Debates of June 17th, 2025

Opposition Motion—Sale of Gas-Powered Vehicles

[Kevin Lamoureux, Liberal, Parliamentary Secretary to the Leader of the Government in the House of Commons]

Mr. Speaker, I have some advice for the leader. I just quickly googled a 2018 Jeep Wrangler. It has 77,000 kilometres, and it is $21,000. That is thousands of dollars less. He might want to do a bit of research.

At the end of the day, there is an issue as to how we could use the technology and advance the industry as a whole, which would create thousands of green jobs. We have seen that in the investments that the previous administration made. Does the Leader of the Opposition not recognize that the potential job opportunities, from moving in this direction, are immense, and all Canadians would benefit?

[Andrew Scheer, Conservative, Regina—Qu'Appelle, SK]

Mr. Speaker, if the Liberal member wants to tell Canadians that car prices are not becoming more expensive, I will go with him. I will go with him door to door, and he can tell every household he wants to that cars are not getting more expensive.

We all know they are. They are being pushed higher and higher out of the grasp of hard-working Canadians who used to be able to afford them.

All the questions about technology and investment are not what this motion is about. The Liberal policy is not about investing in technology or improving the grid or giving more options to Canadians. It is about banning an entire category of vehicles that Canadians have proven they want to be able to buy, and Conservatives will always fight for their right to do so.

[Maxime Blanchette-Joncas, Bloc, Rimouski—La Matapédia, QC]

Mr. Speaker, we have just been served up the usual Conservative rhetoric. I do not recycle because my neighbour does not recycle. That is what my colleague just said.

We should put everything on hold because China pollutes more than we do. What a profoundly cynical abdication of responsibility. We should refuse to do anything to fight climate change because other people are worse than we are.

The only question I have for my colleague is this. Quebec has made its choices for its future, for its economy and for its transition. Will the member respect Quebec's simple choice to limit the sale of gas-powered vehicles by 2035?

[Andrew Scheer, Conservative, Regina—Qu'Appelle, SK]

Mr. Speaker, the member asked about a few points. First of all, there are lots of ways we can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions without depriving Canadians of choice, and that is what this Conservative motion is all about.

Conservatives have a long track record of investing in technology and incentivizing advancements in new methods of production and whatnot that will help reduce those emissions. I mentioned exporting more Canadian LNG to countries that use coal to create electricity. I did not even get into the topic of how bad for the environment some of the production methods of extraction for the component materials of EVs are in the economy.

When it comes to the situation in Quebec, we believe that every Quebecker should have the right to choose what kind of vehicle they want. We believe every Canadian should have the right to buy whatever vehicle they choose. This is not about one particular province's approach. This is about the rights of individuals, for whom Conservatives fight.

[Laila Goodridge, Conservative, Fort McMurray—Cold Lake, AB]

Mr. Speaker, I, like the member, represent a rural riding, and people in my riding tell me on a regular basis that they want to have the choice when it comes to which vehicle they drive. Oftentimes, they pick vehicles based on safety and what is going to be best if they were to encounter a moose or something else that perhaps some of the people in Toronto are not necessarily familiar with seeing on a regular basis.

I am wondering if the member can speak to some of what he hears in Regina—Qu'Appelle and if it is similar to what I hear in Fort McMurray—Cold Lake.

[Andrew Scheer, Conservative, Regina—Qu'Appelle, SK]

Mr. Speaker, my hon. colleague has it exactly right. I know many of these points have been raised, but it is worth repeating because we are dealing with an unprecedented assault on consumer choice from a Liberal government that just cannot help itself. It is always increasing costs. It is always banning things. The government is like a no fun government. Why do we not let Canadians make the choice themselves? Let a thousand engines roar. Let Canadians decide which vehicle they want.

As my colleague pointed out, there are so many places in this country where consumers just do not believe that an electric vehicle fits their needs. It could be because they have a lack of access to charging stations. It could be because they require a certain model or one with the ability to operate in cold weather and go long distances. That is why Conservatives believe in choice for consumers.

[Parm Bains, Liberal, Richmond East—Steveston, BC]

Mr. Speaker, I will be sharing my time with the member for Terrebonne today.

I rise today not only as a representative of my constituents but also as a voice for Canadians who believe in a cleaner, more prosperous future for our country.

