Science and Research Committee on Feb. 5th, 2026

[The Chair, Liberal, Salma Zahid]

It's one person at a time. I'm sorry for interrupting.

We have a point of order.

[Guillaume Deschênes-Thériault, Liberal, Madawaska—Restigouche, NB]

My colleague is speaking over the minister and I cannot hear the interpretation.

[The Chair, Liberal, Salma Zahid]

I will ask all members to be respectful to the witnesses and allow them to answer the questions.

MP Ho.

[Vincent Ho, Conservative, Richmond Hill South, ON]

I'll rephrase.

Many countries around the world are drafting rules right now concerning restrictions on importing Chinese-made EVs. It seems that Canada is the only country running against that trend. Are you dismissing those security concerns?

[Mélanie Joly, Liberal, Ahuntsic-Cartierville, QC]

No, not at all. Actually, we're working on a connected vehicles policy, which is key. My colleague, the Minister of Transport, could answer your questions regarding that, because the security of Canadians is always our priority.

[Vincent Ho, Conservative, Richmond Hill South, ON]

Speaking of that, have you received any national security briefings on the subject of Chinese-made EVs?

[Mélanie Joly, Liberal, Ahuntsic-Cartierville, QC]

That's why for us the question of software within Chinese vehicles will always be a priority. We will have more to say regarding the connected vehicles policy—

[Vincent Ho, Conservative, Richmond Hill South, ON]

There is an issue, then.

[Mélanie Joly, Liberal, Ahuntsic-Cartierville, QC]

—and my colleague is coming up with information regarding that.

[Vincent Ho, Conservative, Richmond Hill South, ON]

Your attention is drawn to the software. You mentioned the software in the Chinese-made EVs, so your attention is drawn to the software in the Chinese-made EVs. Is that correct?

[Mélanie Joly, Liberal, Ahuntsic-Cartierville, QC]

As it should be.

[Vincent Ho, Conservative, Richmond Hill South, ON]

Would you ever allow the Government of Canada, in agencies like the RCMP or the Canadian Forces or any other agencies, to procure Chinese-made EVs for their federal fleets, yes or no?

[Mélanie Joly, Liberal, Ahuntsic-Cartierville, QC]

At this point, the Chinese vehicles coming from China, as I mentioned, have to be in line with our certification and our security agencies' recommendations. Of course, we expect that the vast majority of them will be linked to companies that already have dealerships and certification in Canada.

[Vincent Ho, Conservative, Richmond Hill South, ON]

Well, I understand that, but are you ruling out the acquisition of Chinese-made EVs? Is there a possibility that Chinese-made EVs could be acquired by the Government of Canada?

[Mélanie Joly, Liberal, Ahuntsic-Cartierville, QC]

I think it's important to remember that any form of foreign direct investment in Canada or any form of manufacturing facility, for example, that could be built in Canada, including by Chinese automakers, has to go through the Investment Canada Act.

Because that's the case, it is for the Minister of Industry, under the legislation, to make sure that there are conditions for these investments, and the security of vehicles will definitely be one of the conditions.

[Vincent Ho, Conservative, Richmond Hill South, ON]

Here, I'm talking about the government acquiring them under their fleets. I'm not talking about building factories here in Canada.

[Mélanie Joly, Liberal, Ahuntsic-Cartierville, QC]

I'll connect the dots for you.

My point is, in order to have Chinese vehicles in Canada from Chinese automakers that are not western companies in China producing them, but rather Chinese companies producing them, they need to produce them in Canada—

[Vincent Ho, Conservative, Richmond Hill South, ON]

I have one last question—

[Mélanie Joly, Liberal, Ahuntsic-Cartierville, QC]

That is why we will make sure that we have great EVs—

[Vincent Ho, Conservative, Richmond Hill South, ON]

It's a very short question.

[The Chair, Liberal, Salma Zahid]

Please allow the witness to complete the answer.

[Vincent Ho, Conservative, Richmond Hill South, ON]

I have a very quick question.

[Mélanie Joly, Liberal, Ahuntsic-Cartierville, QC]

We will make sure that we have great EVs that are top-notch and affordable, but at the same time are secure.

As for your question regarding procurement in Canada, it's a hypothetical question—

[Vincent Ho, Conservative, Richmond Hill South, ON]

Would you personally drive—

[The Chair, Liberal, Salma Zahid]

It's one person at a time.