The Big Story What does Canada's EV plan mean for the future of our auto sector?
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Feb 9, 2026 Brian Kingston, president of the Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers Association and industry rep for major North American automakers, explains Canada's new EV strategy. He discusses repeal of the EV mandate and why industry preferred rebates and standards. He covers timelines for EV production, Canada’s mineral advantage, charging infrastructure gaps, trade and tariff hurdles, and the workforce implications for plants.
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Mandate Repeal Plus Demand Carrots
- Repealing the federal EV mandate was paired with demand-side measures to avoid double-regulation and boost uptake.
- Brian Kingston says supply isn’t the issue; consumer price and charging infrastructure are the barriers.
Emissions Standards Replace Prescriptive Rules
- Canada will now use tougher emissions standards, aligned with Europe, as a technology-agnostic tool to reduce vehicle emissions.
- Kingston argues this approach proves flexible and effective because it allows multiple pathways to compliance.
Pace Standards To Market Readiness
- Design emissions targets paced to match market and consumer readiness to avoid unachievable mandates.
- Pair tightening standards with demand-side incentives and charging infrastructure investments.