We are at a turning point, a moment that calls for both courage and collaboration. Climate change is not a distant threat; it is a present reality, and in my home province of British Columbia, we have seen the effects of climate change. We have felt its effects with wildfires, floods and heat waves, which cost lives, homes and billions of dollars every year. In 2023 alone, insured damages from wildfires topped $8 billion. These are not abstract figures. There are families displaced, workers unemployed and futures uncertain. However, with this tremendous challenge, there is also a massive opportunity to reimagine our economy, to empower workers with good jobs and to protect the health of Canadians.

One of the most immediate, visible and impactful tools in that transformation is the electric vehicle. Let us be clear: Transportation is Canada's second-largest source of greenhouse gas emissions and a major source of air pollution that is harming our health. If we are serious about building a net-zero economy by 2050, we must continue to address how we move people and goods across this vast land. Electric vehicles represent a transformative shift in that journey.

EVs are more than technology; they are a cornerstone of our national climate plan and a catalyst for economic growth. I will share a few facts. Over 80% of our electricity grid is already non-emitting, meaning charging EVs in Canada will have a much lower life cycle carbon footprint than in many other countries, and the environmental benefits are clear. EVs produce zero tailpipe emissions, which means cleaner air in our cities and towns, reducing respiratory illnesses and improving the quality of life. Air pollution from our road transportation emissions in Canada costs approximately $9 billion in health-related economic costs, and that burden falls disproportionately on vulnerable populations, including children, seniors and marginalized communities. By accelerating the supply of EVs, not only are we reducing greenhouse gases, but we are also advancing public health, energy independence and economic inclusion.

It is worth noting that while oil and gas remain a significant part of our economy and our export profile, our long-term prosperity depends on diversifying our energy mix. It depends on ensuring Canadians have cleaner choices at home, and EVs are that choice.

Critics sometimes ask whether Canadians are ready for this shift. The answer is yes, and they are asking us to lead. More and more Canadians want clean, reliable and affordable transportation.

[An hon. member]

Oh, oh!

[Parm Bains, Liberal, Richmond East—Steveston, BC]

Mr. Speaker, I heard someone say “choice”, and that is their choice, actually.

Families want to save money at the pump. Workers want to participate in building the vehicles of tomorrow. Municipalities want to electrify bus fleets, and I have had the opportunity to make major announcements in the electrifying of bus fleets in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia. Also, young Canadians want to inherit a livable planet. This is why our government has invested over $120 billion in clean technologies, including EV innovation and manufacturing. We have also introduced the zero-emission vehicle availability standard so that Canadians will have many choices when they are ready to make the switch.

The long wait times we saw in the past few years left many drivers feeling frustrated and anxious when they needed a new vehicle to get around or commute to work. These policies will help to ensure that 100% of new light-duty vehicles sold in Canada will be zero-emission by 2035. However, Canadians should not worry; they will always be allowed to drive their favourite gas-powered vehicle and sell their old vehicle when they are ready for another one.

Our government's plan to put more EVs on the roads applies to new vehicles, but that is not all. Electric vehicles also represent a major economic opportunity.

In 2023 alone, Canada added over 350,000 green jobs. These are not just jobs in labs or boardrooms; they are jobs for mechanics, electricians, miners and assembly line workers. They are jobs rooted in communities from Windsor and Winnipeg to Whitehorse, and these jobs are not fleeting; they are foundational. One of the reasons for this is that Canada is one of a number of trading partners with EV targets, and we are aligned with the 2035 targets in the United Kingdom, the E.U., China and U.S. states covering 40% of the auto market, including New York State, California, Colorado, Oregon, Washington and Maine.

As countries around the world race to transition to clean energy, Canada has the potential to become a trusted global supplier, not just of clean electricity and critical minerals but also of the vehicles and technologies that will drive a net-zero future. We are not alone in this race. According to the International Energy Agency, global investment in clean energy doubled that of fossil fuels in 2024. Major economies, such as those of the United States, Germany and China, are moving aggressively. If we hesitate, we risk falling behind. If we lead, and if we continue to invest in our people, our resources and our ideas, Canada can win.

I know some will argue that the transition is too fast or too costly, but the cost of inaction is far greater. The wildfires, floods and economic disruptions of climate change are already here, and they are growing. Canadians understand that climate policy is economic policy. They want energy that is affordable and clean. They want an economy that works for everyone, not just today but tomorrow.

Canadians want leadership, so let us be clear in our purpose: The electric vehicle is not just a cleaner car, but it is a symbol of what is possible when we unite technology, policy and public will. It is a vehicle not only of transport but of transition toward a future that is sustainable, equitable and prosperous.

