The federal government has warned Stellantis it could sue it if it abandons its investments in Canada.
• Also read: Doug Ford objects to Canada's submission to Carney in the face of Trump
Science, Innovation and Industry Minister Mélanie Joly has written to the automaker's CEO Antonio Filosa to express her concerns following a $13 billion investment in the United States by the Italian-French-American multinational automotive group.
Specifically, this calls for Jeep Compass models to be built in Illinois, rather than in Brampton, Ontario, as expected.
Ms. Joly highlighted that the company has received significant subsidies from Ottawa in recent years, which were tied to Stellantis' commitment to invest in Canada.
“If Stellantis chooses not to comply with its obligations, we will act in the best interests of all Canadians and will hold the company accountable through all of our legal remedies, including in court,” she wrote.
“The decision on [changer le lieu de fabrication] The Jeep Compass is unacceptable, she added. This puts the future of Brampton and its unionized employees at risk. It is critical that you establish a new mandate for Brampton that will ensure that the plant remains central to your supply chain and that contracts with Canadian suppliers are respected.”
Premier Doug Ford also condemned the Stellantis investment.
He also asked Prime Minister Mark Carney to negotiate tougher with Donald Trump's United States to end the uncertainty surrounding the auto sector and prevent other car makers from doing the same as Stellantis.
