As the federal government continues its consultations around potential policy responses to protect Canada from China’s unfair electric vehicle trade practices, Unifor is calling for the implementation of a series of tough and comprehensive measures.
“The United States and the European Union have responded proactively to the threat posed by unfair imports and now it’s time for Canada to do the same,” said Lana Payne, National President of Unifor, in a statement.
The union is calling on the government to implement rules, surtaxes, and enforcement mechanisms that bring Canada into alignment with policies proposed by the United States.
For example, they seek to have a surtax above existing tariff rates imposed on Chinese-made EVs of 100%, batteries of 25%, and critical minerals of 25%. In addition to see, they are calling for additional surtaxes on critical component parts from China, including electric motors and battery cell material.
Other recommendations include extending and expanding EV purchasing incentives for Canadians, while disqualifying vehicles that are subject to a surtax under section 53 of the Customs Tariff Act. And adding “connected vehicle” technology to the list of sensitive areas for foreign investment reviews.
“Working-class communities all across Canada have been hurt before by governments that have signed unfair trade deals or failed to listen to workers and organized labour,” said Payne in a statement. “Canada must implement these recommendations in order to protect good auto jobs and build a more prosperous, fairer, cleaner and resilient economy for all.”
