Ontario's Ford urges auto sector to oppose Carney's China EV deal

Ontario Premier Doug Ford has rallied the provincial auto sector to oppose Prime Minister Mark Carney's proposed agreement with China that would allow 49,000 Chinese electric vehicle imports at about a six per cent tariff in exchange for eased canola levies.

Ontario's leader Doug Ford has urged the provincial auto industry to oppose a recent agreement announced by Prime Minister Mark Carney with China. The deal would let 49,000 Chinese electric vehicles enter Canada under a tariff of roughly six per cent instead of tariffs above 100 per cent, and it is reported to involve China easing levies on Canadian canola. The plan is also described as enabling Chinese companies to assemble vehicles in Canada for the first time under restrictions such as using Canadian software and forming joint ventures with domestic firms. The announcement has drawn attention because the auto sector has recently faced factory losses and job cuts tied in part to earlier U.S. tariff moves. What is known: - Ontario's Doug Ford has publicly rallied the auto sector to oppose the deal attributed to Prime Minister Mark Carney. - The agreement would allow 49,000 Chinese EV imports at an estimated tariff of about six per cent instead of tariffs above 100 per cent. - The arrangement is reported as part of a reciprocal easing by China of levies on Canadian canola. - The plan would, as reported, permit Chinese firms to assemble vehicles in Canada under restrictions that may include Canadian software requirements and joint ventures with domestic firms. - Industry leaders have warned the deal could affect the integrated North American supply chain, and the sector has been described as already strained by recent factory closures and job cuts. Summary: Ontario's objections have intensified debate within the auto industry and highlighted concerns about cross-border supply-chain impacts. Undetermined at this time.