The heads of associations for Canada’s automotive manufacturers and dealers told MPs that they want to see an end to electric vehicle (EV) mandates that are harming competitiveness in the sector, as well as a negotiated deal with the United States ending automobile tariffs.
“Priority one is the elimination of the federal EV mandate, known as the Electric Vehicle Availability Standard. This regulation is prioritizing EV sales over the development of our North American EV supply chain,” Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers’ Association (CMVA) President and CEO Brian Kingston told the House of Commons Industry Committee on Oct. 27.
The federal government’s EV mandate, announced in 2023, requires that at least 20 percent of new light-duty vehicles sold in 2026 must be zero-emission, with that share rising each year until it reaches 100 percent in 2035. Automakers unable to meet the 2026 target can purchase compliance credits from competitors and limit sales of internal combustion vehicles. The mandate was introduced to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and create new jobs for Canadians….