CVMA Statement on the Federal Budget

April 7, 2022 PRESS RELEASE

The 2022 federal budget includes a number of important initiatives focused on the transition to electrification in the automotive industry, but supports for consumers and charging infrastructure are not keeping pace with the government’s own timetable for change, says the Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers’ Association (CVMA). 

“Automakers are investing billions of dollars in Canada to assemble electric vehicles, build a battery supply chain and create good jobs”, said Brian Kingston, President & CEO of the CVMA. “We had hoped this budget would start to connect the dots between Canada’s ambitious electric vehicle adoption targets and the government supports required to help Canadians make the switch to electric.”

In pre-budget advice, the CVMA called on the federal government to “outline a credible plan to achieve ambitious zero-emission vehicle sales targets” that includes tripling consumer purchase incentives, committing to building a comprehensive national charging network and launching a national consumer awareness program. Canada lags leading zero-emission vehicle jurisdictions around the world on incentives, charging infrastructure and education. 

“The auto industry is at the forefront of the fight against climate change in the transportation sector”, said Mr. Kingston. “The government needs to keep pace with the automotive industry in the transition to electrification. The budget is a start but a serious, integrated, long term plan is required now to boost consumer incentives and build charging infrastructure.”

The CVMA acknowledged a number of specific measures in Budget 2022 devoted to supporting and growing the automotive industry, including:

  • The promise of $1.7 billion to extend the Incentives for Zero-Emission Vehicles program until March 2025.
  • The budget provides up to $3.8 billion to implement Canada’s first Critical Minerals Strategy to spur the development of a domestic zero-emission vehicle value chain.
  • Measures to ease the movement of goods across Canada’s transportation networks, including new funding for the National Trade Corridors Fund.

 

For further information, please contact:

Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers’ Association

Office: 416.364.9333

 

About the Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers’ Association (CVMA)
The Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers’ Association is the industry association that has represented Canada’s leading manufacturers of light and heavy duty motor vehicles for more than 90 years. Its membership includes Ford Motor Company of Canada, Limited, General Motors of Canada Company, and Stellantis (FCA Canada Inc.). Collectively its members operate 5 vehicle assembly plants as well as engine and components plants, and have over 1,300 dealerships. 136,000 jobs are directly tied to vehicle assembly in Canada. Direct and indirect jobs associated with vehicle manufacturing are estimated at over 792,000 across Canada. Please visit www.cvma.ca.