Joly calls meeting with Stellantis and Unifor following sale of Brampton plant

Federal Industry Minister Mélanie Joly is calling for Stellantis, Unifor and the Ontario government to return to the bargaining table following the sale of the company's Brampton Assembly Plant, a decision affecting more than 2,000 workers and their families.

In a statement posted November 12, Joly says Stellantis' decision does not erase the commitments the company made to workers in Brampton.

She says she has reached out to representatives from Unifor, Stellantis, the Government of Ontario and the Brampton plant to arrange a meeting later this week.

Joly says the focus of the meeting must be on protecting good-paying jobs in Brampton.

"We remain focused on finding solutions for the more than 2,000 affected workers and their families," Joly says. "They deserve answers, respect and, above all, a secure future."

The minister also says walking away is not an option for Brampton's auto workers and reiterates the federal government's commitment to defending and growing Canada's automotive sector.

The sale of the Brampton facility to defence manufacturer Roshel raises questions about the future of the plant and the fate of workers who were expecting the facility to remain part of Canada's automotive manufacturing industry.

The developments come amid growing pressure on Stellantis to address its previous commitments to Canadian workers and the future of automotive manufacturing in the country.

Joly says all parties must return to the bargaining table as efforts continue to find a solution for affected employees.