'It's time to talk': Carney rules out hitting the U.S. with retaliatory tariffs
PM told Stellantis he is disappointed in company's decision to move production from Ontario to Illinois
Prime Minister Mark Carney said Thursday his government is not considering hitting American goods with more retaliatory tariffs, even as the trade war rages on, because there are signs that the bilateral talks on relief are headed in the right direction.
Carney is facing pressure from some premiers, like Ontario's Doug Ford, and organized labour to take on U.S. President Donald Trump as he ramps up his tariffs on critical sectors — levies that have drawn jobs and investment away from Canada.
His comments come days after Stellantis announced it would produce its Jeep Compass in Illinois, rather than at the automaker's Brampton, Ont., plant — a decision that the prime minister called "a direct consequence" of U.S. trade actions.
Ford, who is set to meet with Carney later Thursday, offered a message to the prime minister: "If we can't get a deal, let's start hitting the U.S. back hard."
"We are nice, nice, nice. Play nice in the sandbox," Ford told reporters. "I am sick and tired of sitting and rolling over. We need to fight back."
But Carney said it's not the time for that, given Canada and U.S. officials are locked in negotiations.
"There's time to hit back and there's time to talk. And right now, it's time to talk," Carney told reporters at an unrelated announcement on crime. "We're having intense negotiations."
Canada-U.S. Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc is back in Washington — after a pause in talks over the Thanksgiving weekend — to meet with senior U.S. officials. Michael Sabia, the clerk of the Privy Council, Canada's top bureaucrat, is also in D.C. as the two sides try to work out a deal.
Carney said he would brief Ford on the progress of those talks, which have been centered on the steel, aluminum and energy sectors, including a possible revival of the Keystone XL pipeline.
U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, Trump's tariffs czar, has said any possible trade deal will not involve the removal of tariffs on Canadian automobiles — comments that have prompted anxiety in Ontario and Ford's demands for Canada to take a harder line on the Americans.
In August, Carney dropped most of the retaliatory tariffs that former prime minister Justin Trudeau had levied on U.S. products, in an attempt to jumpstart talks with Trump to get the U.S. taxes lifted and preserve Canada's relatively good position.
While the so-called Section 232 tariffs on steel, aluminum, lumber and autos have been particularly punitive, most other Canadian goods continue to trade into the U.S. tariff-free. Carney has so far maintained tariffs on most U.S. steel, aluminum and certain auto imports as he holds out for a deal.
PM not imposing retaliatory tariffs on U.S.: ‘Right now is a time to talk’As for the idled Brampton plant — among the first major Canadian casualties of Trump's campaign to draw auto manufacturing back to the U.S. — Carney said he spoke to Stellantis CEO Antonio Filosa and expressed Canada's "disappointment" that the automaker is moving some production from Ontario to Illinois.
Carney said Filosa told him the decision on what model could eventually replace the Compass depends on the outcome of the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) renegotiation that will get underway next year — a process that will likely include reviewing the autos component, given Trump's fixation on bolstering U.S. car manufacturing.
In the meantime, Carney said some laid off Brampton autoworkers can move to the company's Windsor plant, which is adding a third shift to ramp up production of Chrysler Pacifica minivans, among other products.
Carney said the government expects the company to offer retraining support to affected workers.
Unifor, the union that represents affected autoworkers, said the offer to transfer Brampton workers to the Windsor plant is not much of a consolation.
"In 2023, bargaining with Unifor, Stellantis’s product and investment commitment plan included restoring three-shift operations at both the Windsor and Brampton assembly plants," said Lana Payne, the national Unifor president.
"Even with three shifts in Windsor, Stellantis has delivered only half of its product and investment commitment plan. Offering already expected jobs in Windsor, while eliminating Brampton jobs, does not balance the scales — it still amounts to a net loss for Canadian autoworkers," she said.
- This Sunday, Cross Country Checkup is asking: How is the trade war affecting your livelihood? Are you worried about your job security? Fill out this form and you could appear on the show or have your comment read on air.
While touring a Chrysler dealership in Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre called Stellantis's decision to axe production in Brampton "terrible news" and blamed the prime minister for the development.
"Mark Carney has broken his promise to negotiate a win. We were supposed to have a deal by now — no deal, no win, no elbows, no jobs. Canadians are paying the cost of Carney. His broken promises are costing Canadians their jobs," he said.
'It doesn't stop at auto,' union president says as Stellantis moves production to U.S.Poilievre urged the government to drop the forthcoming electric vehicle mandate — a policy that Carney has already paused after car companies said the last Liberal government's ambitious sales goals are unrealistic.
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Local union head believes Stellantis jobs in Windsor are safe, but remains concerned
Stellantis announced on Tuesday production of their Jeep Compass model will move from Brampton to Illinois
Local union head believes Stellantis jobs in Windsor are safe, but remains concerned"If they [Stellantis] can get away with Brampton, and losing the commitment to Brampton, then what does that mean for the rest of the plants in Canada?" said James Stewart, president of Unifor Local 444.
