By Robb M. Stewart

OTTAWA--Stellantis is looking at a new model that would allow the automaker to restart an idled plant in Ontario, though a decision hangs on a trade deal being finalized between Canada and the U.S., Prime Minister Mark Carney said.

Speaking to reporters in Toronto where he unveiled measures to combat crime and toughen bail conditions, Carney said he spoke with the global head of Stellantis who made assurances about the company's Brampton plant and its workers following the decision to instead make midsized Jeeps in Illinois.

"They're looking at a different model being produced in Brampton. That decision would be taken in the context of the finalization of the USMCA," Carney said, referring to the existing U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade pact that is up for review next year.

The prime minister said he also was offered assurances workers at the Brampton site would be supported, including being offered an option of work at another location, including a third shift that Stellantis plans for its Windsor, Ontario, plant. That shift is expected to bring 1,500 jobs, Carney said.

Carney said that during his conversation he reminded the Stellantis's chief executive of the undertaking the company agreed to in exchange for support from Ottawa. "There is exposure for the company if they were not to follow through with those commitments for restarting Brampton," he said.

The Brampton plant was shut in early 2024 for retooling to prepare for a new model Jeep.

Stellantis on Tuesday announced it would move Jeep production from the plant outside of Toronto to an assembly plant in Belvidere, Ill., as part of plans to invest $13 billion in the U.S. and add 5,000 jobs in the Midwest to protect the company from President Trump's tariffs.

The Canadian government, along with the province of Ontario, provided more than 1 billion Canadian dollars, the equivalent of about $710 million, to Stellantis in 2022 to modernize its plants in Brampton and Windsor, to accommodate production of electric vehicles. Over a year later, Canada sweetened its offer with up to C$15 billion in incentives to Stellantis to upgrade the Windsor facility. Stellantis pledged to maintain its production mandate in Brampton as part of the deal.

Carney said that his government was working with the automaker, the province of Ontario and the labor union to ensure Brampton workers also have comparable support to what they currently receive.

The union, Unifor, has said it plans to hold Stellantis to the commitments it made to Brampton autoworkers and called for governments to demand the company restart the delayed retooling of the assembly facility.

Write to Robb M. Stewart at robb.stewart@wsj.com

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

October 16, 2025 14:14 ET (18:14 GMT)

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