Let us continue to build that future. Let us ensure that every Canadian, regardless of their region, income or background, can be part of the clean energy economy. Let us invest in people, infrastructure and innovation so Canada not only meets the challenges of this moment but leads the world in addressing them.

If we continue to work together with vision and determination, Canada will not only build back better, but we will build forward stronger, cleaner and more united than ever.

[Cheryl Gallant, Conservative, Algonquin—Renfrew—Pembroke, ON]

Mr. Speaker, the average battery in an electric vehicle contains about 286 kilograms of aluminum. The United States only makes 1% of its aluminum and also has 25% tariffs on imported aluminum. Right there, from the very beginning, we have a large proportion of an EV that has an extra 25% added to it because of a tariff. Then if Canada is importing an electric vehicle, or any vehicle for that matter, it is another 25% in tariffs.

How does the member expect any average Canadian, who cannot even afford rent these days or a house, to pay at least 50% more because of tariffs on a vehicle, let alone all the extras required to plug in an electric vehicle and redo the electrical to the house so it can take the amperage? Whoever decided all Canadians wanted EVs or even wanted to go to net zero?

[Parm Bains, Liberal, Richmond East—Steveston, BC]

Mr. Speaker, in the speech I made, I talked about how we are aligned with other nations that have the same focus for 2035, nations like the U.K., the E.U. and China. If we do not work with them and alongside them to make these advancements in technology, we are going to fall behind. I do not know why you do not want to work with us on that.

[The Assistant Deputy Speaker, John Nater]

Again, I remind members to address their comments through the Chair.

Questions and comments, the hon. member for Sarnia—Lambton—Bkejwanong.

[Marilyn Gladu, Conservative, Sarnia—Lambton—Bkejwanong, ON]

Mr. Speaker, the whole point of this EV mandate is to try to reduce our carbon footprint, but we are going to reduce our carbon footprint by only 0.08%. China and India are 60% of the footprint. We could do more by shipping our LNG to displace coal and heavy gas there.

At the same time, it is going to be very destructive for Canadians, killing 38,000 jobs and costing $138.7 billion from the economy, so why does the member think it is a good idea to do this EV mandate?

[Parm Bains, Liberal, Richmond East—Steveston, BC]

Mr. Speaker, again, I can talk about the advancements. We are talking about creating jobs in the sector, and if we continue to work with the nations that are also advancing in this way, that is exactly what we will do.

[Kevin Lamoureux, Liberal, Parliamentary Secretary to the Leader of the Government in the House of Commons]

Mr. Speaker, it seems to me that throughout the debate, there is consistency coming from the Conservative Party, which is that it does not support any form of subsidy, incentive or support for an industry that has great potential for jobs in the future. We are talking about tens of thousands of good, middle-class jobs by investing in EV development. We could talk about Volkswagen, Honda and Stellantis, even with pauses that take place, working with different governments.

We have a very much far-right Conservative Party that says it does not care about the industry. It is more focused on the issue of just letting things be the way they are. I am wondering whether my friend can provide his thoughts on why we should not be ignoring the potential of the industry and of investing more in EVs.

[Parm Bains, Liberal, Richmond East—Steveston, BC]

Madam Speaker, it is extremely important, as I mentioned, to be talking about the advancement not only of the technology but also of the innovation, and about creating these jobs, which every other nation is focused on also. We do not want to be left behind in those.

More importantly, as I mentioned earlier, air pollution from road transportation emissions in Canada costs approximately $9 billion in health-related economic costs. This is a way forward, thinking about not only our economy but also the health benefits of Canadians moving forward as well.

[Mario Beaulieu, Bloc, La Pointe-de-l'Île, QC]

Madam Speaker, sooner or later, we are going to have to limit greenhouse gas emissions and the use of gas-powered vehicles. Sooner or later, we are going to have encourage the use of electric vehicles.

Does my friend think that the federal government should bring back the electric vehicle incentives?

[Parm Bains, Liberal, Richmond East—Steveston, BC]

Madam Speaker, as we look forward to making these investments, I think it is important to look at whether we can make the vehicles cheaper. This is why, when we work with other nations that are doing the same, I think we can look at different options to make them cheaper for people.

[Tatiana Auguste, Liberal, Terrebonne, QC]

Madam Speaker, I rise today not only as the representative of my constituents, but also as the spokesperson for all Canadians who believe in a cleaner, more prosperous and more inclusive future for our country,

I want to acknowledge that we are gathered on the traditional, unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinabe people.

