Canada
August 17, 2026
Written by Ethan Bernard
Canadian union Unifor has flagged that automaker Stellantis is considering closing and selling its Brampton Assembly Plant in Ontario.
“On Aug. 12, 2026, the company informed the union of its intent to open discussions with another firm about the potential sale of the plant,” Unifor said in a statement on Aug. 14.
The latest tally of active drilling rigs increased in both the US and Canada this week, according to oil and gas rig count data published by Baker Hughes.
Global raw steel production slowed for the third month in a row in August, according to the latest figures from the World Steel Association (worldsteel).
Metalformers’ optimism softened in the Precision Metalforming Association (PMA) September Business Conditions Report.
Drilling activity increased in the US this week but declined in Canada, according to active oil and gas rig count figures recently released from Baker Hughes. The US rig count rose by four to 595 rigs this week, now at the highest level recorded in over two years. Canadian counts eased to a 10-week low of 197 this week, down 10 rigs from the prior week.
The phrase “Fortress North America” seems to resurface anytime US, Canada, and Mexico trade negotiations roll around. The idea of an economic Fortress North America burst onto the scene in the late 1980s and early 1990s in the lead up to NAFTA. In theory...