Two-Thirds of Canadians Back Ottawa’s EV Tariff on China: Survey

A majority of Canadians might hesitate to buy an electric vehicle (EV) knowing it is made in China, while an even larger proportion supports the federal tariff on these imports, a survey shows.
British Columbians are most likely to support the tariff on Chinese EVs, with 70 percent in favour. Support is also strong across the country, with about 68 percent of Ontarians, 61 percent from the Prairies, and 60 percent from Atlantic Canada backing the measure. Quebecers are the least likely to support it, with 53 percent in favour.
Older Canadians (aged 55 and above) are more likely to support the tariff, with 52 percent supporting it and 22 percent somewhat supporting it. In contrast, just over half of younger Canadians (aged 18 to 34) support (33 percent) or somewhat support (18 percent) the move.
While Chinese-branded EVs are not yet available in Canada, foreign-branded but China-made vehicles such as Teslas are already entering the country.
The Nanos poll also found that just over one-third of Canadians (38 percent) consider price the most important factor in choosing an electric vehicle, while 35 percent prioritize range on a single charge. Only about eight percent say that the vehicle being made in Canada is the most important factor.