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) regarding a potential sale.
Stellantis revealed last Friday the signing of an MOU with Canadian armored vehicle manufacturer Roshel regarding a potential sale of its Brampton facility.
During a press briefing in Toronto on Wednesday, Joly emphasized that Canadian workers would be safeguarded in any potential sale of the plant to another company, but she stressed that the federal government is advocating for more commitment from the automaker.
“We are advocating for a new model from Stellantis at the Brampton plant, and we will exert maximum pressure to ensure its realization. If not, we will seek a refund,” she stated.
Ford expressed his agreement with Joly’s stance.
“We require a new model to be introduced there. We boast some of the finest auto workers globally,” Ford remarked.
With over 11,000 employees in Ontario, Stellantis, the province aims to “further enhance this presence,” as per Ford.
CBC News has sought comments from Stellantis.
Industry Minister Mélanie Joly asserts that in the context of the potential sale of the Stellantis plant in Brampton, Ont. — which had received federal funding for retooling before the Canada-U.S. trade dispute — the car manufacturer must propose a new model for the plant, or else ‘we’ll get our money back.’
Ottawa had warned the automaker about commitments
Stellantis’ Brampton facility has been inactive since 2023, initially halted for retooling for Jeep Compass production before the company suspended the plan in early 2025. Subsequently, it declared the relocation of vehicle production to the U.S. instead.
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