Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Propulsion Québec is the industrial cluster for zero-emission transportation. Its mission is to accelerate the growth of this sector and strengthen its international competitiveness. We bring together more than 200 Quebec companies that are active in three strategic sectors of the economy: zero-emission vehicles, charging infrastructure and the battery sector, from mining to recycling.
Zero-emission transportation is an economic driver for Quebec, which can count on its renewable energy, critical and strategic minerals, and world-class expertise to build a competitive and wealth-generating industry. Those assets put us at the forefront of contributions to Canada's success in the ongoing industrial revolution.
We appreciate the opportunity to participate in this review of the electric vehicle availability standard. This is an opportunity to take stock of developments in the zero-emission transportation sector and adjust course to move forward more effectively, but it remains essential to continue the efforts that are already under way.
From the outset, Propulsion Québec supports a standard on the availability of electric vehicles in Canada. That's a structural tool that promotes not only the rollout of a charging network in all regions, but also the growth of an entire industrial ecosystem around batteries, critical and strategic minerals, charging stations and energy management software. On that note, let us remember that the Quebec industry includes suppliers of strategic parts, and businesses that specialize in the development and manufacture of charging infrastructure, as well as in the production, assembly and recycling of batteries. Those stakeholders need to benefit from a predictable environment that supports the electrification of transportation. Clear standards build investor confidence, foster innovation and demonstrate strong political will. Thanks to the early adoption of its standard in 2018 and a set of winning conditions, Quebec is now becoming a Canadian leader in electric transportation.
However, we recognize that automakers are currently facing a number of major challenges. Those include trade tensions; tariffs on steel, aluminum and vehicles; and slower growth in electric vehicle sales in Canada.
Given the circumstances, it's important to consider adjusting the standard and its pace to take into account economic and industrial constraints, while maintaining the goal of transitioning to sustainable mobility. Canada must combine pragmatism and ambition to stay competitive, particularly in the face of Europe and China, which are advancing very quickly. The transformation of the Canadian automotive industry is essential to ensure its longevity and sustainability.
We would also like to take this opportunity to reiterate that the standard must be part of a comprehensive industrial strategy for zero-emission transportation. Creating the right conditions for success will be essential to achieving the goals that have been set out. International and Quebec experience shows that an integrated approach that combines regulations, financial incentives and accessible infrastructure remains the key to success. That means that complementary measures are necessary to ensure the success of a standard. In particular, we recommend the urgent reintroduction of the incentives for zero-emission vehicles program to stimulate demand, support for the rapid and consistent deployment of a national charging network across the country, and support for local production, assembly and manufacture of key components and vehicles. The Government of Canada must also become a role model by promoting zero-emission vehicles in its own public vehicle fleets, thereby creating a showcase for all buyers.
In closing, we have to seize the opportunities before us to position Quebec and Canada as North American leaders in sustainable transportation. Now is the time to shape the economy of tomorrow, take concrete action to meet climate targets and provide high-quality, sustainable jobs for future generations. For that reason, we encourage the government to implement an industrial strategy that includes a standard with realistic and ambitious targets, and, above all, robust incentives.
Thank you for your attention. We would now be happy to continue this discussion with you.