"If that plant is not viable, then really, long term, no plant is viable."
On Tuesday, the world's fourth-largest auto manufacturer announced it would be transferring production of its new Jeep Compass model from Brampton to Illinois, a move the company says is to increase manufacturing capacity in the U.S.
In a statement to the CBC, Stellantis Canada spokesperson LouAnn Gosselin said the company still plans to follow through on its commitment to add a third shift to its Windsor assembly plant.
The third shift is meant to accommodate increased demand for all models of the Chrysler Pacifica, and production of the Dodge Charger Scatpack and R/T models. With the production of those two models still going strong, the local union rep believes the Windsor plant is still in good shape.
Despite the commitments from Stellantis that jobs in Windsor are safe, some employees at the city's plant remain wary.
"It's frustrating, but I mean, they've promised stuff before, we've seen this before," said Del Tetrault, an employee at the Windsor assembly plant for over 30 years. "They promised us a couple new plants in Windsor before, and it's just the same old stuff all over again."
Tetrault says believes the company will still honour its commitment to add a third shift to the Windsor facility next year.
Reflecting on the Windsor plant's shutdown in 2009 amidst Chrysler's bankruptcy protection filing in the U.S., one employee provided some advice for the company's younger Canadian workers.
"Of course, everybody's going to be up on edge, trying to figure out what they're going to do next. The only thing we can do is wait and see," said Hickey, an employee at Windsor's Stellantis assembly plant.
"For the younger workers, the only thing you can do for that too is save all your money right now, don't buy anything big."
While Hickey says the cycle of layoffs followed by employment aren't unusual in Canada's auto sector, the latest cycle is different given the impacts of U.S. automotive tariffs.
Stewart says the federal government needs to use all of its leverage to protect its auto industry, as well as other industries like aluminum, steel and energy.
At a press conference on Wednesday in Kenora, Ontario premier Doug Ford said the adding of a third shift to the Windsor plant was the only good news to come out of Stellantis’s announcement, adding the company will try to move half of its Brampton employees to its Windsor plant.
Not giving them a penny
Regarding the joint provincial and federal government deal with Stellantis that included $15 billion in tax breaks towards their Windsor-based Nextstar Energy battery plant, the premier said he would not be giving the auto manufacturer “a penny.”
“It was tied into making sure Windsor, and keep Brampton going,” Ford said. “We haven’t given them a penny for Brampton yet. We gave them about $55 billion out of the couple billion that the feds and I and the companies agreed.”
Joly says Stellantis's U.S. move is 'completely unacceptable'Unifor national president Lana Payne said while she didn't see Stellantis's latest announcement coming, the lack of production in the Brampton facility amidst the trade war gave her a lot of reason for concern.
In February, Stellantis announced it was pausing its retooling efforts in the city to reassess its product strategy.
"This has been our concern all along, is that the pressure from President Trump on automakers without pressure from the Canada government on automakers, is that we would get these kinds of bad decisions from automakers," Payne said.
Canadian auto sector heads have also expressed disappointment in the announcement, with Flavio Volpe, president of the Automotive Parts Manufacturers' Association. He called Stellantis’s planned move “cowardly.”
WATCH | Ottawa threatens legal action against Stellantis:
“They [Stellantis] would make that announcement after business hours and with no dignity just to inform people in a voice note to say plans are coming,” Volpe said. “They haven’t even done that with suppliers yet. It's unfortunate because these families and this community have associated with this company passionately for generations.”
In their statement, Stellantis said they have plans for Brampton, and will disclose them once the company meets with the federal government. The Brampton plant has been closed since early 2024 as retooling of the facility began to accommodate the production of the next generation of the Jeep Compass.
Volpe says he has spoken to the Canada's minister of industry, Melanie Joly, and his counterparts at Queen's park, who assured him both governments won't let Stellantis off the hook in their commitments to employees in Canada.
"The federal government has invested heavily in Stellantis operations in Brampton and Windsor, including a new battery plant in Windsor that was supposed to feed Windsor and Brampton," Volpe said.
Stellantis's Brampton plant employs roughly 3,000 workers, while close to 4,500 people are employed at its Windsor assembly plant. In August, the company laid off a "small number" of employees in Windsor. This came after the company announced it was postponing the production of its electric model of the 2026 Dodge Charger Daytona R/T.
The return of the Windsor plant to a three-shift operation in early 2026 is expected to bring back about 1,000 jobs. Reflecting on the security of Windsor's Stellantis workforce, Stewart says he believes the strength of the city's Stellantis plant will continue despite the company's latest announcements.
"We build good quality products. You don't get a better workforce than the people we have in Windsor."
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With files from Jason Viau, Andréane Williams and Jennifer La Grassa
High-level trade talks continue in Washington as Canada looks for breakthrough
Industry minister says 'it's completely unacceptable' Stellantis is moving Jeep production to U.S
High-level trade talks between Canadian and U.S. officials are trudging on this week in Washington, D.C., where Canada is looking to strike deals on specific economic sectors currently bedeviling trade relations between the two countries.
