Pierre Poilievre vows to make repealing Canada’s EV sales mandate a top Conservative priority during the fall parliamentary session.
Poilievre Plans National Push to Repeal EV Policy
Conservatives Outline Fall Parliamentary Priority
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre announced Thursday that his party will launch a national campaign this fall aimed at overturning the federal electric vehicle (EV) sales mandate. Speaking in Corman Park, Saskatchewan, Poilievre described the policy as “a complete disaster” and promised motions, petitions, and coordinated public pressure to force the Liberal government to reverse course.
Mandate’s Requirements and Deadlines
The Liberal plan sets binding sales targets for zero-emission vehicles, requiring 20 % of all new light-duty vehicle sales to be electric or hybrid by 2026, 60 % by 2030, and 100 % by 2035. Ottawa argues the mandate is a cornerstone of its climate strategy to cut transportation-related emissions.
Industry Pushback and Economic Concerns
Automakers, including executives from Canada’s three largest manufacturers, have warned that meeting next year’s 20 % target is not feasible. They cite falling EV demand, the expiry of the federal rebate program, and the strain of U.S. tariffs as major obstacles. Industry leaders argue that the mandate could lead to production cuts and significant job losses.
Political Pressure and Government Response
Poilievre has repeatedly urged Prime Minister Mark Carney’s government to drop the policy, framing it as an infringement on consumer choice. Although Carney has already reversed other Trudeau-era policies—such as the carbon tax—the Liberals have not confirmed whether the EV mandate will remain in place following high-level meetings with industry in July.
Rebate Program Funding Shortfall
The federal EV incentive program, which offered up to $5,000 toward an electric car and $2,500 for plug-in hybrids, was paused in January after exhausting its funding months ahead of schedule. Environment Minister Julie Dabrusin has indicated a new rebate scheme is under consideration but has provided no timeline.
Upcoming Political Context
Despite losing his seat in the spring election, Poilievre is expected to return to Parliament quickly, with a by-election in a safe Conservative riding set for Monday. The House of Commons resumes mid-September, giving the Conservatives a platform to push the repeal effort as one of their first acts in the new session.
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