Unifor’s national leader is urging the Canadian government to ensure Stellantis honors its previous commitments to Canada and its automotive workforce. Lana Payne responded to Industry Minister Mélanie Joly’s recent promise to seek the recovery of tax incentives given to the automaker. Payne commended the minister’s recent actions, particularly regarding the tariff remission plan, stating that companies like Stellantis must face tariffs if they fail to uphold their promises to Canadian employees.
Canada has initiated a dispute resolution process following Stellantis’ decision to shift jobs related to the new Jeep Compass model from its Ontario plant to a facility in Illinois. The 30-day period for resolution began on October 20 when the government notified Stellantis. However, Stellantis clarified that the Brampton plant is currently paused, not shut down, and emphasized that no jobs have been lost.
In addition to the ongoing dispute resolution process, Payne emphasized the need for Ottawa to leverage all available measures to retain production in Canada, especially until potential new trade agreements with the United States are reached. She stressed the critical importance of preserving the automotive sector in the country and ensuring companies uphold their commitments through decisive action.
Both the Ontario and Canadian governments had previously committed substantial subsidies to Stellantis under agreements, including a significant investment to establish an electric vehicle (EV) battery plant in Windsor in partnership with LG Energy Solution. They also pledged to modernize the Windsor and Brampton factories for EV production.
