VANCOUVER – British Columbia’s Energy Minister, Adrian Dix, has voiced his perspective on the federal government's recent decision to delay its electric vehicle (EV) sales mandate. Dix suggests that this shift in policy is primarily influenced by circumstances in Ontario, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive approach to electric vehicle adoption across Canada.
Dix highlighted that electric vehicles continue to be in high demand in British Columbia. He stressed that any new federal policy should prioritize addressing key barriers to EV purchases, particularly focusing on affordability and the enhancement of charging infrastructure, which is especially critical in regions such as Ontario.
This statement from Dix follows recent remarks by Prime Minister Mark Carney, who announced on Friday that the federal government has decided not to implement a mandate that would require 20 percent of all new vehicles sold in Canada to be electric by the next year. Carney mentioned that the postponement of the mandate will be accompanied by a 60-day review of the Canadian electric vehicle program. The aim of this review is to explore potential flexibilities and strategies for reducing costs in light of the ongoing trade tensions with the United States, which have created liquidity concerns for automakers.
According to Statistics Canada, the sales of zero-emission vehicles in British Columbia were notably robust in 2024, with the province reporting that 20.7 percent of all new vehicle purchases consisted of either battery-electric vehicles or plug-in hybrids. This figure positions British Columbia second in the country, following Quebec, which achieved an impressive 30.1 percent. In contrast, the national average for Canada was 13.8 percent, while Ontario recorded a significantly lower figure of 7.4 percent.
Other provinces struggled to meet the 10 percent threshold for EV sales, with Prince Edward Island reporting 7.8 percent and Saskatchewan lagging behind at just 2.5 percent. Dix pointed out that the federal targets for the current year had been met by British Columbia four years prior, indicating a disparity in progress among provinces. He emphasized that the federal government should engage more strategically with Ontario, given its lower sales figures.
Furthermore, Dix argued that the 60-day review period presents an opportunity for the federal government to establish uniform targets across all provinces, rather than adhering to a system that appears to prioritize Ontario's regional challenges. He expressed interest in the federal government's actions, acknowledging the policy's evident focus on Ontario while underscoring the diverse landscape of Canada’s provinces.
In the past year, national electric vehicle sales reached a peak of 18 percent, largely driven by consumer incentives, including rebates of up to $5,000. However, following the depletion of funds for the rebate program, sales figures plummeted to around eight percent, showcasing the volatility in the market contingent on government support.
Adrian Dix’s commentary reflects the ongoing discourse on electric vehicle adoption in Canada, highlighting the need for more equitable and inclusive policies that accommodate the varying circumstances of provinces across the nation.
