GUELPH – MPP for Guelph Mike Schreiner issued the following statement in response to the Premier’s press conference this morning:
“The federal government’s deal with China threatens Ontario’s automotive industry. This is even more reason for the Premier to take bold action to bring forward a complete plan to protect Ontario workers by going all-in on incentives to create demand for Ontario-made EVs.
EV sales are skyrocketing around the world—but in Canada, especially in Ontario, they’re going down. The Premier needs to act now by bringing forward a real EV plan to make Ontario-made EVs affordable for everyday Ontarians, protecting our investments in the sector and creating good-paying union jobs right here in Ontario.
In order to do that, the Premier must reverse course on his hostility to incentives that create demand for EVs. Ontario must incentivize demand by making EVs more affordable with rebates, by investing in charging stations across the province and by implementing a procurement program for public-sector fleets.
It’s time for the Premier to stop complaining and take action by jumping on the opportunity that’s right in front of us—to protect Ontario’s auto sector and the workers, families and communities that rely on it.”