A majority of Canadians are opposed to the Liberal government’s plan to ban the sale of new gas and diesel passenger vehicles.
A new poll from Léger commissioned by the Canadian Taxpayers Federation found that 60 per cent of decided Canadians are opposed to a national ban on the sale of all gas and diesel-powered vehicle sales by 2035.
Opposition to the gas and diesel vehicle ban is stronger amongst Albertans, with 68 per cent opposed to the ban while Quebecers are more partial to the policy — only 55 per cent disapproving.
The poll also found that women are more likely to oppose the gas and diesel vehicle ban than men, with a five point gap between the two groups.
In late 2023, the Liberal government under former prime minister Justin Trudeau had announced that Canada would be following in the footsteps of other jurisdictions like the European Union and the United Kingdom in banning these passenger vehicles, in an effort to achieve net zero emissions.
The poll parallels a previous finding that 66 per cent of Canadians believe that the Liberal government’s timeline in phasing out the sale of gas and diesel passenger vehicles is “unrealistic.”
B.C. director of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation Carson Binda said that the poll clearly indicates that taxpayers do not want to be forced to foot the bill for an expensive nationwide transition to electric vehicles.
“The poll makes it clear: Most Canadians oppose a government ban on gas and diesel vehicles. This policy will drive up costs and take away Canadians’ ability to choose the vehicle that works best for them,” said Binda.
“This ban means taxpayers will foot the bill for charging stations, grid upgrades and massive subsidies.”
Binda is calling on all parties running in the federal election to make their stance on a conventional vehicle ban clear for taxpayers.
“Canadians deserve clarity from every party. Will they back a costly mandate or will they respect taxpayers and protect Canadians’ freedom to choose their own vehicles?”
At the time the Trudeau government announced the policy on gas and diesel vehicles, leaders of the auto industry came together to slam the policy as a reckless move.
“Instead of attempting to dictate what individuals have to purchase, we suggest government focus on creating the right set of circumstances to stimulate demand,” sait Tim Reuss of the Canadian Automotive Dealers Association.
“With the current high interest rates and high inflation severely impacting consumer affordability, many consumers lack the means to purchase EVs as evidenced by the rising inventory levels on our dealers’ lots today.”
Last fall, the Ford Motor Company announced that they would be moving away from electric vehicle production in response to rapidly declining demand for these vehicles.