I am pleased to speak today to a topic that is critical to our future and that of our planet: the transition to electric vehicles. We all see it and a report published by the International Energy Agency last month confirms it: Global sales of electric vehicles are booming and will continue to grow every year.

Some time ago, Canada decided to become a world leader in the transition to zero-emission vehicles, committing to 100% new electric vehicle sales by 2035. Putting more electric vehicles on the road is an essential part of Canada's approach to fighting climate change. Electric vehicles will allow consumers to save money in the long run. Everyone wins.

Making electric vehicles more affordable and easier to access is one of the most important steps we can take to support a healthy environment and a healthy economy. As we know, the electric vehicle availability standard increases access to affordable electric vehicles and improves air quality. In fact, the Parliamentary Budget Officer's August 2024 report confirms the need for the electric vehicle availability standard.

According to forecasts, the Canadian market will not be able to keep pace with the demand for electric vehicles in Canada nor will it be in a position to help us quickly met our climate targets. We know that rapid advances in global electric vehicle manufacturing and improvements in technology have narrowed the price gap between electric vehicles and internal combustion engine vehicles, even as the performance of electric vehicles continues to improve.

Despite an upward trend in electric vehicle sales in Canada in recent years, the beginning of 2025 saw a notable slowdown. However, it is worth mentioning that one in seven vehicles sold in 2024 was electric. Quebec continues to dominate EV sales with almost half of all EV registrations in Canada. Ontario follows with almost 23%, and British Columbia with 21%. This shows a positive trend in terms of accessibility.

Let us move on to the affordability of electric vehicles. This is a key issue for many consumers. Buying an EV in Canada has many advantages, both for consumers and for the environment. Electric vehicles have lower operating costs than gas-powered and diesel vehicles. In other words, they represent significantly lower ownership costs over the life of the vehicle.

First, battery charging costs are lower because electricity is significantly cheaper than fuel at the pump. Second, CAA estimates that the average owner of a battery-powered electric vehicle saves between 40% and 50% on maintenance costs compared to a gas-powered vehicle, as EVs require less frequent and less complicated maintenance. Third, the purchase price of some models has fallen, making it possible to break even within a few years. After 10 years, the savings can be considerable.

All levels of government and the industry have a role to play in the transition. The Government of Canada is committed to spending $4.7 billion to support the rollout of electric vehicles and charging infrastructure. We are also helping the auto and critical minerals industries manufacture electric vehicles and become part of the EV supply chain in Canada. The Government of Canada is committed to protecting the jobs of auto workers. It is also committed to supporting innovation and investment in the EV supply chain, which is especially crucial for making Canada the fastest-growing economy in the G7.

The Government of Canada is working closely with the Canadian auto industry and provinces such as Ontario to ensure that the Canadian auto industry remains competitive. It is worth noting that the new vehicle sales standard is flexible in that some sales objectives take into account hybrid vehicles.

The Government of Canada will continue to monitor developments in the electric vehicle sector to ensure that targets are achievable. It is clear that Canada has everything it needs to be a global leader in EV assembly and battery manufacturing, with projects across the battery value chain. The battery value chain for automotive and transportation captures the step-by-step process to produce batteries that are needed in the industrial transformation and the electrification of the automotive and transportation sectors. It guides a “mines to mobility” approach to developing a sustainable Canadian battery ecosystem for transport and electric vehicles. This allows Canada to lead in designing and building the vehicles of the future.

When the lithium-ion batteries are at the end of their useful life, the materials and metals they contain are, as much as possible, recovered and processed to be recycled and reused. Currently, between 95% and 98% of the components of electric vehicle batteries are recyclable. Recycling presents its own challenges and is an evolving sector. Given the inherent value of the essential materials in the batteries, this industry is highly incentivized to innovate to conserve these precious materials in the battery value chain. It is essential to reduce the need to extract new materials for the batteries. We are exploring several options to recover materials from electric vehicle batteries in order to improve their sustainability and manage their cost and impact on the environment. This guarantees the environmental sustainability of the value chain.

In the decades to come, the transition to zero-emission vehicles will significantly reduce the pollution from millions of light-duty vehicles in Canada. Even though increasingly stringent greenhouse gas emission standards have been put in place for new vehicles since 2011, total emissions have continued to rise due to Canada's growing population and the increased number of vehicles on the road. What that means is that the electrification of transportation is essential to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. With over 100 new zero-emission vehicle models currently available in Canada, rapid improvements in battery life and performance, and a growing charging station network, this year is the ideal time to choose a zero-emission vehicle. Many Canadians are increasingly eager to switch to cleaner, more affordable and more stable modes of transportation.

