Prime Minister Mark Carney meets with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China on Friday, Jan. 16, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick
Prime Minister Mark Carney mentioned that the electric vehicle agreement with China presents an “opportunity” for Ontario and its autoworkers, even though there has been criticism from Premier Doug Ford and unions representing Canadian workers.
While speaking in Doha, Carney noted that Chinese companies are interested in making “affordable” electric vehicles in Canada.
“We’ve had direct conversations directly from the Chinese companies.. with explicit interest and intention to partner with Canadian companies,” Carney said at a Sunday news conference.
“We’ll see what comes to pass. This is an opportunity for Ontario. It’s an opportunity for Ontario workers, opportunity for Canada, done in a controlled way with a modest start.”
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The prime minister did not specify any particular companies that Canadian officials have been in contact with.
Carney and Chinese President Xi Jinping signed an agreement Friday that will allow Canada to import Chinese electric vehicles at a tariff rate of 6.1 percent.
The deal includes an annual import limit of up to 49,000 Chinese EVs, with half needing to have an import price under $35,000 by 2030.
Canada joined the U. S. in imposing a 100 percent tariff on Chinese electric vehicles back in 2024 due to allegations of unfair subsidies and dumping practices in North America.
Ford expressed concerns via social media Friday that this deal could lead to an influx of inexpensive Chinese EVs without any guarantees for Canadian investment.
“Worse, by lowering tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles this lopsided deal risks closing the door on Canadian automakers to the American market our largest export destination which would hurt our economy and lead to job losses,” Ford said.
Lana Payne president of Unifor stated in a news release that this agreement is a “self-inflicted wound” on an already struggling Canadian auto industry. She pointed out how countries like the U. K. and Brazil showed that once China enters an auto market they quickly gain market share.
Carney described this arrangement as a trial phase for market entry emphasizing Canada’s desire to remain competitive in future auto markets.
“We don’t want to be competitive in the market of 2000 or 2010. We want to compete in the future. That’s what’s going to get great jobs for Ontarians going forward,” Carney said Sunday.
The prime minister mentioned that any production by Chinese automakers within Canada would need to adhere strictly to Canada’s labor standards.
In exchange for reducing auto tariffs China intends to lower its tariff rate on canola seed from 84 percent down to 15 percent starting March 1 while also eliminating tariffs on canola meal lobster peas and crabs until at least year-end.
However there was no mention regarding canola oil which still faces a hefty 100 percent tariff nor was there any change made regarding the existing 25 percent tariff imposed on Canadian pork products.
The automotive sector across Canada has felt pressure due primarily from American tariffs as U. S. President Donald Trump has claimed that America doesn’t require cars manufactured here.
If you can get a deal with China you should do that.” Trump said Friday.This report by The Canadian Press was first Jan.– With files from Kyle Duggan– In Doha– Dylan Robertson– In Ottawa– And The Associated Press What do you think of this article?
If you can get a deal with China you should do that.” Trump said Friday.This report by The Canadian Press was first Jan.– With files from Kyle Duggan– In Doha– Dylan Robertson– In Ottawa– And The Associated Press What do you think of this article?
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