NetNewsLedger Politics – HALIFAX / OTTAWA – In a fiery campaign announcement from Halifax, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre declared that a future Conservative government would scrap the so-called “Car(ney) Tax”—a $20,000 penalty he claims will be levied on manufacturers for exceeding new federal quotas on gas-powered vehicle sales.
Conservatives: Scrap the Tax, Save the Industry
Poilievre’s pledge is part of his broader message to “axe the tax” and shield Canada’s traditional automotive sector from what he describes as ideologically driven mandates from the Liberal Party under Mark Carney’s influence. The Conservative leader argues the policy will cripple the industry, particularly in manufacturing hubs like Windsor and Oshawa, and could cost 38,000 jobs, referencing a study published in the Canadian Journal of Economics.
He reinforced commitments to:
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Maintain existing EV plant and infrastructure agreements
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Cut GST on Canadian-made vehicles
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Create a “Keep Canadians Working Fund” to support workers impacted by U.S. tariffs
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Let consumers choose between gas, hybrid, or electric vehicles
“A Conservative government will put you back in the driver’s seat,” said Poilievre. “We’ll protect jobs, lower prices, and give Canadians the freedom to choose the car that works best for them.”
Liberals: EV Transition is Essential for Climate and Competitiveness
The Liberal Party, which under Mark Carney’s advisory leadership has doubled down on its Zero-Emission Vehicle (ZEV) sales mandate, defends the plan as a necessary step toward meeting Canada’s 2035 net-zero goals. Their policy aims to ensure all new vehicle sales are electric by 2035, starting with strict sales quotas in 2026.
Liberals argue that far from harming the economy, this green transition secures Canada’s place in the global clean tech supply chain, creates high-paying jobs in EV manufacturing, and positions the country to compete with the U.S., China, and Europe in the booming electric auto sector.
In response to Poilievre’s claims, Liberal spokespeople highlight:
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Government investment in EV battery plants and critical minerals
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Support for retooling traditional plants to produce ZEVs
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Subsidies and incentives for consumers and industry to encourage adoption
NDP: Focus on Affordability, Not Just Industry Profits
Meanwhile, the New Democratic Party (NDP) has taken a middle-ground approach, supporting the need for a rapid EV transition while emphasizing worker rights, affordability, and public access. The NDP platform calls for:
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Stronger job guarantees and transition supports for displaced auto workers
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Publicly owned EV charging infrastructure
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Expanded rebates for low- and middle-income families purchasing EVs
Thunder Bay NDP supporters are particularly focused on ensuring that Northern and rural communities don’t get left behind in the shift toward electrification—a concern shared by residents who question EV battery performance in cold climates like those found across Northwestern Ontario.
What It Means for Thunder Bay and Northwestern Ontario
For voters in Thunder Bay, where winter temperatures can regularly drop well below -15°C, concerns about EV reliability and accessibility are more than theoretical.
Poilievre has pointed to a CAA study noting that cold weather can reduce EV battery range by up to 40%, highlighting a disconnect between national mandates and regional realities.
As the April 28 election approaches, voters will have starkly different visions to choose from:
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A Conservative plan focused on affordability, energy choice, and industrial stability
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A Liberal push toward clean technology and net-zero commitments
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An NDP platform centred on equitable transition and public-sector support
Each party’s position on the future of Canada’s auto industry will have direct implications for jobs, affordability, and climate action—not just in Ontario’s manufacturing belt, but across Northern communities like Thunder Bay, where mobility, economy, and climate are deeply intertwined.
