MPs Urge Immediate Trade Committee Meeting Regarding Tariffs on Chinese Electric Vehicles
Conservative and NDP MPs have called for the House trade committee to reconvene urgently to discuss the economic impact of Canada not imposing tariffs on Chinese steel, aluminum, and electric vehicles (EVs).
“To address this issue and safeguard our workers and their incomes, the Liberal government must immediately impose tariffs on Chinese-made EVs, steel, aluminum, critical minerals, and other products.”
The letter urges the committee to question Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland and International Trade Minister Mary Ngo about the potential job losses in Canada’s manufacturing sector if tariffs are not imposed on Chinese goods. It also requests the committee to prepare a report for the House of Commons outlining the proposed tariffs on Chinese EVs.
According to the MPs, the failure of the federal government to impose tariffs on Chinese products is a “complete betrayal of Canadian workers” who are unable to compete against a regime that exploits weak labor and environmental standards.
Bloc Québécois MPs did not sign the letter, with leader Yves-François Blanchet stating that while the party is not opposed to tariffs on Chinese goods, they believe negotiation is preferable to tariffs.
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has pledged to impose tariffs on various Chinese products if elected prime minister, including a 100 percent tariff on Chinese-made EVs, a 50 percent tariff on semiconductors and solar cells, and a 25 percent tariff on steel and aluminum products, graphite, EV batteries, battery parts, permanent magnets, and ship-to-shore cranes. Learn More
The Canadian government recently concluded a 30-day public consultation on imposing tariffs on Chinese EVs. Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland criticized China’s “Leninist” economic policies last month, accusing Beijing of flooding the global market with EVs to undercut Western competitors. Read more
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stated on Aug. 12 that his government has been working with stakeholders and community groups for several months to address the issue of putting tariffs on China. He emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting Canadian workers in the auto sector and promoting a greener, cleaner economy. Learn more
Ontario Premier Doug Ford called in June for Ottawa to impose a 100 percent tariff on Chinese EVs, highlighting the negative impact of Beijing’s imports on Canadian jobs. He accused China of exploiting low labor standards and dirty energy to flood international vehicle markets with low-cost vehicles. Read more