OTTAWA, ON: The Canadian Taxpayers Federation released Leger polling showing Ontarians oppose the federal government’s new gas and diesel vehicle ban.

“Premier Doug Ford needs to make it clear that Ontario taxpayers can’t afford to cover the bill for Ottawa’s plan to ban new gas and diesel vehicles,” said Noah Jarvis, CTF Ontario Director. “Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is fighting the federal ban on new gas and diesel vehicles and Ford needs to join that court fight.”

The federal government’s zero-emission vehicle mandate will effectively ban the sale of new gas and diesel vehicles by 2035. This ban would force all Canadians to foot a massive $300 billion bill for new charging stations and power lines. Currently, electric vehicles only make up 9.7 per cent of new car sales.

The Leger poll asked Ontarians whether they agree or disagree with a national ban on the sale of new gas and diesel vehicles by 2035.

The results show:

• 49 per cent oppose the ban
• 39 per cent support the ban
• 12 per cent are unsure

Among those decided on the issue, 56 per cent oppose the gas and diesel vehicle ban.

The Alberta government joined a legal challenge against the ban on new gas and diesel vehicles.

“If Ford truly opposes Ottawa’s gas and diesel vehicle ban, the premier should take concrete action by joining Alberta to fight the ban in court,” Jarvis said.