A new survey suggests Canadians would rather see tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles reduced if it meant securing a better trade deal for canola, underscoring the crop’s importance to Prairie provinces and the broader economy.
According to the results of polling by the Angus Reid Institute and released Thursday, 57% of respondents said they would support lowering tariffs on Chinese EVs in order to encourage China to lift steep duties on Canadian canola seed, oil, and meal. That’s more than double the 24% who said they would prefer to keep EV tariffs in place, even at the risk of continued pressure on canola exports.
China recently imposed tariffs of nearly 76% on Canadian canola seed and 100% on canola oil, meal, and peas. Most observers view the move as retaliation for Ottawa’s levies on Chinese electric vehicles, steel, and aluminum.
Canola exports were worth $14.5 billion in 2024, making the crop a cornerstone of Prairie agriculture and Canada’s agri-trade balance.
Support for reducing EV tariffs is strongest in Saskatchewan, which accounts for 55% of Canadian canola production. There, nearly seven-in-10 respondents (68%) backed easing EV duties. Similar majorities were found in Alberta and Manitoba, where three-in-five supported reducing tariffs to bolster canola trade.
On the other hand, Ontario Premier Doug Ford this week called on Prime Minister Mark Carney to leave Canada’s 100% tariff on Chinese EVs in place, calling it a vital part of securing a new trade deal with the U.S. and protecting Canada's auto sector.
Carney earlier announced he would suspend the federal mandate for 2026 that would have required 20% of vehicles sold in Canada to be electric. That policy is under a 60-day review. Ultimately, it would have mandated that 100% of vehicles sold in the country be electric by 2035.
