Brampton Mayor Warns of Job Losses as Stellantis Shifts Production

Brampton’s Mayor, Patrick Brown, has expressed deep concern over Stellantis’ decision to move production of the Jeep Compass from its Brampton plant to Illinois. This move not only affects the local workforce but could also signal broader challenges for Canada’s auto manufacturing sector. Brown emphasized the potential fallout, stating, “When we express concerns about these Trump tariffs, it is real families that are affected.”

The decision comes after Stellantis announced it would invest US$600 million to reopen its Belvidere Assembly Plant in Illinois, creating 3,300 new jobs in the U.S. by 2027. This shift follows a temporary pause in production at the Brampton facility, which had raised alarms about the future of jobs in the Canadian auto industry. Brown highlighted that the implications extend beyond the 3,000 workers at the Brampton plant, warning that similar job losses could ripple across the country if U.S. policies continue to prioritize American manufacturing.

In a statement to CTV News Toronto, Stellantis reaffirmed Canada’s importance to its operations, citing a century-long history in the country. The company noted plans to add a third shift to the Windsor Assembly Plant to meet growing demand for several models, including the Chrysler Pacifica and Dodge Charger. However, the assurances provided by Stellantis have not alleviated the concerns of Brampton’s workers.

Brown criticized the company’s decision as an abandonment of its Canadian workforce, stating, “Essentially they are being shown the door by Stellantis, who is being bullied by the Trump administration. And it’s going to hurt. It’s going to sting.” He urged the Canadian government to scrutinize the substantial financial support provided to Stellantis, suggesting that if the company’s commitments are not upheld, the government should seek restitution.

In response to the situation, Prime Minister Mark Carney assured that the federal government would support Canadian auto workers. He stated, “Together with the Government of Ontario and Unifor, we are working with the company to develop the right measures to protect Stellantis employees and to create new opportunities for them in and around Brampton.”

Ontario’s Premier Doug Ford also voiced his disappointment, promising to leverage all available resources to assist and retrain affected workers. He emphasized his commitment to advocating for Ontario’s auto sector, stating, “I will never stop fighting for Ontario’s world-class auto workers.”

Brown called for a stronger national response to the pressures exerted by U.S. trade policies. “Canada provides significant trade to the U.S. We are their greatest trading partner,” he remarked. “We just can’t smile while they steal our jobs and damage our economy.”

As the situation develops, local residents and workers affected by Stellantis’ decision are encouraged to share their experiences. Concerns regarding job security and the impact on the community are significant as Brampton navigates these changes in the automotive landscape.