Ontario trade minister says China EV deal was a horrific mistake

Ontario trade minister Vic Fedeli called the preliminary Canada–China agreement that allows limited Chinese electric vehicle imports "a horrific mistake," while Prime Minister Mark Carney framed the pact as a preliminary trade breakthrough that also includes tariff relief for some Canadian farm exports.

Ontario Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade Minister Vic Fedeli publicly criticized a preliminary trade agreement between Canada and China. He told reporters in North Bay that allowing electric vehicles made in China into Canada was "a horrific mistake" and warned it could harm Ontario auto workers. Prime Minister Mark Carney described the deal as a "preliminary, but landmark" agreement aimed at ending a tariff dispute and expanding broader ties. The reported package also includes tariff changes affecting several Canadian agricultural exports. Reported key points: - Vic Fedeli said allowing Chinese-made electric vehicles into Canada is "a horrific mistake" and warned it would hurt Ontario auto workers. - The article reports Prime Minister Mark Carney secured a preliminary trade agreement with China that aims to end a tariff war and expand ties. - Under the reported terms, Canada will allow up to 49,000 Chinese electric vehicles per year at a tariff rate of 6.1%, down from the current 100%. - The article reports tariff relief for several agricultural products, including a cut to canola seed tariffs by March 1 and lifting of some tariffs on canola meal, lobster, crabs and peas through at least the end of the year. Summary: The reported agreement seeks to reopen Chinese markets to some Canadian exports while allowing a limited number of Chinese electric vehicles into Canada under an annual cap. Reactions among provincial leaders are mixed, with Fedeli and Ontario's premier warning of risks to domestic auto workers and other leaders praising restored export access. Some tariff changes are reported to take effect by March 1, with further relief described through the end of the year.