Doug Ford Urges Federal Government for Tariffs on Chinese-made Electric Vehicle Imports
Premier Doug Ford is urging the federal government to impose high tariffs on Chinese-made electric vehicle imports to protect Ontario’s EV manufacturing sector. Ford raised concerns about China flooding the Canadian market with cheap EVs, potentially endangering auto jobs in the region.
Call for Tariffs
Ford’s statement called for at least a 100% tariff on Chinese electric vehicles to prevent a risk to Ontario and Canadian jobs. The EU and the US have already taken steps to impose tariffs on imported Chinese EVs, highlighting the need for Canada to act swiftly.
Support for Tariffs
Former US ambassador to Canada Bruce Heyman also supported the idea of tariffs on Chinese EVs, emphasizing the importance of global alignment in trade policies. Both Heyman and Ford believe that tariffs are necessary to safeguard the auto manufacturing sector in Ontario.
Investments in EV Sector
Ontario has attracted significant investments in electric vehicle and battery manufacturing, totaling $43 billion. This investment is expected to create hundreds of thousands of well-paying jobs, underscoring the need for tariff protection against cheap imported vehicles.
Minister François-Philippe Champagne expressed commitment to working with the US to protect the industry and ensure its sustainability for future generations.