Dominic LeBlanc, the minister of Canada-U.S. Trade, Privy Council Clerk Michael Sabia and other officials are specifically focused in the short term on securing deals for the steel, aluminum and energy sectors.
“As Canada works towards an agreement with the United States, Minister LeBlanc is in Washington, D.C., this week for further engagements with senior U.S. officials,” Jean-Sebastien Comeau, LeBlanc’s spokesperson, told CBC News.
At the end of Prime Minister Mark Carney’s visit to Washington last week, LeBlanc said the Canadian delegation’s meetings with U.S. officials resulted in “positive, substantive conversation on trade issues.”
Those talks are continuing against a backdrop of increasing stress back home where some premiers and mayors are urging Carney to take a stronger stand against U.S. President Donald Trump.
Leblanc said last week’s talks ended with Trump directing both U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer to continue talking to their Canadian counterparts about securing deals for the aluminum, steel and energy sectors.
“We talked about ways to quickly arrive at a deal that will bring, we hope, better circumstance to both countries in these sectors of significant importance,” LeBlanc said.
If deals can be struck “quickly,” LeBlanc said, the conversation between the two countries could move on to making “progress on other sectors as well.”
Effects of trade war weigh heavily
In order to force automakers to relocate to the U.S., Trump imposed 25 per cent tariffs on cars and light duty trucks, excluding the value of the vehicle made from U.S. parts.
Stellantis announced this week that it will invest $13 billion US over the next four years to expand its manufacturing capacity, creating more than 5,000 jobs in Illinois, Ohio, Michigan and Indiana.
The company, formerly known as Chrysler, says the Jeep Compass, previously slated to be made at the Brampton Assembly Plant, will move to the Belvidere Assembly Plant in Illinois, although the company says it still has plans for the Brampton facility.
The move has irked both the federal and Ontario governments who in 2023 struck a deal with Stellantis-LG Energy Solutions to provide performance incentives worth up to $15 billion for batteries that Stellantis produces and sells.
As a part of the deal Stellantis was required to “uphold its existing commitments in Canada and Ontario, including a production mandate at its plant in Brampton.”
Speaking in New Brunswick Wednesday Industry Minister Mélanie Joly said she was "extremely disappointed' with the decision.
"The company has commitments under different types of agreements with the government including the fact that we provided support for the retooling of the very Brampton facility that right now is sitting idle," she said. "We will make sure we push the company and we hold them to account."
Carney said Tuesday that the move was a direct consequence of U.S. tariffs and his government will be working with Stellantis to create new opportunities in and around Brampton.
“We expect Stellantis to fulfil the undertakings they have made to the workers of Brampton,” he said in a statement.
In a statement Trump agreed that the Stellantis move was all down to his tariff policies saying it underscores the president’s “vision for American economic dominance.”
Ontario Premier Doug Ford said the company has a duty to live up to its promise to workers.
"You know, I don't understand. They're investing $13 billion in the U.S. — we're an auto manufacturing powerhouse here," Ford said Wednesday.
Premiers call on Carney to make lumber tariffs a priority
On Tuesday the U.S. tacked on an additional 10 per cent tariff on top of the 35 per cent tariff already on Canadian lumber. The U.S. also put a 25 per cent tariff on Canadian wood products such as furniture.
Prime Minister Mark Carney promised $1.2 billion in support for the softwood lumber industry in August, but that assistance still hasn’t arrived.
B.C. Forestry Minister Ravi Parmar said he wants to see that money "not tomorrow, but today."
"We can't wait. Our forest sector here in Canada is on the line,” he said.
The promise includes up to $700 million in loan guarantees for forestry companies and $500 million, largely in grants and contributions, to spur product development and fund retraining of lumber workers.
Eby said that often, provinces like Ontario and Quebec are front of mind for federal leaders — leaving B.C. and issues that affect primarily British Columbians all but forgotten. The premier said he wants that same “respect, that same concern, that same sense of emergency” directed to the forestry sector.
New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt has also reached out to Carney to plead for the government to make resolving softwood lumber tariffs a top priority.
Joly told the Fredericton Chamber of Commerce Wednesday that support for the lumber industry would be announced soon.
“There is a mix. There is support for operations, so liquidity support because we know that lots of companies can be stuck in a spiral of debt while they're dealing with really difficult tariffs that are unjustifiable. And meanwhile, there is … funding for capital expenditure for them to continue to invest in their companies,” said Joly.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
With files from Ashley Burke, Courtney Dickson and The Canadian Press
Stellantis backtracks on plans to build Jeep model in Ontario, shifts to U.S.
Unifor, Prime Minister Carney speak out against decision
Stellantis announced Tuesday it will invest $13 billion US over the next four years to expand its manufacturing capacity in the U.S. — a move that will take production of one model out of Ontario, raising concern about Canadian jobs.
The company, formerly known as Chrysler, says the Jeep Compass, previously slated to be made at the Brampton Assembly Plant, will move to the Belvidere Assembly Plant in Illinois.
Stellantis says its new investments will increase its U.S. vehicle production by 50 per cent and add more than 5,000 jobs.
