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We replaced the idiot drama teacher with an economist, but the idiot Liberal Carney is still mandating that we must only buy inferior electric cars. What an doofus. Download the petition, get some signatures and send it to Cheryl. Fight this stupidity.
The Liberal Government is moving ahead with its electric vehicle sales mandate despite warnings from the auto industry. When this policy was first announced I described it as a “Soviet-style” sales mandate. Not since the fall of the Berlin Wall has any advanced economy attempted this level of interference in the free market. This policy is doomed to failure, with major consequences for employment and affordability, because of one simple fact: the government cannot force you to buy a car you cannot afford.
The Electric Vehicle Mandate Beginning in 2026, 20% of vehicles sold must be electric. By 2035, 100% of vehicles sold must be electric. If a car company falls short of the mandated target, the company will be subject to massive fines. To avoid the fines a car company can purchase credits at a cost of $20,000 per gasoline-powered vehicle sold over the quota, or $10,000 per hybrid vehicle sold over the quota. Car companies can also meet the electric vehicle quota by increasing the price of non-electric cars. This would not increase the total number of electric vehicles sold, but would decrease the sales of non-electric vehicles.
Higher Prices, Fewer Jobs Fewer car sales would mean job losses at assembly plants, car part plants, and car dealerships. Increasing the cost of non-electric vehicles by as much as $20,000 will prevent many Canadians from ever being able to afford a car. This regressive Liberal policy hurts lower income Canadians and those without access to public transit. The unfairness of the policy is only made worse when combined with subsidies for expensive electric vehicles. Electric Vehicle rebates redistribute wealth from people who cannot afford a used car to people who can afford an electric sport utility vehicle.
Car Freedom According to Natural Resource Canada’s Fuel consumption ratings search tool there are 35 car brands in Canada selling 982 different models. Canadians have some of the best consumer options in the world when it comes to purchasing a new vehicle. This competitive free market allows Canadians to find the vehicle that best meets their needs at a price they can afford (without taxpayer funded rebates). For many homeowners in the suburbs around major cities, an electric vehicle they can charge at home might be the best option. A logger in Renfrew County, needs a pick-up truck that can reliably haul equipment, even when it gets cold outside. This Liberal policy will reduce choice and increase costs. Lower income Canadians, people living on fixed incomes, and those living in rural or remote areas will suffer the most.
It does not have to be this way. Over time, competition and innovation will bring down the cost of electric vehicles, making them competitive with gas powered vehicles. Unfortunately, Canadians will pay the price for Liberal impatience.
How To Fight Back
Last year, the Liberals said over and over that anyone who opposed the Carbon Tax wanted the planet to burn. They will use the same divisive language against anyone who opposes their Soviet-style EV mandate, but we will not be intimidated.
