On September 16, 2026, Ontario Premier Doug Ford and federal Industry Minister Mélanie Joly publicly urged Stellantis to begin production of a new vehicle model at its Brampton assembly facility, which has remained idle for an extended period.
Their appeal follows Stellantis’ recent signing of a memorandum of understanding with Canadian armoured‑vehicle maker Roshel concerning a possible sale of the Brampton plant. The MOU indicates that the automaker is exploring options for the site.
Ford and Joly argue that launching a new model line would keep the plant operational and sustain the local economy, which has felt the impact of the plant’s inactivity.
The Brampton assembly plant, located in the Greater Toronto Area, has not produced vehicles for some time. The potential transfer of ownership to Roshel has heightened concerns among provincial and federal officials about job losses and broader economic implications for the region.
Both officials emphasized the importance of retaining manufacturing capacity within Ontario, noting that continued use of the facility aligns with broader government objectives to support domestic automotive production.
Stellantis has not yet announced a decision regarding the new model production request or the outcome of its discussions with Roshel. The company’s next steps will determine whether the Brampton facility remains idle, changes ownership, or returns to active vehicle assembly.
The appeal by Ford and Joly reflects ongoing government attention to the automotive sector’s role in Ontario’s economy as the province navigates shifts in manufacturing and supply‑chain dynamics.