The dominoes are falling. Several regions of the world, including the UK, California and Massachusetts, have announced proposals to phase out ICE vehicle sales by 2035, and now Canada has followed suit, bringing its previous goal of 100 percent EV sales by 2040 forward by 5 years. (The provinces of British Columbia and Quebec have also set 100 percent zero-emission vehicle sales requirements.)

How firm a commitment is this? Well, here’s what the official government web site says: “The Government of Canada has set a mandatory target for all new light-duty cars and passenger trucks sales to be zero-emission by 2035.”

“To ensure Canada gets to this goal, the Government will pursue a combination of investments and regulations. It will work also with partners to develop interim 2025 and 2030 targets, and additional mandatory measures that may be needed beyond Canada’s light-duty vehicle greenhouse gas emissions regulations.”

The government is offering EV purchase incentives, investing in charging infrastructure, and working with auto manufacturers to help them re-tool and produce zero-emission vehicles in Canada. It will also coordinate policies with trendsetting jurisdictions such as California.

“We are committed to aligning Canada’s zero-emission vehicles sales targets with those of the most ambitious North American jurisdictions,” said Minister of Environment and Climate Change Jonathan Wilkinson. “We will work with the United States to harmonize performance-based greenhouse gas regulations and greenhouse gas emission standards. We’re investing in consumer rebates, charging stations, business tax breaks and industry transition costs to make the shift to zero-emission vehicles as seamless as possible.”

“Only bold climate policies lead to bold results,” said Minister of Transport Omar Alghabra. “Through measures aimed at accelerating the transition to 100 percent zero-emission vehicles sales, we will continue building a cleaner and more resilient economy, while also creating good jobs and opportunities for all Canadians. We will also continue to support the automotive sector, including through our investment of $8 billion to accelerate the industrial transition thanks to the Net Zero Accelerator.”

“Public Services and Procurement Canada is proud to advance the procurement and installation of Electric Vehicle Charging Stations infrastructure at federal buildings, and we will continue to support the conversion of our government’s fleets to zero-emission vehicles,” said Minister of Public Services and Procurement Anita Anand.

Source: Transport Canada