Ottawa rewrites its EV plan and opens a response fund
Prime Minister Carney's government unveiled a federal automotive strategy in Vaughan, Ontario. It said it will repeal the Electric Vehicle Availability Standard, the 2023 rule requiring rising zero-emission shares of new vehicle sales. The rule's first target, for 2026 models, had already been removed in September 2025. The strategy proposed stricter emissions standards and set aside up to C$3 billion from the Strategic Response Fund for auto manufacturing.
Why this matters
Ottawa is dropping its rule on what share of new vehicles for sale must be electric. It promises tighter emissions limits and money for plants instead, and neither has taken effect.
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Ottawa has announced it will repeal its electric-vehicle sales rule. The Electric Vehicle Availability Standard, finalized in December 2023, required rising zero-emission shares of new light-duty vehicle sales, reaching 100 per cent for 2035. Ottawa removed the rule's first target, 20 per cent for 2026 models, in September 2025. On February 5, 2026 it proposed stricter emissions standards in its place.
Does dropping the EV sales rule leave carmakers with any EV target at all? → Policy action Supported by evidence. Read this claim alongside its limits on products, dates or people covered. A source announcing a plan does not show that it happened.The federal auto strategy sets money aside without naming who will receive it. Announced on February 5, 2026, it dedicates up to C$3 billion from the Strategic Response Fund to automotive manufacturing. That includes assembly and parts production. It adds up to C$100 million from the Regional Tariff Response Initiative.
Who gets the up to C$3 billion Ottawa set aside for auto manufacturing, and how would anyone know? → See all 2 claims from this moment →How it was reported
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Environment and Climate Change Canada
Official record
Canada's Electric Vehicle Availability Standard (regulated targets for zero-emission vehicles)
www.canada.caRead original source (opens in a new tab)
Section 'The Electric Vehicle Availability Standard'; Figure 1 sales targets table
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Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
Official record
Prime Minister Carney unveils Canada's new automotive strategy to protect jobs and position our country as a global leader in next-generation vehicle manufacturing
www.canada.caRead original source (opens in a new tab)
Sections on emission reduction policies and on major industrial investment
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Prime Minister of Canada
Official record
Prime Minister Carney launches new measures to protect, build, and transform Canadian strategic industries
www.pm.gc.caRead original source (opens in a new tab)
Section on the Electric Vehicle Availability Standard