August 14,2025
RED FM News Desk
The federal Conservatives say they are launching a campaign to overturn the Liberal government’s electric vehicle sales mandate. Starting next year, 20 per cent of all new vehicles sold in Canada must be electric or plug-in hybrids, and by 2035, all new vehicle sales must be zero-emission. Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre argues this would have a devastating impact on the Prairies.
Vehicle manufacturers warn that meeting next year’s target will be nearly impossible due to U.S. tariffs and the end of incentive programs. Poilievre has been urging the Liberals for months to reverse the mandate, saying, “It’s time to put Canadians back in the driver’s seat so they can decide what life they want to live.”
The auto industry has also been pushing to scrap the mandate. Last month, the CEOs of Canada’s three largest automakers met with Prime Minister Mark Carney, warning that the policy would harm their businesses, cost thousands of jobs, and worsen challenges caused by U.S. tariffs and declining EV demand.
The Liberals have not yet said whether they plan to keep or drop the mandate following the July meeting. Manufacturers say meeting next year’s 20 per cent target will be impossible, partly because the federal EV rebate program has ended.
The program had provided up to $5,000 toward a new electric vehicle and up to $2,500 for a new plug-in hybrid.
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