OTTAWA – Pierre Poilievre, the leader of the Conservative Party, is set to pivot his focus from opposing the carbon tax to addressing what he refers to as the "Carney tax" this fall. In a bold move, Poilievre has indicated that his party will launch a national campaign advocating for the abolition of the Liberal government's electric vehicle mandate.

The existing policy dictates that starting next year, 20 percent of all light-duty vehicles sold in Canada must be zero-emission vehicles, with this figure poised to escalate to 100 percent by the year 2035. Manufacturers that fail to comply with this mandate face a significant penalty of $20,000, which Poilievre has categorized as a tax burden on the automotive industry.

The vehicle manufacturing sector has raised alarms, stating that due to the introduction of U.S. tariffs and the phasing out of government sales incentive programs, achieving the 20 percent threshold for zero-emission vehicles next year will be an uphill battle. This concern is exacerbated by a reported lack of infrastructure and consumer readiness for the transition to electric vehicles.

Poilievre argues that the mandates enforced by the Liberal government are driven by ideology rather than practical considerations. He has vowed that the Conservative Party will push for the termination of these mandates through a variety of public events and motions within the House of Commons, thereby mobilizing public opinion against the initiative.

This approach reflects a broader strategy by Poilievre to connect with Canadian motorists and industry stakeholders who may feel threatened by these regulations. By reframing the government's electric vehicle mandate as a burdensome tax, he aims to galvanize opposition among voters who are concerned about the economic implications of such policies.

This report was initially published on August 14, 2025, and indicates a heightened political climate as the Conservatives seek to redefine their platform in response to environmental regulations. The outcome of Poilievre's campaign against the “Carney tax” could have significant implications for the future of electric vehicle policies in Canada and the overall political landscape.

As the Conservatives prepare for public engagement on this issue, they hope to solidify their position as advocates for consumers and the automotive sector, positioning themselves against what they perceive as overreach by the Liberal government in environmental policy-making.