Ontario Premier Doug Ford and federal Industry Minister Mélanie Joly are urging Stellantis to introduce a new model at its dormant Brampton assembly plant following the automaker’s announcement of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for a potential sale with Canadian armored vehicle maker Roshel.
During a recent media briefing in Toronto, Joly assured that Canadian workers would be safeguarded in any potential plant sale but emphasized the government’s expectation for more from Stellantis. She emphasized the need for a new model from Stellantis at the Brampton facility and expressed determination to exert maximum pressure for its realization, highlighting that failure would result in the reimbursement of funds.
Echoing Joly’s sentiments, Ford emphasized the necessity for a new model at the plant, praising the expertise of Canadian auto workers. With over 11,000 employees in Ontario, Stellantis plays a significant role in the province’s economy, and Ford emphasized the importance of maintaining and strengthening this relationship.
Stellantis’ Brampton plant has been inactive since 2023, initially for retooling to produce Jeep Compass vehicles before the plan was halted in early 2025. The subsequent decision to relocate production to the U.S. triggered a strong reaction from the federal government, which warned of potential legal action if Stellantis failed to honor its commitments made to the federal and provincial governments.
The potential sale of the Brampton plant to Roshel has raised concerns among Unifor, the union representing plant workers. As negotiations reach an impasse with the current collective agreement set to expire on September 20, Unifor National President Lana Payne has called on the federal government to prevent any adverse impact on the more than 2,000 workers at stake.
The future of the assembly plant remains uncertain, with ongoing discussions and tensions surrounding the proposed sale to a non-automaker entity. Unifor has affirmed its stance against such a sale and urged strong resistance from the federal government to ensure the protection of automotive jobs in the region.
