Ontario Premier Doug Ford expressed his frustration towards Prime Minister Mark Carney regarding the recent deal with China on electric vehicles, mentioning that they have not been in communication since then. Ford mentioned on Monday that he was not informed in advance about the deal before Carney’s visit to China last week.
Carney’s agreement with China permits up to 49,000 electric vehicles to enter Canada with a significantly reduced tariff rate of 6.1%, while Canada reciprocates by eliminating tariffs on Canadian canola and certain seafood products. Carney highlighted the potential for Chinese companies to manufacture “affordable” electric vehicles in Canada, stating that the deal presents an opportunity for Ontario.
However, Ford raised concerns that the deal could pose a threat to Ontario’s automotive industry, which is already facing challenges, particularly in light of the stance of U.S. President Donald Trump, who has expressed a lack of interest in vehicles produced in Canada.
Ford criticized the lack of communication from Carney, stating that he only became aware of the deal a few hours before its public announcement, undermining what he believed was a solid partnership between them.
Following Carney’s assumption of the prime minister role earlier this year, he and Ford developed a close relationship. Despite this, Ford criticized the deal with China, emphasizing that the situation could adversely impact Ontario’s automotive workers. Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe accompanied Carney on his trip to China to address the tariffs imposed on Canadian canola. The trade agreement involves reduced tariffs on Canadian canola in exchange for concessions on electric vehicles from Canada.
Ford urged the federal government to take action by abolishing its electric vehicle mandate and aligning regulations with trading partners to facilitate trade relationships. Meanwhile, Carney aims to leverage the electric vehicle deal to attract more investments to Canada.
In response, Ontario Liberal trade critic Stephanie Bowman emphasized the importance of diversifying trade relationships, particularly with China. Ford’s approach to the electric vehicle market has been criticized by Green Party Leader Mike Schreiner, who highlighted the need for incentives to boost demand for electric vehicles in Ontario. Despite delays in electric vehicle projects in Ontario due to market challenges and trade uncertainties, the global demand for electric vehicles continues to grow.