Ontario urges B.C., Quebec to drop EV sales targets, citing competitiveness concerns

Ontario Premier Doug Ford is calling on the governments of British Columbia and Quebec to eliminate their electric-vehicle sales targets, arguing the policies are undermining Canada’s economic competitiveness.

According to letters sent Wednesday to the two premiers, Ford said Ontario’s auto sector employs nearly 100,000 people and remains a key economic driver. He warned that differing provincial mandates on zero-emission vehicles risk creating what he described as a “fragmented and uncompetitive” national environment.

Ford’s request follows recent changes in both provinces. Quebec has scaled back its earlier plan for all new vehicle sales to be zero-emission by 2035, now targeting 90 per cent of new sales to be hybrid or electric by that year. British Columbia has dropped its previous mandate but has said it intends to introduce new legislation later this year to establish updated targets.

Speaking at a separate press conference, Ford said he supports environmental goals but argued current emissions policies must align with broader economic pressures. He linked his position to shifting policies in the United States and the impact of tariffs introduced under U.S. President Donald Trump, saying Canada should adopt a more unified “Team Canada” approach.

The premiers of British Columbia and Quebec have not publicly responded to Ford’s request. Connect Newsroom contacted both governments for comment. No response by publication time.