Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is set to unveil his auto industry plan during a news conference scheduled for this morning in Windsor, Ontario. This announcement comes as Poilievre aims to address the challenges faced by Canada’s automotive sector and to fortify its position in the North American market.
In recent remarks made late last week, prior to his meetings in Michigan, Poilievre emphasized the urgency of his proposal, labeling it as “literally the only hope of keeping our auto sector in Canada.” Interestingly, Poilievre disclosed that he has not yet shared his comprehensive plan with Prime Minister Mark Carney, highlighting a possible disconnect between his party leadership and the Prime Minister’s Office.
Key components of Poilievre’s strategy include a proposal to eliminate access for Chinese automakers and vehicles in exchange for tariff-free access to the U.S. market. He has also highlighted the need to align automotive regulations between Canada and the United States, as well as advocating for the removal of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) from vehicles manufactured in Canada. These measures are aimed at stimulating the domestic automotive production and ensuring that Canadian-made vehicles remain competitive against foreign imports.
The backdrop to this initiative includes recent actions by the U.S. administration under President Donald Trump, which has imposed tariffs on the auto industry. These tariffs are perceived as part of a strategy to incentivize vehicle manufacturers to relocate their production facilities to the United States, thereby putting pressure on Canadian manufacturers.
Over the weekend, Poilievre, along with three local Conservative Members of Parliament—Kathy Borrelli, Harb Gill, and Chris Lewis—was scheduled to hold discussions with top executives from Ford and General Motors. The meetings were set to include lawmakers from both Ohio and Michigan, indicating a collaborative approach to fortifying the auto industry across borders.
In a show of unity, Poilievre remarked on his consultations with labor unions involved in the automotive sector, expressing optimism that unions “should be” supportive of his proposed plan. This collaboration is critical as the automotive industry undergoes significant transitions and challenges in the face of international competition and shifting trade dynamics.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published on March 15, 2026. With Poilievre's auto plan gaining attention, stakeholders in the Canadian automotive landscape will be keenly monitoring developments that may shape the future of the industry.
