By: Ebenezer Adu-Gyamfi / Emmmanuel Ayiku for Ghanaiannews Canada 17/12026
Ontario’s Premier Doug Ford has sharply criticized the federal government’s new trade agreement with China that lowers tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles (EVs), calling it a serious mistake that could hurt Canadian jobs and the auto industry.
Under the deal struck by Prime Minister Mark Carney during talks in Beijing, Canada will allow up to 49,000 Chinese-made EVs a year to enter the Canadian market at reduced tariff rates a significant move away from the previous 100 % tariffs. The agreement also includes reduced Chinese tariffs on Canadian agricultural products like canola and peas.
Ford argues that this arrangement risks undermining the Ontario auto sector by giving Chinese vehicles a foothold without guaranteeing new investment or jobs in Canadian factories. He claims the reduced barriers will enable more low-cost imports that could weaken domestic production and threaten access to the U.S. market, where most Ontario-built vehicles are exported.
Ford has urged the federal government to “fix this mess” by revisiting its policies and focusing on strengthening Canada’s own auto industry instead of opening the door to foreign competition.
Supporters of the deal argue it reflects a pragmatic effort to ease longstanding trade tensions with China, benefiting Canadian exporters and helping lower prices for consumers. But critics like Ford remain vocal that the move could have damaging long-term effects on Canadian manufacturing.