But in Canada it means "auto jobs are being sacrificed on the Trump altar,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne in a statement.
The Brampton, Ont., plant has been shut down since early 2024 for retooling to build the next generation model of the vehicle, but that work was halted in February as a tariff threat loomed.
Payne called on the government to take action to protect the jobs.
"Stellantis cannot be allowed to renege on its commitments to Canadian workers, and governments cannot stand by while our jobs are shifted to the United States," said Payne, whose union represents thousands of auto workers at Stellantis, Ford and General Motors.
Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown called the decision deeply disappointing.
"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," he said in a statement.
Stellantis's $13 billion investment in the U.S. comes as the Canadian auto industry faces both uncertainty and financial pressure due to tariffs imposed this year by U.S. President Donald Trump, who wants to see more domestic vehicle production.
Prime Minister Mark Carney called the decision a "direct consequence of current U.S. tariffs and potential future U.S. trade actions."
In a statement Tuesday night, Carney said the federal government was working with the Ontario government and Unifor to protect the Brampton employees and create new opportunities for them.
"We have further made clear that we expect Stellantis to fulfill the undertakings they have made to the workers of Brampton," he stated.
Never stop fighting.
- Ontario Premier Doug Ford
Ontario Premier Doug Ford said he stressed his disappointment with Stellantis, and let them know he’ll “never stop fighting” for the province’s auto workers.
“This decision is especially painful for those workers who have been out of jobs for months,“ he said in a Wednesday morning social media post.
Ford said no provincial dollars have flowed to the automaker for its Brampton project — and that none would moving forward — until his government receives “clear assurances” on when the factory will restart operations.
“Stellantis has a duty to live up to their promise to Brampton autoworkers and continue with their allocation in Brampton.”
Canada 'very important'
Asked what will happen to the Brampton plant, a spokesperson for Stellantis said, "Canada is very important to us. We have plans for Brampton and will share them upon further discussions with the Canadian government."
"We have been in Canada for over 100 years, and we are investing," said LouAnn Gosselin, head of communications for Stellantis in Canada.
She pointed out that the company announced plans to follow through with a promise to add a third shift to the Windsor Assembly Plant in southwestern Ontario.
Last week, when reports of Stellantis's upcoming investment were published in the U.S., one auto industry analyst told CBC News such a move wouldn't be a shock.
"It does not come as a surprise to me, and I don't think anyone who has been watching what's been unfolding in the United States should be surprised by this as well," said Tom Venetis, editor of Octane magazine.
He says the new regime of tariffs is putting pressure on Stellantis to "rethink" its investment and manufacturing strategies.
With files from The Associated Press
Lynn Gibson
So it takes USA 5000 people to do the job of 3000 Canadians?
Alberto en Rosen
Reply to Lynn Gibson
Now include China...
David Amos
Reply to Alberto en Rosen
Why?
Jake Mann
Please explain why Canadians feel that they are entitled to build cars for an American company?
David Amos
Reply to Jake Mann
Good question
Blair Longstaff
How many billions of dollars were given to Stellantis to buy jobs in Ontario? Think strategically and manage the budget.
Phil Anderon
Reply to Blair Longstaff
After the implementation of protectionism, everything suddenly seems too good to be true? Looking back at all the major projects, none of them were good.
1. Honda- $15B plant, Fed/Prov funds/incentives $5B - project on hold, downturn in market demand.
2. Volkswagen - $7B plant, Fed/Prov funds incentives $16B. Northvolt is the largest shareholder of the company and has filed for bankruptcy in Sweden.
3. Northvolt - $7B plant, Fed/Prov funds incentives $6B. Bankruptcy in Sweden.
4. Stellantis - $5B plant, Fed/Prov tax breaks $15B. Currently on schedule.
5. GM EV plant Ingersoll ON, shut down, potential reopen in Oct 25, due to poor market demand.
David Amos
Reply to Phil Anderon
Well put
Reply to Phil Anderon
The Green Economy at work.
Henry Starfield
Reply to Blair Longstaff
Corporate Welfare offers a money drain on a level that is way, way past personal welfare.
Blair Longstaff
Henry Starfield
Well not quite. WE all can't be getting government handouts. No private companies, no jobs.
Politicians call on Stellantis to fulfil promises to Brampton, Ont., autoworkers
Prime Minister, Brampton mayor also speak out against decision to shift Jeep production to U.S.
Premier Doug Ford says he will push Stellantis to keep the company's assembly plant in Brampton, Ont., open and live up to its promise to workers after the automaker announced plans to move Jeep production slated for the plant to the United States.
At an unrelated news conference Wednesday, Ford said he was disappointed by the decision after receiving assurances from Stellantis Canada president Jeff Hines that the company planned to keep the Brampton plant open.
The news came as part of a $13-billion US plan announced Tuesday by Stellantis to expand U.S. production by 50 per cent over the next four years.
"You know, I don't understand. They're investing $13 billion in the U.S. — we're an auto manufacturing powerhouse here," Ford said.
