Prime Minister Mark Carney after speaking privately with auto industry leaders Wednesday made no mention of an appeal to repeal electric car mandates that take effect in six months.Carney said he met with auto executives and lobbyists to “make Canada’s auto sector more sustainable.” Brian Kingston, CEO of the Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers’ Association, in a June 27 social media post said cabinet’s electric car mandates were impractical and harmful,” according to Blacklock’s Reporter. “Carney met with the leadership of the Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers’ Association and member CEOs,” the Prime Minister’s Office said in a statement, adding executives discussed US tariffs and other challenges.“The prime minister underscored the federal measures to safeguard Canadian auto workers and businesses from unjust tariffs and the adjustment of counter tariffs on July 21 based on the state of negotiations,” said the statement.“Prime Minister Carney affirmed that the government’s focus remains on securing the best deal for Canadian workers and industries. The leaders also discussed opportunities to make Canada’s auto sector more sustainable and competitive in the face of shifting trade relationships, market conditions, and supply chains.”.Federal research finds sharp divide among Canadians on EV mandate.Kingston in his special media post said, “Unattainable electric vehicle sales mandates are jeopardizing Canadian jobs, auto investment, affordable consumer access and choice of vehicles and ultimately the economy.”“Scrap the mandates and let the federal government’s existing emissions regulations drive cleaner transportation,” wrote Kingston.Cabinet’s Electric Vehicle Availability Standard mandates that electrics account for 20% of new vehicle sales in 2026. The mandate rises to 60% by 2030 with an outright ban on new sales of gas or diesel passenger vehicles in 2035.The Commons on June 17 upheld the mandate by a 194-141 vote.“Canada is uniquely placed to be at the head of the pack,” said Liberal MP Wade Grant (Vancouver Quadra), parliamentary secretary for the environment.“This is about climate leadership. This is about the future. This is about my children, my grandchildren, everybody’s children.”.Federal government to mandate 100% EVs by 2035.However in-house Department of Transport research disclosed June 20 said the mandate was divisive with only 12% of drivers agreeing their next new vehicle would be a zero-emission model.“It was suggested this is a single-solution approach to solving complex problems with an arbitrary deadline when what is needed is a more multi-faceted approach,” said the report.Environment Minister Julie Dabrusin told the Commons June 10 the mandate had “flexibilities built within that regulation.” She did not elaborate.
