Ontario Premier Urges Boycott of Chinese EVs Amid Trade Deal Controversy

Ontario Premier Doug Ford has escalated his opposition to Canada's recent trade agreement with China, calling for a boycott of Chinese-made electric vehicles. The deal, negotiated during Finance Minister Mark Carney's visit to Beijing, reduces tariffs on 49,000 Chinese EVs annually from 100% to 6.1% in exchange for concessions benefiting Canadian canola farmers.

Ford, standing with auto industry leaders at Queen's Park, framed the issue as a matter of economic sovereignty. "Boycott the Chinese EV vehicles. Support companies that are building vehicles here," he declared, referencing major investors like Toyota and General Motors that have committed billions to Ontario's auto sector.

The Automotive Parts Manufacturers' Association estimates the import quota could displace production equivalent to one factory shift, affecting up to 5,000 supply chain jobs. Unifor's national president warned the agreement exacerbates existing pressures on domestic manufacturers from foreign competition.