Ford vowed to help keep the Brampton plant open "no matter what."
"We can produce the best vehicles anywhere in the entire world, right here in Ontario. So I need to keep pushing like they've never seen before."
Questions over provincial funding for plant
Ford said in his statement earlier in the day that "no provincial funding has flowed to Stellantis for its Brampton project," and none would "until we receive clear assurances on when the plant will restart operations."
The premier reiterated that point at Wednesday's news conference.
"I'm not going to give them a penny, because it was tied in to making sure Windsor and Brampton keep going. We haven't given them a penny for Brampton yet."
The Ontario premier is among several Canadian politicians calling on the company to fulfill its commitment to workers.
Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown told CBC News late Wednesday morning that the province, along with Ottawa, made "massive investments" in 2022 to retool Stellantis plants in Windsor and Brampton.
Stellantis to move production of Jeep model from Brampton to U.S.Ontario had committed up to $132 million that year to help Stellantis make the Brampton plant capable of producing electric vehicles, according to a 2022 provincial news release. The province committed up to $513 million total toward retooling both plants and building research facilities, with a matching federal investment, the release said.
"Are we going to get that funding back?" Brown said.
A spokesperson for the premier's office told CBC News that none of the funding for the Brampton plant has yet been sent to Stellantis in the three years since the announcement.
"Provincial funding was always contingent on project milestones and job creation targets being met – goals the Brampton Stellantis plant has not met and therefore they have not received the funding," said Hannah Jensen in an email.
Asked about the government funding, a spokesperson for Stellantis said they could not comment on "the details of our agreements."
CBC News also reached out the federal government for comment on government funding, but did not immediately receive a response.
PM blames tariffs, Conservatives blame PM
Prime Minister Mark Carney said the move was a direct consequence of U.S. tariffs and his government will be working with Stellantis to create new opportunities in and around Brampton.
"We expect Stellantis to fulfil the undertakings they have made to the workers of Brampton," he said in a statement.
Stellantis said it continues to invest in Canada, including adding a third shift to the Windsor Assembly Plant, and that it is in talks with the government on the future of the Brampton facility.
"Canada is very important to us. We have plans for Brampton and will share them upon further discussions with the Canadian government," said spokeswoman Jodi Tinson in a statement.
Carney asked about fate of trilateral North American trade dealsIn a joint statement from the federal Conservative Party, Leader Pierre Poilievre and industry shadow minister Raquel Dancho said Carney had promised to get a trade deal with the U.S. by July, but tariffs are still hurting Canadians, with the Stellantis announcement being the latest example.
"After failing to get the deal he promised three months ago, auto workers can no longer afford to wait," they said. "Our auto, lumber, steel and agriculture sectors are in freefall because of his failure."
Union asking Ottawa to protect Canadian jobs
Unifor national president Lana Payne urged the federal government to use what leverage it has to protect auto sector workers.
"Canadian auto jobs are being sacrificed on the Trump altar," said Payne in a statement.
"Saving Brampton Assembly must now be this country's top priority, sending a strong message to any corporation thinking they can take the same egregious actions."
Stellantis had been working to prepare the Brampton plant for both electric and gas Jeep Compass production this year, but halted that work in February amid Trump's tariff threats.
The Brampton plant, which has been down since early 2024 to prepare for the new production line, had about 3,000 employees before closing.
In announcing its major U.S. investment Tuesday, Stellantis said reopening its Belvidere Assembly Plant in Illinois to expand U.S. Jeep production would create around 3,300 new jobs.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
With files from The Canadian Press and Jenna Benchetrit
Solomon Gundy
Since Ford dumped Crown Royal whisky to show his dissatisfaction with its maker Diageo, will he now drive a Jeep straight to a wall?
David Amos
Reply to Solomon Gundy
IMHO the sooner the better
Sam Patterson
Wait. The Canadian and Ontario governments gave Stellantis $11 billion in incentives. Those should be clawed back. Governments are eager to clawback money from citizens. Why shouldn't they claw back this huge sum of money? There should be a penalty for corporations willing to kowtow to Trump and break their agreements here.
https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/news/2023/07/canada-and-ontario-establish-an-auto-pact-to-secure-stellantis-lges-and-volkswagen-deals.html
https://financialpost.com/pmn/business-pmn/stellantis-reaches-deal-with-canada-ending-months-long-battery-plant-feud
To politicians, I say: DON'T BE "DISSAPPOINTED." ACT!
Tom O'Hare
Reply to Sam Patterson
The incentives were tax breaks and performance-based, so none of them will come to life now.
Sam Patterson
Reply to Tom O'Hare
“These performance incentives are contingent on, and proportionate to, the production and sale of batteries from each project,” the ministers said, adding they could be adjusted if the US incentives are reduced or cancelled."
Cancelled. No one in this article talked about cancelling the $11 billion. They just said they were "disappointed."
One of the conditions of the agreement is that: "Stellantis will uphold its existing commitments in Canada and Ontario, including a production mandate at its plant in Brampton, Ontario." It has violated that. Let's claw back what they've been given so far.
