Canada creating plan to crack down on Chinese EV imports
The most important people here today, surrounded by auto sector workers, Chrystia Freeland pledged to push back against China for them, starting with consultations on just how strong that pushback should be. We are going to protect you and defend you from unfair competition. But the pledge to stop an oversupply of Chinese made vehicles from flooding Canada is also about domestic and international pressures. The government clearly had no choice. China clearly as a leg up on the competition because of all the subsidies that they have given to their industry. A threat when Canada's government has invested 10s of billions in the sector. We have been working tirelessly at this. There's also a concern about keeping up with allies. Earlier this month, the European Union hit Chinese vehicles with new tariffs of up to 38%. And in May, the United States leveled a tariff of 100% while slamming Chinese economic practices. It's not competition, it's cheating. China's government has firmly rejected allegations it's behaving unfairly. Describing the EU accusations as being without factual and legal basis. Next week Canada's government will begin a 30 day consultation about how to proceed. Nothing is ruled out and all possible tools are on the table. But what about the fact that the Canadian government wants Canadians to switch over to EVs and China is supplying them? We also do not believe. That the path to climate action is based on production, which is made using low environmental standards, using low Labor Standards and potentially threatening our security. Freeland was asked about the potential that China could hit back with economic sanctions of its own. She says the government will take that into consideration, but it needs to defend Canada's national interest. Catherine Cullen, CBC News, Ottawa.