Quebec Premier François Legault has ridiculed Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s objections to La Belle Province’s updated electric vehicle goals. Ford followed up with letters to Quebec Premier Legault, British Columbia’s Premier David Eby. In these communications, Ford sounded alarm bells that just as Ontario and Quebec were promoting electric vehicle mandates, they might be harming the competitiveness of Canada’s auto sector to compete against the United States.
Quebec is taking a big, brave step in the other direction. It has so far lowered the bar to a more achievable goal of 90 percent of new vehicle sales being hybrid or electric – a significant reduction from its previous target of 100 percent fully electric vehicle sales by 2035. This decision continued a pattern seen in British Columbia, where similar rollbacks of electric vehicle targets took place.
Ford summed up his concerns in the letter. He was concerned that these amendments would result in an unlevel playing field, making it impossible for Canadian automakers to compete fairly with their American competitors. He argued that aggressive targets might lead to challenges for sectors reliant on traditional vehicles, impacting jobs and economic stability.
In turn, Legault celebrated the logic behind Quebec’s ambitious new targets. He said the change gives EPA more flexibility and is a recognition of the current state of the automotive market. Quebec is reversing course and will no longer implement a ban on sales of new gas-powered vehicles starting in 2035. Essentially, through this decision the government is trying to reconcile the provincial environmental agenda and economic priorities.
Legault’s government responded by establishing a new target that prioritizes sustainability over expediency. They understand the role that hybrid vehicles must play as the needed transitional option. By 2035, 90 percent of new vehicle sales are projected to be hybrids or electrics. Quebec is making the right moves to lead in green technology while keeping the industry vibrant and robust.
British Columbia’s new Premier David Eby has similarly taken this approach to heart. This significant legislative move is indicative of a larger regional wave to reconsider the wisdom of EV mandates. Together, this reassessment suggests a change in the tide of thinking about how to get environmental outcomes without stunting economic development.
Quebec and British Columbia have gone the furthest. These amendments demonstrate their willingness to amend policies in response to market forces and interprovincial issues. Legault and Eby aren’t the only provincial or state leaders putting concrete commitments to electric vehicles into action. All the while, they are queuing up to address competitive threats from other jurisdictions.
