Are EV Mandates Putting Canadian Jobs at Risk? Ontario Premier Urges Action

Ontario Premier Calls for End to EV Mandates to Protect Jobs

Premier Doug Ford is urging the premiers of Quebec and British Columbia to scrap all electric vehicle mandates, warning that these policies are threatening the livelihoods of tens of thousands of Canadian workers. In a letter dated March 17, Ford emphasized the need for unity in protecting jobs amid the impact of U.S. tariffs.

Fragmented Market Risks Competitiveness

Ford argues that provincial EV mandates create a fragmented and uncompetitive market, particularly as the U.S. rolls back its own EV policies. He stated, "Keeping EV sales in only certain Canadian jurisdictions, currently only Quebec and British Columbia, risks pushing investment, jobs, and production out of Canada and into the U.S." This vulnerability could harm the auto sector's ability to compete globally.

Federal Changes and Provincial Responses

In February, Prime Minister Mark Carney moved to scrap a Trudeau-era EV sales mandate that aimed for 100% EV sales by 2035. Instead, a new greenhouse gas emission standard was introduced, with goals of 75% EV sales by 2035 and 90% by 2040. Ottawa also launched a $2.3 billion EV affordability program, offering incentives of up to $5,000 for battery electric and fuel EVs.

Prime Minister Mark Carney announces new policies at an auto-parts plant in Woodbridge, Ont., February 5, 2026.

Ford welcomed the federal changes but called for further action, stating, "I will continue to push for the removal of the remaining federal regulations that continue to undermine our auto sector."

Quebec and B.C. Adjust Their Policies

Quebec has partially lifted its ban on gas-powered cars, now targeting 90% of new vehicle sales to be hybrid or electric by 2035. Ford urged Quebec to fully repeal its mandate to align with federal direction.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford and Quebec Premier Francois Legault discuss issues at the 2025 summer meetings of Canada’s Premiers.

In British Columbia, the energy minister announced last year that the province is abandoning its EV rebate program and scrapping the mandate for 100% zero-emission vehicle sales by 2035, with plans to revise the mandates. Ford urged B.C. to repeal its EV mandates altogether to harmonize with the federal approach.

Solidarity Against U.S. Tariffs

Ford assured the premiers that Ontario is ready to support key industries in Quebec and B.C., such as forestry, steel, aluminum, and metal manufacturing, against U.S. tariffs. He emphasized, "I hope that Ontario auto workers can count on your support at a time when their jobs and paychecks are under direct attack from U.S. tariffs."

This call to action highlights the ongoing debate over balancing environmental goals with economic competitiveness in Canada's auto sector.