Canada deal on Chinese EVs raises security and policy questions

Canada and China signed a trade deal that will let up to 49,000 Chinese electric vehicles enter Canada with reduced tariffs; security experts and some provincial officials say cybersecurity and privacy concerns remain unresolved.

Canada and China signed a trade agreement on Jan. 16 that includes reduced tariffs allowing up to 49,000 Chinese electric vehicles to enter Canada. Security experts and some provincial leaders say the move has left cybersecurity and privacy concerns unanswered. Federal officials have said incoming vehicles must meet Canadian standards, and Ottawa does not share all provincial worries. Key details: - The agreement allows up to 49,000 Chinese EVs to enter Canada at a reduced tariff rate reported as 6.1 per cent. - Security experts and a retired intelligence officer warned the vehicles could create cybersecurity and privacy risks and add new access points to critical infrastructure. - The federal government stated that vehicles coming into Canada will have to meet Canadian safety and security standards and does not align fully with some provincial concerns. Summary: Some experts and provincial leaders said the decision prioritizes trade considerations while leaving security questions open. Undetermined at this time.