Unifor Raises Alarm Over Potential Chinese EV Assembly Plan at Stellantis Brampton Plant

Concerns are mounting among Canadian auto workers as Stellantis considers a proposal that could transform its idled Brampton facility into an assembly site for Chinese-made electric vehicles. The plan, which reportedly involves collaboration with Chinese automaker Leapmotor, has drawn sharp criticism from Unifor, Canada’s largest private-sector union.

Unifor confirmed that Stellantis is exploring the possibility of using the Brampton plant to assemble electric vehicles using pre-manufactured components shipped from China. According to the union, such a move would significantly reduce the level of domestic manufacturing, limiting the plant’s role to basic assembly rather than full-scale production.

Unifor National President Lana Payne expressed serious concerns, stating that the proposal fails to support Canada’s auto manufacturing ecosystem. She argued that relying on imported vehicle kits would bypass Canadian parts suppliers and result in far fewer jobs for local workers. “This is not true manufacturing,” Payne emphasized, warning that it could weaken the country’s auto sector in the long term.

Stellantis has not confirmed negotiations with any Chinese automaker but acknowledged that it is actively reviewing future opportunities for the Brampton facility. The company stated it is in ongoing discussions with government representatives and industry stakeholders, emphasizing its intention to maintain a strong and sustainable presence in Canada.

The uncertainty surrounding the plant follows Stellantis’ earlier decision to shift planned production of the Jeep Compass from Brampton to Illinois. That move left approximately 3,000 workers without jobs and sparked backlash from Canadian officials.

Federal Industry Minister Mélanie Joly criticized the relocation, calling it unacceptable and reaffirming the government’s commitment to working with Stellantis, Unifor, and the Ontario government to secure new production for the site.

The potential partnership with Leapmotor comes in the wake of a controversial federal policy change that significantly reduced tariffs on a limited number of Chinese electric vehicles. While Prime Minister Mark Carney suggested the move could encourage foreign investment and job creation, critics argue it risks undermining domestic manufacturing.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford and Unifor have both voiced opposition to the tariff adjustment, warning that it could open the door to increased reliance on overseas production and erode the province’s industrial base.

As discussions continue, the future of the Brampton facility remains uncertain, with workers, policymakers, and industry leaders closely watching what could become a defining moment for Canada’s auto sector.