Brampton mayor calls for national strategy to keep jobs in Canada

In the wake of Stellantis pulling the plug on its car manufacturing plant in Brampton, Mayor Patrick Brown says more needs to be done to keep jobs in Canada.

Brown said there is an urgent need for a coordinated national strategy, one that includes stronger federal support and clear measures that will protect the Canadian workforce from the effects of trade barriers imposed by the United States.

He said there needs to be a national plan to ensure that automakers view Canada as a viable and attractive destination for long-term production.

His comments follow yesterday’s news that Stellantis will no longer manufacture the Jeep Compass at its Brampton Assembly Plant. Instead, the company will build the vehicles in the U.S. Although Stellantis said it still has plans for Brampton, the move could mean the loss of 3,000 jobs from the Williams Parkway facility.

The mayor said the news highlights broader concerns about the shifting landscape of the North American automotive sector.

“As Stellantis and others invest heavily in U.S. operations, we risk seeing Canadian manufacturing eroded by trade imbalances, emerging tariff structures and incentive programs that favour U.S. facilities,” he said.

Brown said Brampton has been a long-time home to one of Canada’s most skilled and productive automotive workforces, who have built vehicles that have helped make Stellantis a global leader. He said the announcement is disheartening for the thousands of loyal employees who have given so much to the automotive industry.

“I am deeply disappointed by Stellantis’ decision to end production of the Jeep Compass at its Brampton Assembly Plant,” said Brown. “This announcement represents a step backward from its commitment to modernize and retool the Brampton facility – a commitment that gave its 3,000 workers and their families hope for a secure and sustainable future in auto manufacturing. I stand in full solidarity with Unifor and its members as they fight to protect jobs and demand accountability for the commitments made to Canadian workers.”

Brown said the city will continue to advocate for renewed investment and a clear plan to secure the future of automotive manufacturing in Brampton.