Ontario Premier Doug Ford has urged Quebec and British Columbia to abandon their sales targets for electric vehicles, citing concerns about Canada’s competitiveness. Both provinces had previously modified or eliminated their goals of achieving zero-emission vehicle sales by 2035, but Ford believes they should take further steps.
In letters addressed to the premiers, Ford emphasized the significance of Ontario’s automotive industry, which employs nearly 100,000 individuals and serves as a key economic driver for the nation. He pointed out that recent policy changes in the United States regarding electric vehicles could impact the Canadian market.
Ford expressed that maintaining electric vehicle sales requirements only in specific Canadian regions, namely Quebec and British Columbia, could result in a fragmented and uncompetitive market. He warned that this approach might lead to a shift of investments, jobs, and production to the U.S.
During a news conference, Ford elaborated on his stance, emphasizing the need for a unified “Team Canada” approach and suggesting that current emissions regulations could hinder competitiveness, especially in comparison to the U.S. He urged for the removal of environmental demands on vehicles to foster progress.
Quebec has now set a target for 90% of new vehicle sales to be hybrid or electric by 2035, while British Columbia has eliminated its mandate but plans to introduce new legislation to establish revised targets. In response to Ford’s letter, B.C. Premier David Eby assured that adjustments would be made to the electric vehicle mandate to align with present realities.
Eby highlighted the role of electric vehicles in mitigating high gas prices influenced by global conflicts. He expressed support for Ontario and emphasized the need for mutual understanding across different regions regarding the impacts of trade disputes.
Earlier this year, the federal government replaced its electric vehicle sales mandate with stricter emissions standards for the automotive sector.