federal and provincial authorities. These commitments included meeting production targets at the Brampton plant in exchange for a $15 billion performance incentive from Ottawa and Ontario.
As discussions between Stellantis and Unifor, the union representing plant workers, have reached an impasse, concerns have been raised about the future of the assembly plant amidst the recent MOU with Roshel. The current collective agreement between the automaker and the union is slated to expire on September 20 at 11:59 p.m., with potential implications for over 2,000 employees. Unifor National President Lana Payne urged the federal government to take all necessary actions to prevent adverse outcomes, emphasizing opposition to Stellantis’ proposal to sell the plant to a non-automaker.
The situation at the Brampton plant has garnered attention from various stakeholders, including concerns from Unifor and ongoing efforts by government officials to secure the plant’s future.