GM president says pause on EV mandate is welcome, calls for consumer-focused policy

GM Canada President Calls for Policies Reflective of Consumer Demand for Electric Vehicles

VANCOUVER — The president of GM Canada, Kristian Aquilina, believes that Canada’s policies around electric vehicles should be more aligned with consumer demand rather than being driven by federal mandates.

Aquilina made these remarks at a conference on electric vehicles in Vancouver, following the federal government’s announcement of a delay in its electric vehicle sales mandate and the initiation of a review process.

According to Aquilina, Canada has the potential to excel in the transition to electric vehicles, but it is crucial for investors and companies to have the flexibility to adapt to market demands instead of being bound by rigid timelines set by the government.

Federal Government’s Decision

Prime Minister Mark Carney announced on Friday that the federal government will not enforce a mandate requiring 20 per cent of all new vehicles sold in Canada to be electric by next year. Instead, a 60-day review of the country’s electric vehicle program will be conducted.

British Columbia’s Energy Minister Adrian Dix supported the decision to pause the sales mandate, citing differences in circumstances between Ontario and B.C., with the latter already meeting Ottawa’s target.

Provincial Policies on Electric Vehicles

Aquilina highlighted the diverse range of provincial policies on electric vehicles across Canada, emphasizing that every region faces risks associated with mandates of this nature.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published on September 6, 2025.

Written by Ashley Joannou, The Canadian Press