Ontario Premier Doug Ford is being clear about his concerns regarding Canada’s new electric vehicle agreement with China. On Friday, he stated that Chinese manufacturers are making inroads into the country’s auto market, which he believes negatively impacts local workers.
“The federal government is inviting a flood of cheap made-in-China electric vehicles without any real guarantee of equal or immediate investments in Canada’s economy, auto sector or supply chain,” Ford said in a statement released shortly after the deal was announced.
“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.”
This week, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney reached an agreement with Chinese President Xi Jinping that signifies a major change in relations between the two nations.
As part of this agreement, Carney anticipates that China will reduce tariffs on Canadian canola to 15 percent by March. Additionally, China will cease imposing tariffs on Canadian canola meal, lobsters, crab and peas from March until at least the end of 2026.
In exchange, Canada will permit 49,000 Chinese electric vehicles into its market at a tariff rate of 6.1 percent.
WATCH | Inside Canada’s new deal with China:
Canada reaches tariff deal with China on EVs, canola
Prime Minister Mark Carney says Canada has struck a deal allowing tens of thousands of Chinese electric vehicles into the country at lower tariffs in return for reduced duties on canola and other products.
The federal government pointed out that the 49,000 vehicles subject to this lower tariff represent less than three percent of Canada’s new auto sales market. It noted this figure matches the volume of EVs imported from China during 2023-2024 before Canada raised tariffs alongside the United States to protect domestic industries.
While this deal includes tariff reductions for agricultural products, it does not promise investment in Canadian auto manufacturing. The government mentions that “it is expected” new joint-venture investments from China will emerge in Canada within three years as a result of this agreement.
Provincial data indicates that over 90,000 people work in Ontario’s auto sector and more than 1.3 million vehicles were produced in 2024.
Ford says EV deal with China ‘is going to be terrible’ for Ontarians, auto sector
The Premier mentioned he had no prior communication from Prime Minister Mark Carney about this electric vehicle arrangement before it was announced and added ‘this was not thought out properly.’
During an unrelated event held in Toronto Friday afternoon, Ford remarked he hadn’t consulted with Carney prior to finalizing the deal and alleged that consultations didn’t occur with automakers either.
He also expressed doubts about how well news of this agreement would be received while negotiating with U. S. President Donald Trump.
“This was not thought out properly; it wasn’t consulted; it was a knee-jerk reaction; and this is going to be a big problem,” Ford commented.
Trump called Canada’s agreement “OK” when addressing reporters outside the White House Friday morning and mentioned it’s something Carney “should be doing.”
“It’s good for him to sign a trade deal. If you can get an agreement with China, you should do it,” Trump added.
“It follows Doug Ford’s usual strategy: do nothing then complain just for publicity,”>Stiles stated. “Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe went all out advocating for his farmers when visiting China alongside Prime Minister.” “Meanwhile, Ford sat idly by leaving workers here without anyone advocating their interests. If you’re absent from discussions, your leadership isn’t valid.”![]()
NDP Leader Marit Stiles criticizes Ford accusing him of failing then complaining merely seeking media attention.(Alex Lupul/CBC)
The Liberal finance critic Stephanie Bowman echoed similar sentiments saying she views him as an “armchair quarterback” avoiding accountability regarding matters within reach stating earlier today,
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Ford urges focus on Ontario’s auto industry
Ford emphasized that to resolve what he’s labeling a “mess,” Carney and the federal government must “urgently” back Ontario’s auto sector. The premier further urged Carney to eliminate the electric vehicle mandate, align regulations with trade partners’ standards and remove federal fees which he claims increase production costs and deter investments. “Instead of bringing in made-in-China vehicles, the federal government needs to concentrate on collaborating with Ontario to attract investments and jobs back to factories in Brampton, Oshawa, Ingersoll and throughout the province where assembly lines are at risk or have already relocated,” Ford stated. “I’m urging Prime Minister Carney to partner with Ontario to bolster Canada’s auto industry rather than weaken it.” WATCH | Ford expresses concern over deal:
Ford says EV deal with China ‘is going to be terrible’ for Ontarians, auto sector
The Premier mentioned he had no prior communication from Prime Minister Mark Carney about this electric vehicle arrangement before it was announced and added ‘this was not thought out properly.’
During an unrelated event held in Toronto Friday afternoon, Ford remarked he hadn’t consulted with Carney prior to finalizing the deal and alleged that consultations didn’t occur with automakers either.
He also expressed doubts about how well news of this agreement would be received while negotiating with U. S. President Donald Trump.
“This was not thought out properly; it wasn’t consulted; it was a knee-jerk reaction; and this is going to be a big problem,” Ford commented.
Trump called Canada’s agreement “OK” when addressing reporters outside the White House Friday morning and mentioned it’s something Carney “should be doing.”
“It’s good for him to sign a trade deal. If you can get an agreement with China, you should do it,” Trump added.
A battle for jobs
Peter Frise , professor of mechanical and automotive engineering at University of Windsor , agreed that these 49 ,000 vehicles make up about three percent of Canada’s market , pointing out that’s how many cars Stellantis’s Windsor Assembly Plant could produce within just over one month. He also noted currently average vehicle prices hover around $40 ,000. This arrangement applies only for cars priced under $33 ,000 , while others sold at that price point are already built overseas. “This doesn’t compete head-to-head against any Canadian production line , especially when looking at EVs ,” Frise told CBC Windsor. Cross Country Checkup wants your thoughts: Why does Canada’s new EV deal matter? Leave your question here so we might address it or contact you back for Sunday’s show. Jeff Gray , leader of Unifor Local representing GM plant workers in Oshawa offered his comments as details surrounding this arrangement are still fresh. The union president indicated it seems like Ottawa has compromised local automotive interests. “By allowing heavily subsidized Chinese EVs into our nation due primarily by Communist funding doesn’t sit well,” Gray told Radio-Canada. < “It will certainly impact our automotive industry here in Ontario; we must continue fighting hard for those well-paying jobs.”NDP accuses Premier of inactivity followed by complaints
NDP Leader Marit Stiles criticized both Ford and Carney early Friday morning calling news regarding this agreement a “crushing blow” for Ontario’s automobile industry.“It follows Doug Ford’s usual strategy: do nothing then complain just for publicity,”>Stiles stated. “Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe went all out advocating for his farmers when visiting China alongside Prime Minister.” “Meanwhile, Ford sat idly by leaving workers here without anyone advocating their interests. If you’re absent from discussions, your leadership isn’t valid.”
“When discussing trade deals & tariffs, Doug For’ds contributions include reckless s jeopardizing negotiations southward theatrically pouring Crown Royal while issuing hollow threats.”
“Involving these foreign companies entails working together toward establishing solid job opportunities benefiting Ontarian citizens moving forward-something devoid presently amidst current terms!”
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