'So much for the partnership': Ford says he found about Chinese EV deal only hours before it was announced

OTTAWA — Ontario Premier Doug Ford continued to blast Canada’s recent trade agreement with China on Monday, noting that he and Canadian automakers only learned of the deal a few hours before it was announced.

“I found out about this deal, and the auto companies found out, by the way, a few hours before it was announced, so much for the partnership,” he said, during a speech in front of the Rural Ontario Municipal Association’s annual general meeting in Toronto.

On Friday, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced a “landmark agreement” between China and Canada that would see China reduce tariffs on Canadian canola exports in exchange for Canada allowing 49,000 Chinese-made EVs to be imported at a 6.1 per cent tariff rate.

Ford said he is disappointed in the recent agreement brokered by the federal government which would see Canadian auto industry workers compete with Chinese auto workers that are making significantly lower wages.

Ontario’s premier told reporters at Queen’s Park he has not yet spoken to Carney since the deal was announced and was informed of the trade agreement by Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Dominic LeBlanc.

“I’m disappointed, we had such a great relationship, and I look forward to continuing a great relationship,” said Ford. “But it’s all about communication, collaboration and partnership, they keep preaching it – at least I know where I stand now.”

The federal government has said the agreement will drive Chinese joint investment in Canada and will provide more affordable options for the Canadian consumer, with 50 per cent of the vehicles expected to be at an import price of less than $35,000.

“I can assure you, this is not a not a good move, but I’ll never apologize for standing up for our auto workers, and I will continue doing everything I can to protect their jobs and paycheques, including pushing the federal government to do the right thing,” said Ford.

Ford said it was time for the federal government to “step up” and listed several demands to support the Canadian auto industry, including the removal of the federal EV mandate, harmonizing regulations with trading partners and scrapping unnecessary fees that drive away investments.

The Canadian auto industry directly supports over 130,000 jobs and about 500,000 direct and indirect right across the country in assembly and components plants, according to the Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers’ Association.

The industry has faced headwinds over the past year, as U.S. President Donald Trump moves to shore up auto manufacturing in the U.S. During a visit to a Ford plant in Dearborn, Mich. last week, Trump said “we don’t need cars made in Canada.” U.S. tariffs remain in place on Canadian autos, with some exemptions under the Canada-United-States-Mexico-Agreement (CUSMA).

In the meantime, the Canadian canola industry is applauding the deal with China, which has faced 100 per cent levy on canola oil and a 76 per cent tariff on canola seed exports since 2024, when Canada first imposed tariffs on Chinese EVs.

Effective March 1, China will reduce its tariffs on Canadian canola seed exports to 15 per cent and will remove tariffs on Canola meal. A 100 per-cent tariff remains in place on canola oil.

During an appearance on CTV’s Question Period with Vassy Kapelos, Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe was asked what message it sends that Canada acquiesced after China successfully pitted one region of the country against the other.

“I disagree with the framing of that question,” said Moe. “The agriculture industry, the canola industry, the oilseed industry… is important to virtually each and every part of this country, up to and including Ontario.”

Moe added the agreement will also increase opportunities in the Canadian energy and the manufacturing sectors, that will benefit different parts of the country.

National Post

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