Conservative Leader Targets Federal EV Sales Quotas and Promises Free Market Approach to Vehicle Choice.
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre announced Thursday that a government under his leadership would repeal the Liberal government’s electric vehicle (EV) sales mandate, which he described as a “punitive tax” on drivers and a threat to free consumer choice.
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Speaking from a car dealership in Halifax West, Poilievre labeled the policy the “Car-ney tax”, referencing former Bank of Canada governor Mark Carney and what Poilievre called his “radical ideology” influencing Liberal climate policy.
Liberal Mandate Sets Aggressive EV Sales Targets
The federal EV mandate, introduced by the Liberal government, sets strict targets for zero-emissions vehicle (ZEV) sales:
- 20% of new passenger vehicles by 2026
- 60% by 2030
- 100% by 2035
These regulations are part of Canada’s broader plan to cut greenhouse gas emissions 40% below 2005 levels by 2030, with the transportation sector accounting for roughly 25% of Canada’s total emissions, and passenger vehicles nearly half of that total.
In 2023, electric vehicles made up just 11.7% of new vehicle sales, highlighting the scale of transformation expected under the mandate.
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Poilievre Slams EV Sales Quota as a “Hidden Tax”
Poilievre argued that the policy is functionally a tax on gasoline-powered vehicles. According to him, automakers that exceed their quota of non-electric vehicles could be forced to pay a $20,000 penalty per unit, which would be passed on to consumers.
“This is Mark Carney’s vision for Canada — a country where you don’t get to choose what kind of car you drive, where prices on everything skyrocket to fund his radical ideology,” Poilievre said.
He warned that the mandate would lead to job losses in dealerships, higher vehicle prices, and reduced choice for consumers.
Credit System Offers Flexibility, But Poilievre Not Convinced
The mandate includes a credit-trading system that allows manufacturers to:
- Earn credits ($20,000 each) for selling electric or hybrid vehicles
- Bank credits or trade them
- Offset shortfalls over a three-year period
- Gain credits for building fast-charging stations or early EV sales
Still, Poilievre criticized the system as an indirect tax and a burden on consumers and the auto industry.
EV Performance and Cold Weather: Another Conservative Critique
Citing a CAA study from February, Poilievre also criticized the practical performance of EVs in Canadian climates, highlighting that cold weather can reduce battery range by up to 39%, according to real-world tests.
These concerns, he argued, reinforce the need for consumer choice rather than government mandates.
“I’m Not Against Electric Cars — I’m for Free Choice”
Poilievre emphasized that he’s not opposed to electric vehicles themselves:
“If you want one, buy one. Free choice.”
He reiterated that a Conservative government would scrap the GST on Canadian-made vehicles while U.S. auto tariffs remain in place and promised to honor existing EV and battery plant agreements already signed by the federal government.
Political Context: A Targeted Stop in Halifax West
Poilievre’s comments came while campaigning in Halifax West, a riding held by the Liberals since 2000. Conservative candidate Rob Batherson, former national party president, is running against Liberal incumbent Lena Metlege Diab.
Thursday marked Poilievre’s first stop in Nova Scotia during the campaign. He has also visited New Brunswick, PEI, and Newfoundland, with a rally scheduled in Saskatoon later in the day — his first appearance in Saskatchewan this election cycle.
Conclusion: Free Market vs Climate Mandate
The battle over the future of Canada’s auto market has become a clear ideological divide in this federal election. While the Liberals view the EV mandate as essential to meeting climate targets, Poilievre frames it as an overreach that will hurt working Canadians, autoworkers, and consumers.
With the election just days away, voters are left to weigh competing visions: government-mandated emissions targets or a free market approach to automotive innovation.