David Amos
Reply to Sam Patterson
Carney moved Brookfield to the U.S. Why can't Stellantis?
russ bowland
Lots of talk, theatre. Its all a facade. They can do nothing.
John Carey
Reply to russ bowland
When Mr Trump called Mr Carney to appear at the Middle East peace treaty signing earlier this week, he had so little notice that none of Canada’s usual fleet of government aircraft was available so they had to charter a private jet.
Looks like Mr Carney is one of the folks Mr Trump arranged on 20 minutes notice. Mr Trump says jump. Mr Carney says how high.
Elbows up!
russ bowland
Reply to John Carey
When dealing with someone who is not really mentally fit, you have to be very very careful.
David Amos
Reply to russ bowland
Bingo
Ottawa threatens Stellantis with legal action over Brampton plant reversal
Industry Minister Joly warned automaker's chief executive in letter
The federal government is threatening automaker Stellantis with legal action if the company doesn't "respect its obligations" to Canadians years after the company agreed to an auto pact promising billions of dollars in performance incentives.
Industry Minister Mélanie Joly wrote to Stellantis chief executive officer Antonio Filosa on Wednesday to express "extreme concern" over the company's plan to move production of its Jeep Compass model from a Brampton, Ont., assembly plant to one in Belvidere, Ill., according to a letter shared with CBC News and then posted to Joly's social media.
The shift was announced on Tuesday evening as part of a $13 billion US investment into the company's American manufacturing operations. The company shares U.S. President Donald Trump's goal of having a "strong" automotive sector in the U.S., Filosa told CNBC on Wednesday.
The U.S. imposed a 25 per cent tariff on Canadian automotive parts and vehicles, with a carveout for the value of U.S.-made parts, back in April.
"While the current U.S. tariff environment is creating complex challenges, Stellantis has made important commitments to Canada and to its workforce," Joly wrote in the letter.
"Should Stellantis choose not to respect its obligations, we will act in the interest of all Canadians and hold the company to full account, and exercise all options, including legal."
Ottawa threatens legal action against StellantisThe company had entered an agreement with the federal and Ontario provincial governments two years ago that both would provide up to $15 billion in performance incentives — contingent on the automaker meeting a set of conditions that included fulfilling a production mandate in Brampton.
Stellantis agreed to maintain its "full Canadian footprint, including Brampton, in exchange for substantial financial support," Joly wrote in her letter. "Anything short of fulfilling that commitment will be considered as default under our agreements."
The minister, during a press conference on Wednesday, said that Ottawa has "been engaging with the company for months now, knowing that the Brampton facility was going to be retooled." The automaker's Brampton plant has been idle since 2023 as it revamps its assembly line for a new generation of vehicles.
"We've invested millions of dollars in that facility based on the commitment they would be investing in a new model, and so that's why if they don't do so, we'll hold them to account," the minister said.
The auto pact between Stellantis and the federal and Ontario provincial governments was announced back in 2023. Both governments struck a similar deal with Volkswagen and its subsidiary, Power Co., for an EV battery manufacturing plant in St. Thomas, Ont., with up to $13 billion in incentives on the table.
Ottawa said it would put up two-thirds of the funding, with the Ontario government providing the rest.
But the agreement was contingent on several conditions, including that the automaker uphold its existing commitments in Canada — such as fulfilling its production mandate at the Brampton plant.
A spokesperson for Ontario Premier Doug Ford's office told CBC News that the company's Brampton plant did not meet the conditions set under the auto pact, specifically those related to project milestones and jobs creation.
The company has therefore not received provincial funding, the spokesperson said.
"I'm not going to give them a penny" for the Brampton plant, Ford told reporters during a Wednesday news conference. But he added that the company had received $55 million for its Windsor plant "out of the couple billion that the feds and I and the companies agreed [to.]"
A Stellantis spokesperson said in an initial statement to CBC News on Wednesday that the automaker has plans for its Brampton plant that it would discuss with the federal government, but did not provide any details.
CBC News followed up to ask for clarification on how much money — if any — the company has received from the federal or Ontario provincial government, and if it hasn't, whether it broke the conditions outlined in the auto pact.
The company does not comment on the details of its agreements, the spokesperson said.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
With files from Janyce McGregor and Meagan Fitzpatrick
Antonio Filosa
Chief Executive Officer
Chief Operating Officer, North America
Head of American Brands
He has led Stellantis in both North and South America, as well as in global quality, and has served as CEO of the Jeep® brand.
Filosa has extensive experience in purchasing and manufacturing operations, as well as overall business management and strategy. He joined the Fiat Group in 1999 where he assumed roles of increasing responsibility, including plant manager of the Betim facility (Brazil) and head of purchasing for the Latin America region.
Filosa also served as the head of Argentina, as well as the head of Alfa Romeo and Maserati brands for the Latin America region, positions he held from 2016 and 2018, respectively.
He served as COO for FCA’s Latin America region and was a member of the FCA group executive council beginning in March 2018.
