A political rift has emerged between Ontario Premier Doug Ford and Prime Minister Mark Carney over Ottawa’s recent electric vehicle agreement with China.
Ford said Monday that the deal has harmed Ontario workers and businesses, adding that he and Carney have not spoken since the agreement was finalized. He also expressed disappointment that the prime minister did not consult him ahead of his trip to China last week.
Under the deal, up to 49,000 Chinese-made electric vehicles will be allowed into Canada at a reduced tariff rate of 6.1 per cent. In return, China agreed to drop tariffs on Canadian canola and certain seafood products.
The dispute marks a notable shift in tone between the two leaders, who had developed a close working relationship after Carney’s election victory in the spring. Their rapport included Carney staying at Ford’s cottage last summer during a First Ministers’ Meeting in Huntsville, Ontario.
Ford warned that the agreement threatens Ontario’s auto sector, which is already under strain from pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump, who has said the United States does not need vehicles manufactured in Canada.