Post by : Meena Ariff

Canada has delivered a default notice to Stellantis after the automaker revealed plans to shift Jeep Compass production from Brampton, Ontario, to Illinois. This move raises significant concerns regarding federal contracts tied to commitments for Canadian manufacturing and employment.

During a session with the international trade committee in Ottawa, Industry Minister Mélanie Joly stated that this relocation contravenes agreements aimed at safeguarding jobs in both Brampton and Windsor, Ontario. She affirmed the federal government’s determination to protect these jobs and mitigate the overall impact on Canadian workers.

The contracts in question are associated with funding for the NextStar Energy battery plant, a collaborative venture between Stellantis and LG Energy Solution, for which the federal government has committed approximately $500 million via the Strategic Innovation Fund. Joly highlighted that these agreements explicitly tie federal financial backing to ensuring a robust manufacturing presence in Canada, including job assurances in Brampton.

The minister reviewed the contracts in mid-October after receiving a last-minute notification from Stellantis CEO Antonio Filosa about the production move. She emphasized the necessity for Ottawa to hold automakers accountable to avert a significant loss of Canadian jobs to the United States.

In response, Ottawa has initiated a formal dispute resolution process against Stellantis, warning that any failure to uphold these contractual commitments could be considered a default. Reports indicate that around 3,000 workers remain furloughed at the Brampton facility, which has been inactive since February due to halted preparations for the new production line.

Joly stressed that upholding these contracts carries broader implications for the Canadian automotive sector, highlighting the need for protecting domestic jobs and supporting long-term investments in vital areas such as electric vehicle production.

#Business News #Canada News