Filosa holds a master’s degree in engineering from Politecnico di Milano (Italy) and an executive MBA from Fundação Dom Cabral (Brazil).
Contact Information
Office: (248) 512-2921
October 14, 2025
Stellantis to Invest $13 Billion to Grow in the United States
Expands U.S. Production by 50% With
Five New Vehicle Launches and 19 Product Actions Over Next Four Years,
Adding More Than 5,000 New Jobs at Plants in Illinois, Ohio, Michigan
and Indiana
- Largest single investment in Company’s 100-year history, which benefits all U.S. assembly plants
- Belvidere, Illinois, plant to reopen for production of two new Jeep® vehicles
- All-new midsize truck to be assembled in Toledo, Ohio
- Warren, Michigan, plant to produce all-new range-extended EV and internal combustion engine large SUV
- Next-generation Dodge Durango to be built in Detroit
- Kokomo, Indiana, facilities to produce all-new GMET4 EVO engine
AUBURN HILLS, Michigan – Stellantis announced today plans to invest $13 billion over the next four years to grow its business in the critical United States market and to increase its domestic manufacturing footprint. The investment is the largest in the Company’s 100-year U.S. history and will support the introduction of five new vehicles across the brand portfolio in key segments; production of the all-new four-cylinder engine; and the addition of more than 5,000 jobs at plants in Illinois, Ohio, Michigan and Indiana.
The new investment will further expand Stellantis’ already significant U.S. footprint, increasing annual finished vehicle production by 50% over current levels. The new product launches will be in addition to a regular cadence of 19 refreshed products across all U.S. assembly plants and updated powertrains planned through 2029.
“This investment in the U.S. – the single largest in the Company’s history – will drive our growth, strengthen our manufacturing footprint and bring more American jobs to the states we call home,” said Antonio Filosa, Stellantis CEO and North America COO. “As we begin our next 100 years, we are putting the customer at the center of our strategy, expanding our vehicle offerings and giving them the freedom to choose the products they want and love.”
“Accelerating growth in the U.S. has been a top priority since my
first day. Success in America is not just good for Stellantis in the
U.S. — it makes us stronger everywhere,” Filosa said.
Plant Investment Details(1)
The $13 billion investment plan includes research and development and supplier costs to execute the Company’s full product strategy over the next four years as well as investments in its manufacturing operations. The details of the plant-specific investments follow:
Illinois
Stellantis intends to invest more than $600 million to reopen the Belvidere Assembly Plant to expand production of the Jeep® Cherokee and Jeep Compass for the U.S. market. With an initial production launch expected in 2027, these actions are anticipated to create around 3,300 new jobs.
Ohio
With an investment of nearly $400 million, assembly of an all-new midsize truck, previously allocated to the Belvidere plant, plans to move to the Toledo Assembly Complex, where it will join the Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Gladiator. The production shift could create more than 900 jobs. Launch timing is expected in 2028.
The Company also intends to continue with investments in its Toledo operations as previously announced in January. This includes additional technologies and strong product actions for both the Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Gladiator, and more components critical to production at the Toledo Machining Plant.
Michigan
Stellantis plans to develop an all-new range-extended EV and internal combustion engine large SUV that will be produced at the Warren Truck Assembly Plant beginning in 2028. The Company will invest nearly $100 million to retool the facility. It is anticipated that the new program will add more than 900 jobs at the plant, which currently assembles the Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer.
The Company also expects to invest $130 million to prepare the Detroit Assembly Complex – Jefferson for production of the next-generation Dodge Durango, reaffirming its commitment from January. Production is anticipated to launch in 2029.
Indiana
The Company confirms its January announcement to make additional investments in several of its Kokomo facilities to produce the all-new four-cylinder engine – the GMET4 EVO – beginning in 2026. The Company plans to invest more than $100 million and to add more than 100 jobs to ensure that the U.S. will be the manufacturing home of this strategic powertrain.
Stellantis’ U.S. footprint includes 34 manufacturing facilities, parts distribution centers and research and development locations across 14 states. These operations support more than 48,000 employees, 2,600 dealers and nearly 2,300 suppliers in thousands of communities across the country. Today’s announcement builds on the previously announced actions in January 2025.
NOTES
(1) Investments detailed in this release are subject to the successful negotiation and final approval of development packages with appropriate state and local governments.
About Stellantis
Stellantis N.V. (NYSE: STLA / Euronext Milan: STLAM / Euronext Paris: STLAP) is a leading global automaker, dedicated to giving its customers the freedom to choose the way they move, embracing the latest technologies and creating value for all its stakeholders. Its unique portfolio of iconic and innovative brands includes Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Citroën, Dodge, DS Automobiles, FIAT, Jeep®, Lancia, Maserati, Opel, Peugeot, Ram, Vauxhall, Free2move and Leasys. For more information, visit www.stellantis.com.
