Overview
- Half of the annual quota is reserved for models priced under CA$35,000, with a three‑year review built in and a pathway reported for the cap to rise toward 70,000 within five years.
- Prime Minister Mark Carney says multiple Chinese EV makers have expressed interest in partnering or building in Canada, with his office projecting joint‑venture investment within three years.
- Tesla, which shipped 44,000 Shanghai‑built cars to Canada in 2023, is positioned to resume exports, and brands tied to Geely such as Polestar are expected to move quickly as certification can take as little as eight weeks, according to Transport Canada reports.
- Ontario Premier Doug Ford and Unifor oppose the opening, warning of job losses and raising security and privacy concerns, while Carney calls the cap a modest start equal to 2023 import levels.
- China will cut tariffs on Canadian canola oil to 15% by March as part of the deal, and U.S. industry groups and lawmakers caution the move could give Beijing a foothold in North America.