Ontario Premier Doug Ford has called for a boycott of Chinese-made electric vehicles following a recent agreement between Prime Minister Mark Carney and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Ford expressed his disapproval of the deal, criticizing Carney for not consulting with him beforehand. He emphasized the negative impact the agreement could have on Ontario’s auto industry and urged Canadians to support local vehicle manufacturers instead of purchasing Chinese EVs.
During a news conference, Ford, along with industry leaders, voiced concerns about the potential repercussions of allowing up to 49,000 Chinese EVs to be imported annually in exchange for reduced canola tariffs. The move was seen as a threat to Ontario’s auto sector, with industry representatives warning about the destabilizing effects on the market.
Flavio Volpe, president of the Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association, highlighted the risks posed by the sudden influx of Chinese vehicles, stating that it could undermine the progress of Canadian EV investments. The deal was criticized for lacking guarantees of substantial manufacturing operations or investments in Canada, with concerns raised about China’s dominance in the global EV market.
Amidst the challenges posed by the agreement, Ford and industry leaders called on the government to implement policies that would enhance the competitiveness of the domestic auto industry. They stressed the importance of supporting local businesses and protecting the future of the sector in the face of external pressures, such as tariffs imposed by other nations.