OTTAWA, ON: The Canadian Taxpayers Federation is calling on Prime Minister Mark Carney to immediately scrap the government’s ban on the sale of new gas and diesel vehicles. 

“Canadians want the government to end the ban on the sale of new gas and diesel vehicles, they don’t need the government wasting more time reviewing this costly taxpayer boondoggle,” said Franco Terrazzano, CTF Federal Director. “Canadians can’t afford the higher tax and power bills to pay for all the subsidies, charging stations, power plants and transmission lines this ban will require.

“Carney doesn’t need to waste time reviewing this taxpayer boondoggle, he should end it now.”

The federal government initially announced it was banning the sale of new gas and diesel vehicles by 2035. It was scheduled to start next year with the requirement that 20 per cent of all new vehicles sold in Canada be electric.

Carney did not repeal the ban on the sale of new gas and diesel vehicles today. Instead, Carney announced the government is delaying the mandate for a year and launching a 60-day review of the program.

A Leger poll commissioned by the CTF asked Canadians whether they agree or disagree with a national ban on the sale of new gas and diesel vehicles by 2035. Results of the poll show:

• 54 per cent oppose the ban
• 36 per cent support the ban
• 10 per cent are unsure

Among those with a clear opinion, 60 per cent oppose the ban on new gas and diesel vehicles.

The federal government has already put taxpayers on the hook for up to $31.4 billion for subsidies for battery factories and the electric vehicle supply chain, according to the Parliamentary Budget Officer.

“Carney’s 60-day review better not be a backroom negotiation with multinational corporations about handing out billions more in corporate welfare,” Terrazzano said. “Carney should make life more affordable and improve our economy by immediately ending the ban on new gas and diesel vehicles.”