However, the Government of Canada is well aware that some people are still hesitant due to the lack of nearby charging stations and the higher initial outlay. That is why the government helped over 559,000 drivers make the switch to electric vehicles. The government is also supporting the country's economy on the global electric vehicle market through measures that include allocating an additional $900 million under the 2030 emissions reduction plan to build 50,000 additional charging stations. This funding is on top of the $280 million that the Government of Canada has invested since 2016. A total of nearly 85,000 charging stations will be installed across the country by 2029.

The government will also support the auto industry's competitiveness and transition by investing up to $8 billion from the strategic innovation fund and the net-zero accelerator initiative.

The Government of Canada recognizes that EV battery recycling is essential to ensuring a clean and sustainable transition to a clean economy. This process not only prevents these batteries from ending up in landfills, but also recovers critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt and nickel, which are vital to the growth of clean technology and Canada's competitiveness. While end-of-life battery management is the responsibility of the provinces and territories, which are responsible for regulating and monitoring waste treatment operations, the federal government actively supports circular solutions through its critical minerals strategy. This strategy aims to strengthen recycling capacity, develop secondary markets and maximize the use of resources from industrial waste and post-consumer waste. EV batteries are designed to last several hundred thousand kilometres, but as the EV fleet grows, the volume of end-of-life batteries will increase significantly over the next decade. The—

[The Assistant Deputy Speaker (Alexandra Mendès), Alexandra Mendes]

We will have to end it there because we are out of time.

The hon. member for Nanaimo—Ladysmith.

[Tamara Kronis, Conservative, Nanaimo—Ladysmith, BC]

Madam Speaker, Canadians want clean air and innovation, but they do not want and cannot afford another heavy-handed Ottawa mandate that drives up cost and takes away choice.

I have listened to the hon. member, and that is exactly what the Liberal “no more gas” policy does. It is not a target; it is a mandate backed by fines that will be passed down to the consumer. It is true that EV adoption has grown, as the hon. member said, but it has grown through choice, not coercion, and through incentives, infrastructure and demand working together. Today that balance is tenuous. Rebates have been cut, and as the hon. member said, charging stations are still missing in many rural areas, condo buildings and areas where there is only street parking. This is not smart climate policy; it is central planning at its worst.

The member said demand is going up, so why force Canadians to adopt EVs at a rate they do not want and cannot afford?

[Tatiana Auguste, Liberal, Terrebonne, QC]

Madam Speaker, it is very important to make the energy transition. One of the best ways to do that is through electric vehicles. In addition, EVs have lower operating costs that are going to help all Canadians with affordability.

[Jean-Denis Garon, Bloc, Mirabel, QC]

Madam Speaker, my regards to the member for Terrebonne and congratulations on her election.

Last Thursday, we were studying the estimates with the Minister of Finance. He was asked if he intended to restore the electric vehicle subsidy. He told us that he was not interested and that he would find other ways to help dealers. Barely an hour ago, I asked the parliamentary secretary, the member for Winnipeg North, a question. He said that he did not know if the program would be reinstated. He said to keep lobbying to help the dealers, and he wished us good luck. That was the answer we got an hour ago.

Fifteen minutes ago, we checked our phones, we checked La Presse, we checked our news channels, and we saw that the minister just announced that she is reinstating the subsidy program. That is good news, but it points to all the decisions in the Liberal Party being made at the top. Even august members—no pun intended—like the member for Winnipeg North are not consulted. Nobody is consulted.

I would like the new member for Terrebonne to tell me whether, as a Liberal backbencher, she feels she is consulted. Does she feel she is able to contribute to policy? Does she feel that the Prime Minister or the ministers listen to her, or on the contrary, as a new politician, does she feel like a spectator in the Liberal Party?

[Tatiana Auguste, Liberal, Terrebonne, QC]

Madam Speaker, I want to assure my colleague that I have been welcomed into the Liberal Party very well. I have no further comment on that matter.

I thank him for his concern.

[Bienvenu-Olivier Ntumba, Liberal, Mont-Saint-Bruno—L’Acadie, QC]

Madam Speaker, I congratulate my colleague on her election and on her fine speech. She clearly explained how our government is working to reduce the cost of consumer goods for Canadians.

I would like my colleague to explain to me what our government is doing right now to reduce the cost of living for Canadians.

As the member opposite said earlier, there is also some good news. The government is going to continue its efforts to help reduce the cost of living for Canadians.