A new poll suggests most Ontarians are against the federal government’s plan to phase out the sale of new gas and diesel vehicles by 2035. The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) released Leger survey results on August 21 showing that, among decided respondents, 56 per cent oppose the proposed ban.
The federal government has committed to ensuring all new light-duty vehicles sold by 2035 are zero-emission, with interim targets of 20 per cent by 2026 and 60 per cent by 2030. Ottawa says the mandate is essential to decarbonizing transportation and has pledged to make electric vehicles more affordable while expanding charging infrastructure nationwide. Transport Canada reported that zero-emission vehicles accounted for 13.7 per cent of total sales in 2024, up from 11.8 per cent the year before.
The CTF argues the transition could cost Canadians an estimated $300 billion in charging stations and power line upgrades, citing federal figures. “Premier Doug Ford needs to make it clear that Ontario taxpayers can’t afford to cover the bill for Ottawa’s plan to ban new gas and diesel vehicles,” said Noah Jarvis, the group’s Ontario director. He urged Ford to follow Alberta Premier Danielle Smith in legally challenging the mandate.
Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre also voiced opposition, warning that restricting the sale of gas-powered vehicles threatens rural Canadians’ way of life. He vowed to scrap government mandates if elected, promising to “put you back in the driver’s seat.”
Despite growing political pushback, the federal government maintains its 2035 target is critical to reaching climate goals and insists measures to make EVs more affordable and charging more accessible will help Canadians make the transition.