The Corporation des concessionnaires automobiles du Québec (CCAQ), the Global Automakers of Canada (GAC), and the Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers’ Association (CVMA) have expressed concerns about Bill 81, a proposed multi-layered environmental legislation that would group selling electrified heavy-duty trucks in the same category of light-duty electric trucks in Quebec.
The omnibus bill was introduced last November by Quebec’s Environmental Minister as part of the government’s plan to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and promote zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs).
Bill 81 is not solely aimed at the automotive industry and has to go through various channels before it goes to vote sometime in the next few months in the National Assembly of Quebec. If adopted in its current form, the legislation would be the first in Canada.
In a brief from the auto groups, which they hope will be a call for “great caution on the part of the Government of Quebec,” they highlighted the need to “pay special attention to the potential negative impacts that the implementation of a ZEV standard would have on the heavy trucking industry.”
“It is essential that Quebec maintain consistency in its standards with all North American jurisdictions to preserve Quebec’s competitiveness and economic vitality, at the level of dealers, manufacturers, transport companies, and other stakeholders dependent on transport sector services.”
The brief said the heavy-duty vehicle space is “far more complex than that of light duty, meaning that the introduction of new technology vehicles is likely to also be more complex.” Furthermore it indicated “equating the two markets or applying the same regulatory requirements to both categories could lead to undesirable effects and slow down the transition to more sustainable transport.”
While the three associations said they recognize the importance of the transition to ZEVs and the reduction of GHG emissions, they indicated harmonization with other North American jurisdictions is a key issue to avoid harmful regulatory isolation, preserve Quebec’s performance on continental markets, and ensure a framework conducive to investment.
Representatives of all three associations expressed their concern in a media release.
Ian Sam Yue Chi, President and CEO of the CCAQ, said Quebec’s dealers are ready to play a key role in the ecological transition. “But it is crucial for this transition to be accompanied by a realistic regulatory framework aligned with other North American jurisdictions,” said Sam Yue Chi.
“An overly rigid or poorly adapted approach could compromise Quebec’s competitiveness and slow investment in new technologies,” he continued. “We invite the government to work closely with the industry to strike a balance between environmental ambitions and economic realities.”
CVMA President and CEO Brian Kingston said mandating the legislation will not speed up the transition to electrification.
“The government’s focus should be on providing strong consumer supports and addressing the real and growing challenges facing electrification, including a lack of reliable and accessible charging infrastructure, inadequate grid capacity and insufficient electricity generation,” said Kingston.
Patrice Maltais, Director of Stakeholders Relations and Quebec Affairs for the GAC, stated the proposal appears “premature” to the associations. “We favour a technology-agnostic approach to allow room for existing or future alternative solutions to address the GHG challenges in heavy-duty transportation,” said Maltais.
The joint brief outlines key recommendations, including a gradual phasing-in of obligations, financial incentives to support the adoption of heavy-duty ZEVs and ongoing dialogue with the industry.