Stellantis Forward-Looking Statements
This communication contains forward-looking statements. In particular, statements regarding future events and anticipated results of operations, business strategies, the anticipated benefits of the proposed transaction, future financial and operating results, the anticipated closing date for the proposed transaction and other anticipated aspects of our operations or operating results are forward-looking statements. These statements may include terms such as “may”, “will”, “expect”, “could”, “should”, “intend”, “estimate”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “remain”, “on track”, “design”, “target”, “objective”, “goal”, “forecast”, “projection”, “outlook”, “prospects”, “plan”, or similar terms. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. Rather, they are based on Stellantis’ current state of knowledge, future expectations and projections about future events and are by their nature, subject to inherent risks and uncertainties. They relate to events and depend on circumstances that may or may not occur or exist in the future and, as such, undue reliance should not be placed on them.
Actual results may differ materially from those expressed in forward-looking statements as a result of a variety of factors, including: the ability of Stellantis to launch new products successfully and to maintain vehicle shipment volumes; changes in the global financial markets, general economic environment and changes in demand for automotive products, which is subject to cyclicality; Stellantis’ ability to successfully manage the industry-wide transition from internal combustion engines to full electrification; Stellantis’ ability to offer innovative, attractive products and to develop, manufacture and sell vehicles with advanced features including enhanced electrification, connectivity and autonomous-driving characteristics; Stellantis’ ability to produce or procure electric batteries with competitive performance, cost and at required volumes; Stellantis’ ability to successfully launch new businesses and integrate acquisitions; a significant malfunction, disruption or security breach compromising information technology systems or the electronic control systems contained in Stellantis’ vehicles; exchange rate fluctuations, interest rate changes, credit risk and other market risks; increases in costs, disruptions of supply or shortages of raw materials, parts, components and systems used in Stellantis’ vehicles; changes in local economic and political conditions; changes in trade policy, the imposition of global and regional tariffs or tariffs targeted to the automotive industry, the enactment of tax reforms or other changes in tax laws and regulations; the level of governmental economic incentives available to support the adoption of battery electric vehicles; the impact of increasingly stringent regulations regarding fuel efficiency requirements and reduced greenhouse gas and tailpipe emissions; various types of claims, lawsuits, governmental investigations and other contingencies, including product liability and warranty claims and environmental claims, investigations and lawsuits; material operating expenditures in relation to compliance with environmental, health and safety regulations; the level of competition in the automotive industry, which may increase due to consolidation and new entrants; Stellantis’ ability to attract and retain experienced management and employees; exposure to shortfalls in the funding of Stellantis’ defined benefit pension plans; Stellantis’ ability to provide or arrange for access to adequate financing for dealers and retail customers and associated risks related to the operations of financial services companies; Stellantis’ ability to access funding to execute its business plan; Stellantis’ ability to realize anticipated benefits from joint venture arrangements; disruptions arising from political, social and economic instability; risks associated with Stellantis’ relationships with employees, dealers and suppliers; Stellantis’ ability to maintain effective internal controls over financial reporting; developments in labor and industrial relations and developments in applicable labor laws; earthquakes or other disasters; risks and other items described in Stellantis’ Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2024 and Current Reports on Form 6-K and amendments thereto filed with the SEC; and other risks and uncertainties.
Any forward-looking statements contained in this communication speak only as of the date of this document and Stellantis disclaims any obligation to update or revise publicly forward-looking statements. Further information concerning Stellantis and its businesses, including factors that could materially affect Stellantis’ financial results, is included in Stellantis’ reports and filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and AFM.
A Stellantis spokesperson said in an initial statement to CBC News on Wednesday that the automaker has plans for its Brampton plant that it would discuss with the federal government, but did not provide any details.
CBC News followed up to ask for clarification on how much money — if any — the company has received from the federal or Ontario provincial government, and if it hasn't, whether it broke the conditions outlined in the auto pact.
The company does not comment on the details of its agreements, the spokesperson said.
Jeff Hines
President, Canada, Stellantis North America
Hines first joined Stellantis in March 1997 and has since held a series of regional, national and brand positions with increasing responsibility, including most recently as vice president of fleet sales and operations. Hines has a deep understanding of the automotive industry with a strong background in product, sales and the dealer network.
His work experience includes:
- 2024 – current, President, Canada, Stellantis North America
- 2020, Vice President, Fleet Sales and Operations, FCA US LLC
- 2018, Head of Jeep, EMEA
- 2015, Vice President, Great Lakes Business Center
- 2010, Vice President, Denver Business Center, Chrysler Group LLC
- 2009, Marketing Mix & Product Optimization – Dodge/Ram, Chrysler LLC
- 2008, Business Centre Coordination
- 2006, National Field Operations, DaimlerChrysler Corporation
- 2005, National Dealer Placement
- 2004, Manager, Dealer Operations – Northeast Business Center
- 2003, Manager, Dealer Placement – Northeast Business Center
- 2001, District Manager – Northeast Business Center
- 1997, District Manager – Great Lakes Business Center, Chrysler Corporation
Contact Information
From: David Amos <david.raymond.amos333@gmail.
Date: Wed, Oct 8, 2025 at 3:55 PM
Subject: RE N.B. softwood lumber industry braces for hit from Donald Trump's latest tariffs
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