Building a competitive EV industry in Canada

Submission to Finance Canada Consultation

The Pembina Institute provided input to Finance Canada on the issue of potential policy responses to unfair Chinese trade practices in electric vehicles (EVs). This is a complex and vital issue that cuts across the Government of Canada’s policy goals of building a competitive auto industry in Canada and accelerating EV adoption among Canadian drivers and fleets. 

The Pembina Institute calls for a potential policy response from Canada that will:  

  • Balance the interests of Canadian consumers and workers with the need for robust EV supply chains, taking into account affordability, environmental impact, competitiveness, and innovation.  
  • Maintain and enhance funding of incentive programs as an important part of the policy response.  
  • Increase transparency of data and information while protecting privacy and security related to connected vehicles and interconnection of vehicles with Canada’s electricity infrastructure.  

The transportation sector represents 22% of Canada’s total greenhouse gas emissions. With a 100% increase in carbon emissions from freight since 1990, medium- and heavy-duty vehicles and buses are expected to exceed the emissions from passenger cars by 2030. Canada’s potential policy response needs to consider the full range of electric vehicles. 

The Pembina Institute is a member of Electric Mobility Canada (EMC) and supported the development of their submission