Ontario Premier Doug Ford sharply criticised a new Canada–China trade agreement that reduces tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles (EVs) and agricultural goods. He labelled the deal “lopsided” and said it threatens jobs in Ontario’s auto sector and harms the Canadian economy.

Ford’s comments came after the federal government reached the agreement during Prime Minister Mark Carney’s visit to Beijing. Under the deal, Canada agreed to allow up to 49,000 Chinese-made EVs per year into the Canadian market at a lower tariff rate. Meanwhile, China agreed to cut tariffs on certain Canadian agricultural exports, including canola.

📉 “Lopsided” Deal, Premier Says

Ford said the tariff reductions for Chinese vehicles come with no firm guarantees of investment or job creation in Ontario’s auto industry. He warned that lowering barriers on imported EVs could let low-cost vehicles flood the Canadian market, and he questioned how that would affect access to the U.S. auto market, Canada’s largest export destination.

Therefore, he urged the federal government to “fix this mess” by putting Canadian workers and manufacturers first. He argued Ottawa should adopt policies that strengthen the local auto manufacturing base instead of expanding opportunities for foreign automakers without clear reciprocal commitments.

🚗 Concerns About Jobs and Economy

Ford pointed out that the Canadian auto sector supports thousands of jobs and involves a complex supply chain. He said a deal that favours foreign EV imports without matched domestic investment puts those jobs and future economic stability at risk.

Meanwhile, other critics emphasised the lack of guaranteed auto-sector investment from China. They said that without production commitments on Canadian soil, the agreement could weaken Ontario’s competitive position in the global auto industry.

🛠️ Calls for Policy Change

Ford urged the federal government to revise the agreement. He said Ottawa should focus on attracting manufacturing investment to Canada. Meanwhile, he called for closer coordination with provincial leaders to protect local industries.

He added that Canada should negotiate trade deals that balance openness with economic security. Therefore, he wants stronger conditions tied to job creation and domestic production.

📊 Federal Position and Ongoing Debate

The federal government has defended the deal. Officials said it will expand trade with China and help Canadian farmers reach new markets. They also said the EV quota remains limited and controlled.

However, Ford’s criticism has intensified the national debate. Meanwhile, business groups and labour leaders continue to assess the potential impact on jobs and competitiveness.

For now, the agreement remains in place. Consequently, discussions between provincial and federal leaders are expected to continue.