In Canada’s never-ending battle to combat climate change, the Trudeau government plans to introduce new emission regulations requiring all new cars in Canada to have zero emissions by 2035. This groundbreaking initiative, known as the Electric Vehicle Availability Standard, aims to ensure an ample supply of electric vehicles will be available to the Canadian market and reduce delivery times for consumers.
Under the proposed regulations, 20 percent of all new car sales 2026 must be zero-emission vehicles. This percentage will gradually increase to 60 percent by 2030. The government aims to have more than 100 percent of new cars in 2035 with zero emissions. This means that gasoline and diesel-powered vehicles will be banned, leaving consumers with no choice but to purchase electric cars.
While this move has been met with praise and criticism, the government believes it is necessary for a cleaner and more sustainable future. Electric vehicles, including battery electric, plug-in, and hydrogen models, offer significant environmental benefits by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and dependence on fossil fuels.
However, critics argue that the current limitations of electric vehicles make them unsuitable for everyone. They claim that forcing the public to adopt electric cars before the technology and infrastructure are fully developed could adversely affect drivers, the economy, and the electrical grid. They also highlight the higher costs of electric vehicles and their performance issues in cold weather conditions.
Nevertheless, Prime Minister Trudeau remains committed to reducing Canada’s emissions and believes this mandate will be crucial in achieving that goal. Despite having the third-largest oil reserves in the world, the government sees electric vehicles as a critical component of its environmental agenda.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has been a vocal critic of Trudeau’s plan, emphasizing the importance of choice for consumers. She opposes the federal mandate, arguing that upgrading the grid will cost billions in new taxes, leading to increased electricity costs and potential grid instability.
Despite these concerns, the Trudeau government remains steadfast in its commitment to reducing emissions and promoting sustainable development. The push for electric vehicles is just one aspect of a larger environmental agenda that aligns with global initiatives such as the World Economic Forum’s “Great Reset” and the United Nations’ “Sustainable Development Goals.”
