OTTAWA—Rick Smith, President of the Canadian Climate Institute, made the following statement in response to the federal government’s repeal of the Electric Vehicle Availability Standard and delay of the implementation of its strengthened tailpipe emissions standard:
“The Prime Minister has been clear in his commitment to implementing new vehicle emissions rules that would deliver carbon reductions equivalent to reaching a 75 per cent market share of electric vehicles by 2035 and 90 per cent by 2040.
“While it is good news that the federal government has reiterated this commitment to stronger emission standards for Canada’s vehicle fleet, it is disappointing that these new rules will be further delayed. Make no mistake: kicking this down the road will mean Canadians are left with fewer electric vehicle options and higher total operating costs for getting around their communities.
“Our analysis shows Canada is currently not on track to its EV targets, while others have shown that the government’s current emissions standards proposal will need to be strengthened to meet the Prime Minister’s stated goal of 75 per cent EV share emissions levels.
“Global data shows EV market share is growing rapidly in markets outside of North America. The International Energy Agency expects sales of EVs to reach nearly 30 per cent by the end of this year. Canada remains significantly behind the global trend.
“The government has now removed one pathway to its EV objectives while delaying the policy intended to replace it. The test is therefore straightforward: the new standards need to be strong enough to deliver the EV deployment the Prime Minister has promised, and they need to be implemented quickly. Otherwise, Canada will fall further behind on the very outcomes the government says it wants to achieve.”
RESOURCES
- Insight | Electric vehicle adoption will be critical for Canada to meet its new automotive strategy goals
- Op-ed | The next big climate policy moment: unveiling of federal vehicle regulations
- Media statement | Canada’s review of the electric vehicle mandate—and other climate policies—must be swift and grounded in evidence
- Insight | What is driving electric vehicle sales in Canada?
MEDIA CONTACTS
Claudine Brulé (Eastern Time)
(226) 212-9883
cbrule@climateinstitute.ca
ABOUT US
The Canadian Climate Institute is an independent climate policy research organization that produces rigorous research, analysis, and economic modelling, drawing on experts and leaders across the country. Our work focuses on: accelerating clean growth and low-carbon competitiveness; measuring progress in Canada’s clean energy transition; amplifying Indigenous perspectives and climate solutions; unlocking sustainable investment; and making our economy and infrastructure more resilient to a warming climate.
