OTTAWA - Stellantis President Jeff Hines faced tough questions from members of Parliament regarding the company's decision to relocate Jeep Compass production from Brampton, Ontario, to Illinois. Hines emphasized that the choice was made after careful consideration.

During a House of Commons industry and technology committee meeting, Hines discussed the company's efforts to support laid-off workers. He stated, "We recognize the impact that these decisions have had," and mentioned that Stellantis is providing transfer opportunities to other facilities for affected employees.

The Canadian government recently announced restrictions on the number of vehicles Stellantis and General Motors can import tariff-free. This decision follows the companies' reductions in Canadian operations. Ottawa has cut the remission quota for GM by 24 percent and for Stellantis by 50 percent.

In April, the government imposed retaliatory tariffs on certain U.S. goods but allowed exemptions for some automakers to import a limited number of vehicles tariff-free. These exemptions come with conditions requiring companies to maintain jobs and investments in Canada.

Hines reiterated Stellantis's commitment to finding a long-term solution for the Brampton workforce. The Brampton plant has been inactive since early 2024 as it prepares for a new production line, and it previously employed about 3,000 workers. Hines clarified that the plant is "not closed" and that the company remains dedicated to its employees.

"What we need, I think the industry needs collectively, is clearly some stability in trade conversations so we can adjust and invest accordingly," Hines said. He also noted that Stellantis is not planning to reduce its presence in Canada, as the company is adding 1,500 new jobs at its Windsor assembly plant, with Brampton employees receiving priority for these positions.

Hines expressed a desire to continue vehicle production in Brampton, stating, "We want to bring something that's going to work, but we need an environment that allows us to do that." He mentioned ongoing discussions with the federal government over the past nine months regarding the challenges posed by tariffs.

While the initial plan was to manufacture the Jeep Compass in Brampton, Hines indicated that "market dynamics" over the past nine months necessitated adjustments. He hinted at potential options for the Brampton plant but did not provide specific details.

"When we get some stability to the current environment, I think it could do good things for the plant and good things for our customers across Canada," Hines concluded.