Ontario Premier Doug Ford has called for a boycott of Chinese-manufactured electric vehicles (EVs) following a recent agreement between Prime Minister Mark Carney and China. The deal allows for the importation of nearly 50,000 Chinese EVs at reduced tariff rates, a move that Ford and industry leaders argue could jeopardise the province’s struggling automotive sector. During a press conference at Queen’s Park, Ford implored Canadians to support local manufacturers instead.
Premier’s Strong Stance on Chinese Imports
Accompanied by key figures from the automotive industry and the national union, Ford expressed his discontent with the federal government’s decision. “Boycott the Chinese EV vehicles. Support companies that are building vehicles here. It’s as simple as that,” he stated firmly. The Premier’s comments come in light of concerns raised by industry representatives about the potential negative impact of the trade agreement on Canadian jobs and the domestic market.
The deal, struck by Carney, permits the import of 49,000 Chinese-made EVs at a lower tariff rate in exchange for China’s commitment to significantly reduce tariffs on Canadian canola seed and other products. This initiative is expected to lead to lower retail prices for EVs, given the lower wages paid to workers in China compared to their Canadian counterparts.
Industry Leaders Voice Concern
During the press conference, industry leaders echoed Ford’s sentiments. Brian Kingston, president of the Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers’ Association, and Flavio Volpe, president of the Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association, raised alarms about the implications of this agreement. They warned that opening the market to cheaper imports could undermine the integrated North American automotive supply chain and threaten local employment.
Unifor national president Lana Payne highlighted the precarious situation faced by the industry, exacerbated by ongoing tariffs imposed by the United States. “We are in the fight of our lives here fending off Trump’s tariffs, and that fight just got a little harder,” she remarked, underscoring the urgency of the matter.
Call for Federal Action
Ford, who revealed he received minimal notice about the agreement prior to its announcement, is advocating for a complete reassessment of the federal government’s electric vehicle mandate, which requires that 20 per cent of new auto sales be zero-emission vehicles. Although Carney has temporarily paused this mandate for the year, it remains intact, much to Ford’s frustration.
“If the Chinese are serious about making investments and creating auto jobs here in Canada, then show us proof. Canadian auto workers can’t feed their families with hypothetical commitments,” he asserted. The Premier is scheduled to meet with federal Industry Minister Mélanie Joly to discuss a new federal auto strategy, although her office has yet to provide any comment on the situation.
Future of the Automotive Sector
A senior Canadian official indicated plans for a new policy that will reserve preferential access to Canada’s auto market for foreign manufacturers who establish operations within the country. This proposal is expected to be unveiled in February, adding yet another layer of complexity to the current landscape.
Ford is not the only political figure raising alarms; Kingston described the federal decision to permit Chinese EV imports as “deeply concerning,” while Payne reiterated the fragility of the industry, which is already grappling with significant job losses.
Why it Matters
The implications of Ford’s call to boycott Chinese EVs extend beyond mere consumer choice; they highlight a growing tension between trade agreements and domestic manufacturing. As Canada seeks to navigate its international relationships while protecting local industries, the outcome of this scenario could significantly influence the future of the automotive sector, job security for workers, and Canada’s overall economic resilience. The Premier’s strong stance reflects a broader concern about the impacts of global trade on local economies, signalling a pivotal moment in the ongoing discourse surrounding Canadian manufacturing and international trade policies.
