Scandalous Absence of Stellantis at Hearings
Automaker Stellantis failed to appear at a meeting of the Canadian House of Commons, citing technical issues. According to reports, these alleged glitches lasted nearly two hours before ending. Meanwhile, legislators are investigating promises related to deals concerning the Brampton Assembly plant.
Historical Context of the Conflict
Stellantis faced heavy criticism after announcing plans to produce the updated Jeep Compass at the Belvidere Assembly plant as part of a larger $13 billion USD investment package. Initially, this model was supposed to be produced north of the border – at the Brampton Assembly plant in Ontario.
Reaction from the Canadian Side
This latest wave of changes angered Canadians, as it occurred against the backdrop of President Trump’s trade war and left the status of the Brampton Assembly plant uncertain. The outrage only intensified after the company failed to appear at a House of Commons committee meeting the day before.
Course of the Meeting
The meeting dedicated to contracts with Stellantis started poorly, as the company was absent. Chairperson Kelly McCauley proceeded with the opening remarks, hoping the automaker would join by its conclusion. However, the head of external affairs and public policy for FCA Canada never appeared, despite the meeting lasting nearly two hours.
Political Reaction
Although McCauley mentioned the company had “technical difficulties” at the start of the meeting, the fact that they never showed up angered many politicians.
CBC News reported that McCauley called it “stunning,” while Vice-Chair Marie-Hélène Gaudreau stated there were “no words.”
Doubts Regarding Technical Issues
Others expressed surprise that Stellantis couldn’t figure out how to connect to the session. Their point of view is valid, as remote meetings became extremely popular during the pandemic, and if it’s important, you’ll find a way to connect – even if you have to call in.
Company’s Position
Further complicating the situation, the company’s Canadian information center did not comment on the situation. At the same time, the automaker informed CBC Windsor that they were “ready and available to participate remotely.”
Explanation of Technical Glitches
However, undisclosed IT problems prevented them from joining. This happened despite “successful testing with the committee’s IT team and a proper login process according to the committee’s instructions.”
Reputational Consequences
Clearly, this is not the best look for an automaker already accused of deceiving the Canadian government and Brampton workers.
Further Actions
Despite this, the meeting continued without Stellantis, and the investigation into the Brampton contracts is ongoing. The automaker has also been invited to appear before the committee next Thursday.
This situation is unfolding against the backdrop of global changes in the automotive industry, where decisions on production localization are increasingly becoming the subject of political debates. Moving away from traditional manufacturing centers, as in the case of Brampton, could have long-term consequences for regional economies and labor forces. Technical problems during such important hearings only reinforce the impression of insufficient priority being given to dialogue with local stakeholders.