TORONTO— ADAM THORN, clean growth director at the Pembina Institute, made the following statement in response to today's announcement by Prime Minister Mark Carney and Ontario Premier Doug Ford on new tariff response measures, including a $2.5B investment in EV manufacturing — and a freeze on vehicle greenhouse gas emissions standards through 2029:
"Today’s $2.5 billion investment to help automakers build electric vehicles (EVs) is welcome news for an industry falling behind as the world transitions rapidly to EVs. Alongside support for Canada’s critical mineral supply chain, it’s an important step toward building an auto industry that can compete in the growing global EV market, where nearly 30% of new cars sold this year will be electric.
"As governments invest in building EVs, they also need to make sure Canadians can buy them. Strong vehicle pollution standards encourage automakers to bring more EVs to Canadian dealerships, including lower-cost models that Canadians are missing out on. Earlier this year, the federal government promised stronger vehicle pollution standards starting in 2027, but they are now delaying that to 2029. This makes its goal of 75% EVs by 2035 next to impossible, delaying progress toward giving Canadians more affordable vehicle choices. Pembina Institute research shows automakers operating in Canada can meet stronger pollution standards, despite industry claims to the contrary.
“This investment by the governments of Canada and Ontario is growing Canada's EV industry, protecting and expanding the approximately 130,000 jobs from manufacturing and batteries to critical minerals and charging infrastructure. A strong standard would make sure those vehicles are available to Canadians, making car ownership more affordable and offering a lasting way to reduce their reliance on gasoline and gain greater control over their driving costs."
Contact
Lejla Latifovic
Senior Communications Lead
819-639-4185
Background
Report: Is the Auto Industry on Track?
Backgrounder: Getting the Vehicle Emissions Standard Right
Op-ed: Ottawa must not abandon electric vehicles to align with Washington
Op-ed: Canadians deserve affordable EVs. Why are we paying more than the rest of the world?
