Home / Business and Economy / Govt Knew Stellantis Plant Sale, Then Cried Betrayal
Govt Knew Stellantis Plant Sale, Then Cried Betrayal
11 Nov
Summary
- Federal government engaged in private talks about Stellantis plant sale.
- Government expressed disappointment publicly after private knowledge of deal.
- Stellantis offered to return $24 million for Brampton plant retooling.
Sources indicate the federal government was deeply involved in negotiations leading to the sale of the Stellantis assembly plant in Brampton, Ontario, to Roshel. This private engagement included numerous meetings over several months.
Despite prior knowledge of the sale's terms and initially opposing it, the government later publicly criticized Stellantis, with Prime Minister Mark Carney calling the sale a "betrayal." Government officials stated they had not endorsed Stellantis's proposals, citing unmet employment expectations.
Roshel, an armoured vehicle manufacturer, plans to repurpose the plant for both automotive and defence production, committing to prioritize rehiring former Stellantis employees. The company has shared its detailed plans with the government, which include attracting other automakers.
In a separate development, Stellantis has offered to return $24 million in government support allocated for the Brampton plant's retooling. The federal government initially committed up to $529 million for retooling efforts at both Brampton and Windsor plants.
