Premier Doug Ford has expressed his determination to urge Stellantis to honor its commitment to keep its assembly plant in Brampton, Ontario, operational despite the automaker’s recent decision to shift Jeep production to the United States. Ford, who had previously received assurances from Stellantis Canada president Jeff Hines regarding the plant’s future, voiced disappointment over the move, especially as Stellantis unveiled a $13 billion U.S. expansion plan. Emphasizing Ontario’s strong automotive manufacturing capabilities, Ford pledged unwavering support to maintain the Brampton facility’s operations.
Meanwhile, the federal government, represented by Industry Minister Melanie Joly, issued a stern warning to Stellantis through a public letter, highlighting concerns about the company’s obligations following substantial financial support over the years. Joly underscored the importance of Stellantis upholding its commitments to Canada and its workforce, hinting at potential legal action if the company fails to do so.
Ford clarified that no provincial funding had been allocated to Stellantis for the Brampton project and that future funding would depend on the plant’s operational timeline. The premier, along with other Canadian officials, demanded accountability from Stellantis, citing significant investments made to support the automotive industry in Windsor and Brampton.
Prime Minister Mark Carney attributed the decision to U.S. tariffs and vowed to collaborate with Stellantis to explore new opportunities in the Brampton area. Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown echoed concerns over the impact of tariffs and called for proactive measures from the federal government to address the situation. Stellantis assured ongoing investments in Canada and hinted at forthcoming discussions with the government regarding the future of the Brampton plant.
Unifor national president Lana Payne urged Ottawa to safeguard Canadian auto sector jobs, describing the current situation as a sacrifice of Canadian jobs due to external pressures. Stellantis had initially planned to equip the Brampton plant for electric and gas Jeep Compass production, but halted preparations earlier this year amidst tariff uncertainties. Despite the setback, Stellantis announced plans to create thousands of new jobs in the U.S. with the reopening of its Belvidere Assembly Plant in Illinois.