Government must quickly enact tighter tailpipe standards to avoid further backtracking on climate action, says the David Suzuki Foundation.

VANCOUVER — UNCEDED xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (MUSQUEAM), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (SQUAMISH) AND səlilwətaɬ (TSLEIL-WAUTUTH) TERRITORIES

Today’s federal government decision to repeal the Electric Vehicle Availability Standard is a disappointing setback for clean transportation, affordability and regulatory credibility in Canada, the David Suzuki Foundation said.

The Electric Vehicle Availability Standard was designed to increase supply, lower prices over time and give automakers a clear, predictable signal to bring more electric vehicles to the Canadian market.

In response to the repeal, Thomas Green, senior climate manager at the David Suzuki Foundation, said:

“After years of careful design and consultation, the federal government has walked away from one of its most effective tools to ensure Canadians can buy affordable electric vehicles — a tool proven in B.C., California and Quebec. This decision is a perverse giveaway to legacy automakers that lobbied government to keep selling highly polluting vehicles rather than competing in the global shift to cleaner, more efficient technology.”

In response to the recent backtracking of climate policies, Green said:

“When governments reward industry lobbying and disinformation by repealing hard-won regulations, they send a dangerous signal that rules are temporary — and that it’s better to invest in lobbying than in a clean, electrified future. That undermines investor confidence and makes it harder for Canada to compete in a world rapidly moving toward electric vehicles.”

In response to the additional measures announced, Green said:

“We welcome the return of consumer incentives, which will help some households afford electric vehicles in the near term. But incentives work best when they’re backed by clear, enforceable regulations. As the government pivots to stronger tailpipe emissions standards, it must move quickly and maintain ambition. Replacing a ready-to-go standard with promises of future measures creates uncertainty and invites renewed industry pressure. People living in Canada need faster access to affordable electric vehicles, cleaner air and the health benefits communities stand to gain.”

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For more information or interviews, please contact:

Rosie Rattray: rrattray@davidsuzuki.org, 604-732-4228, ext 132