​​​ Stellantis announces production shift to US, threatening thousands of local jobs

BRAMPTON, ON (October 29, 2025) – Today, Brampton City Council reinforced its long-standing support for the local automotive industry, including the workers at Stellantis’ Brampton Assembly Plant represented by Unifor Local 1285, by approving a motion for the City to seek intervenor status in response to Stellantis’ decision to shift vehicle production from its Brampton plant to Illinois. 

The motion, brought forward by City Councillor Rod Power (Wards 7 and 8), and supported unanimously by Council, ensures the City has a voice in decisions that could significantly affect the local economy and workforce. This motion, which follows a recent delegation to Council by Unifor Local 1285 representatives, would allow the City of Brampton to join in any legal or regulatory hearings related to the Stellantis decision, ensuring local concerns are reflected.

Brampton’s partnership with the automotive sector spans four decades — from securing land for American Motors Corporation to build the original plant in 1984, to launching local “Buy Chrysler” campaigns. As the plant transitioned from Chrysler to Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) and eventually Stellantis, Brampton remained a vocal advocate for continued investment.

Brampton is one of Ontario’s leading hubs for automotive supply chains and part of the second largest automotive supply chain in the world. Every auto job in Brampton generates five to six spin-off jobs—supporting machinists, suppliers, logistics professionals, local small businesses, and countless others. This multiplier effect makes the sector a cornerstone of local prosperity and community stability. Today’s decision builds on that commitment to safeguard jobs, economic growth and stability for thousands of families and hold Stellantis accountable for prior commitments and to protect local jobs. ​

Quotes

“Brampton has stood shoulder to shoulder with Stellantis and its predecessor companies for decades. We are deeply concerned about the impact this move will have on our community, and we are committed to advocating for our residents and workers at every level. This motion is about protecting jobs, supporting families and ensuring our community remains strong and resilient.” - Patrick Brown, Mayor, City of Brampton​

“Stellantis has long been a critical anchor in Brampton’s automotive supply chain, supporting not only thousands of direct jobs but also countless small and medium-sized businesses across the region. The decision to move production out of Canada will have a ripple effect, impacting suppliers, local entrepreneurs and the broader economic ecosystem that has grown around the plant over decades.”  - Gurpartap Singh Toor, Regional Councillor, Wards 9 & 10; Chair, Economic Development Section of Committee of Council, City of Brampton ​

“For generations, Stellantis has been a cornerstone of our local economy and community. Families in Wards 7 and 8, and across Brampton, have built their lives around careers at the plant, contributing to Brampton’s growth and prosperity. This is about more than just production lines; it’s about peoples’ livelihoods and the future of our community and country. We owe it to our residents to stand up and fight for what’s right.” - Rod Power, City Councillor, Wards 7 & 8, City of Brampton

“We are appreciative of the support and solidarity shown by the City of Brampton. The Brampton Assembly plant is ground zero and we need to fight for this plant to ensure the company maintains production for the workers and for the community. Stellantis should never be allowed to break the commitments they made to the provincial and federal governments, and in turn, the people of Brampton, Ontario, and Canada. The callous decision by Stellantis is a wake-up call for industry and for all Canadians. Left unchecked, this will cause a ripple effect and threatens not only workers, but our sovereignty as a nation.” - Vito Beato, President of Unifor Local 1285 ​