Ontario Premier Doug Ford is advising Prime Minister Mark Carney to remain resolute during his upcoming trip to China and maintain the significant tariffs on electric vehicles. The imposition of a 100% tariff on EVs by Canada, aligned with former U.S. President Joe Biden, created tension in trade relations with China, with the rationale of safeguarding the domestic automobile industry.
In response, China retaliated by imposing tariffs on Canadian canola, seafood, and pork, prompting calls from Prairie premiers to lift these duties for the benefit of Canadian farmers and producers. However, Ford, a staunch supporter of Ontario’s auto sector, emphasized the importance of standing firm on the tariffs, stating, “We can’t back down. Simple as that.”
Ford emphasized the need for manufacturing facilities that employ Unifor workers and highlighted the importance of not importing cars that are not made by Ontarians. Trade discussions, including the contentious issue of EV tariffs, are expected to be at the forefront of Carney’s meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping and other officials.
The aim of the discussions is to mend the strained relationship that escalated in 2018 following the detention of Canadians Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor by China. The agenda includes topics such as trade, energy, agriculture, and international security. Ford reiterated his stance that EVs should be produced domestically, citing the exceptional skills of Canadian auto workers as the compromise.
The Chinese ambassador to Canada previously mentioned that the electric-vehicle company BYD had considered investing in Canada but faced obstacles and eventually abandoned the idea. According to the ambassador, BYD’s presence in Canada could have offered high-quality and cost-effective electric vehicles to consumers.