Conservative Party Leader Pierre Poirierbre also joined calls for the federal government to impose tariffs on Chinese-made electric vehicles and related parts.
President Joe Biden announced in May that the US would impose new 100% tariffs on Chinese-made electric vehicles (EVs). Washington is also imposing tariffs on Chinese-made advanced batteries, solar cells, steel and aluminum used in EVs.
Industry officials have been pressuring the federal government to go along with the tariffs, and Poirievre voiced his support for them at a press conference in Hamilton, Ontario, on Friday.
“[China has] “The government is heavily subsidizing the steel, aluminum and EV industries. They are doing this with the intent of destroying our steel, aluminum and auto production and destroying jobs,” he said.
Federal Conservative Leader Pierre Poiriervre said he supports an import tax on Chinese-made products. CBC senior reporter Janice McGregor analyzes the potential economic impact on Canadians.
Poirierbre also criticised Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, suggesting the government had “failed to protect workers” by not imposing tariffs on Chinese-made electric vehicles, parts, steel and aluminium.
General Motors, the Association of Automobile Manufacturers and the Ontario government have said in recent months that Canada needs to act in coordination with the U.S. on Chinese-made EVs and related parts.
On Thursday, representatives of the Canadian Aluminum Association and the Canadian Steel Producers Association called for a minimum 25 per cent tariff on Chinese-made aluminium and steel imported into Canada.
A spokesman for Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Freeland said Poiriervre’s announcement was an attempt to “repackage” the government’s own position, but the Liberal party has not yet said how it will respond to Beijing’s trade practices in the EV sector.
Treasurer Freeland held consultations throughout July to consider the issue of electric vehicles. When announcing the start of the consultations, she said “all possible measures” would be considered, including tariffs.
“Mr. Poirievre is hypocritical for being two months late to the conversation given his longstanding anti-union record and ongoing efforts to stall the implementation of a major government investment tax credit that is essential to ensuring the competitiveness of Canada’s auto industry,” Katherine Kauplinskas, Freeland’s deputy director of communications, said in an email Friday.
Kaplinskas said a decision would be made “soon,” following consultation with Freeland.
On Friday, Poilièvre also took aim at a government rebate policy introduced to encourage Canadians to switch to EVs. The government is offering discounts of up to $5,000 to anyone who buys or leases an EV.
“[Trudeau] “We are offering discounts to people who buy Chinese-made cars,” Poilièvre said.
Although China is not the largest supplier of cars to the Canadian market, Freeland’s consultations also included discussions about adjusting the federal rebate program.
China plays a major role in manufacturing EV batteries and battery components in Canada, with the federal and provincial governments investing heavily in the industry over the past four years.
About 80% of the world’s lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles were made in China in 2021. About 60% of electric cars sold worldwide are made in China, according to the International Energy Agency.
Conservatives move to win over union supporters
Poirievre’s call for tariffs comes as the Conservative party steps up efforts to win over union members, many of whom have traditionally supported the New Democrats.
Poirievre’s Friday news conference was held at a plant owned by Hamilton-based steelmaker Stelco. The United Steelworkers union, which represents 2,000 Stelco workers, is one of the founding members of the NDP. The union still Encourage members to support the NDP.
The Conservatives are hoping to win Winnipeg’s Elmwood-Transcona riding, an NDP stronghold, in September.
In this by-election, the Conservative Party is fielding local trade unionist Colin Reynolds as its candidate. The New Democrats have fielded regional leader Leila Dance as their candidate. The two candidates The battle for support begins from local unions and labor leaders;
