Carney government actively involved in talks leading to Stellantis plant sale: sources

Summary

• Three sources stated the federal government actively participated in discussions & did not block the sale of the idle Brampton, Ont. Stellantis plant to Roshel.
• The plant has been closed since 2023, leaving over 2,200 workers on lay-off pay.
• Roshel plans to re-tool the facility for both automotive & defence manufacturing while prioritizing the re-hiring of former Stellantis employees.
• Prime Minister Mark Carney & Industry Minister Melanie Joly publicly criticized the deal as a betrayal despite prior government engagement.
• Government sources revealed over a dozen meetings occurred between officials & the companies, with the government initially opposing the sale.
• A senior official noted the government received multiple proposals from Stellantis but endorsed none, citing concerns over 2022 employment agreement obligations.
• Roshel CEO Roman Shimanov expressed confidence the deal will proceed & outlined plans to attract other international automakers.
• Sources indicate Stellantis offered to voluntarily return $24 million in federal funding received for the Brampton plant's original retooling.
• Under the deal terms, Stellantis will lease back 25 per cent of the plant, potentially for electric vehicle assembly.
• The government & Stellantis declined to comment on specific confidential details or the lease-back plan.