Carney Denounces Stellantis’ ‘Betrayal’ Following Sale of Brampton Plant to Roshel

Stellantis Brampton Sale

Ottawa contributed up to $529 million to Stellantis NV for retooling work at plants in Brampton and Windsor, according to a 2022 agreement obtained by The Globe and Mail under the Access to Information and Privacy law.

Prime Minister Mark Carney called the automaker’s decision to sell its idle Brampton assembly plant to defence contractor Roshel Inc. completely outrageous, CTV News reported. The sale threatens thousands of jobs and breaks commitments tied to public funds.

Stellantis Sells Toronto Factory After Production Pause

Stellantis announced the deal to sell the factory near Toronto for an undisclosed amount, moving to offload assets after production paused in 2025 following U.S. tariffs, The Globe and Mail reported. The plant employed more than 3,000 workers when it closed in 2023, leaving roughly 2,200 employees still on layoff.

“It’s a betrayal of the workers as it is a betrayal of the obligations to Canada and by extension to all Canadians,” Mr. Carney said in Montreal, according to The Globe and Mail. The 2022 agreement required Stellantis to operate the Brampton facility until 2035, subject to specific market conditions.

“Stellantis is failing to respect their commitment to the workers of this plant and also to the Canadian government and Canadians,” Mr. Carney added, as reported by The Globe and Mail. Unifor national president Lana Payne echoed the frustration, calling the transaction devastating for the domestic industry and pointing out that contract talks remain at an impasse for more than 9,000 workers across Canada, according to Global News.

Political Clash Over Jobs

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre criticized the Liberal government during an appearance in Brampton, demanding that Prime Minister Mark Carney fire Industry Minister Mélanie Joly over the plant sale, Global News reported. Mr. Poilievre argued that the government has failed to protect automotive employment during ongoing trade disputes.

Mr. Carney defended his cabinet minister, telling reporters that the core issue rests entirely on corporate behavior rather than ministerial oversight, according to Global News. Meanwhile, Roshel owner Roman Shimonov told The Globe and Mail that he plans to use the facility to build both civilian and military vehicles, including a bid for a $5-billion federal light utility vehicle program.

Brampton Plant Questions

When did the Stellantis Brampton plant close for retooling?

The facility shut down in 2023 to prepare for new electric vehicle production lines, according to The Globe and Mail. Upgrade work was subsequently paused in 2025 after the introduction of U.S. tariffs on Canadian-made vehicles.

How much public funding did Stellantis receive from Ottawa?

The federal government contributed as much as $529 million for operations in Brampton and Windsor, as outlined in a 2022 agreement obtained by The Globe and Mail. A separate $15-billion joint federal-provincial package was also committed in 2023 to support a Windsor battery facility.

What does Roshel plan to manufacture at the acquired factory?

Company owner Roman Shimonov told The Globe and Mail that the Brampton site will produce a mix of civilian and military vehicles. The new owner is actively seeking major defense contracts, including a potential bid for a $5-billion federal utility vehicle program.

More on this story: Stellantis Sells Brampton Plant to Armoured Vehicle Maker Roshel