The Canadian auto industry says a new deal with the United States is needed for its survival, and is urging the government to fully repeal its electric vehicle sales mandate as it braces under threats of an additional 10-per-cent tariff amid souring trade bilateral negotiations.
“Fighting protectionism with protectionism doesn’t work,” Brian Kingston, the head of the Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers’ Association, told the House’s Industry and Technology Committee at an Oct. 27 meeting. “We are the smaller partner, and we have to work in a new reality.”
“In Canada, you can retaliate. You won’t win that battle. We’ve learned that lesson. So, your second-best option is to make Canada ultra-competitive.”
